Use of Ecosystems Science in Ecological Aquaculture

In the 21 century, aquaculture developers will need to spend as much time on technological advances coming to the field as they do in designing ecological approaches that clearly exhibit stewardship of the environment and coastal societies. The degraded state of aquatic ecosystems worldwide, combined with public concerns about adding new sources of pollution to already overburdened aquatic ecosystems require: a) comprehensive planning for aquaculture in the future of sustainable fisheries, b) integration of aquaculture into plans for restoration of coastal ecosystems and the future of coastal communities, and c) increased market development of environmentally (and socially) certified commodities. An alternative model called “ecological aquaculture” is needed to develop clear, unambiguous linkages between aquaculture, the environment and society, and promote the complementary roles of aquaculture in contributing to environmental sustainability, rehabilitation and enhancement to a highly concerned, increasingly educated and involved public. Ecological aquaculture brings not only the technical aspects of ecological methods and systems ecology to aquaculture, but incorporates principles of social ecology, and concerns for these wider social, economic and environmental contexts. New aquaculture operations must plan at the outset to: 1) become an integral part of a community and a region, 2) plan for social development by working with leaders to provide inputs and recycle wastes, 3) create a diversity of unprocessed and value-added products, and provide local market access, and 4) plan for job creation and environmental enhancement on local and regional scales.