Differentiate between Mariculture , Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries ....
In fish production, one way of obtaining fish is from natural resources such as seas, rivers, lakes, ponds, estuaries etc. This is called capture fishing. Capture fishing can be done in sea water, fresh water and brackish water.
Aquaculture broadly refers to commercial growing of marine or freshwater animals and aquatic plants. Here useful aquatic plants and animals are cultured by proper utilisation of available waters. Aquaculture includes mariculture and freshwater culture fisheries.
Mariculture is the cultivation of marine organisms, plants and animals, for purposes of human consumption.
In aquaculture and mariculture, both capture fishing and culture fishery is carried out.
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Differentiate between Mariculture , Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries ....
Mariculture:
Mariculture refers to the cultivation of marine organisms in an enclosed or controlled environment, such as the ocean, seas, or other marine bodies. It involves the rearing, breeding, and harvesting of various marine species including fish, shellfish, and seaweed. Mariculture is a form of aquaculture specifically focused on marine organisms.
Aquaculture:
Aquaculture, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses the cultivation of both freshwater and marine organisms. It involves the farming of aquatic plants and animals, including fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and aquatic plants, in controlled environments such as ponds, tanks, and cages. Aquaculture can be practiced in both freshwater and marine environments.
Inland Fisheries:
Inland fisheries refer to the harvesting and management of fish and other aquatic organisms in freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and ponds. It involves activities like fishing, fish farming, and conservation of freshwater fish populations. Inland fisheries are an important source of food and livelihood for many communities around the world.
Differentiating Factors:
1. Environment: Mariculture is specifically focused on marine environments, while aquaculture includes both marine and freshwater environments. Inland fisheries are solely concentrated on freshwater bodies.
2. Species: Mariculture primarily deals with marine species such as fish, shellfish, and seaweed. Aquaculture involves farming a wide variety of aquatic organisms, including both freshwater and marine species. Inland fisheries primarily focus on freshwater fish species.
3. Methods: Mariculture is often conducted in open-water systems such as cages, pens, or nets in the ocean or coastal areas. Aquaculture can be practiced in open-water systems, as well as in controlled environments like ponds, tanks, and raceways. Inland fisheries involve fishing techniques like netting or angling.
4. Purpose: Mariculture and aquaculture are primarily carried out for commercial purposes, to meet the increasing demand for seafood and other aquatic products. Inland fisheries can serve both commercial and subsistence purposes, providing food and livelihoods for local communities.
5. Challenges: Mariculture and aquaculture face challenges such as disease outbreaks, environmental impacts, and the need for sustainable practices. Inland fisheries face challenges such as overfishing, habitat degradation, and water pollution.
In conclusion, mariculture focuses on marine organisms, aquaculture encompasses both marine and freshwater organisms, while inland fisheries specifically deal with freshwater fish and other aquatic organisms. Each of these practices plays a crucial role in meeting the global demand for seafood, providing livelihoods, and contributing to the conservation of aquatic resources.