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Aquaculture Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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aquaculture

[ˈækwəˌkʌltʃər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

farming fish

Aquaculture, also known as aquafarming, is the cultivation of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic plants. This practice takes place in various environments, including fresh water, salt water, and brackish water. Aquaculture is a significant method of food production that aims to enhance the supply of fish and seafood to meet global demand. It is often seen as a sustainable solution to overfishing and depletion of wild fish stocks.

Synonyms

aquafarming, fish farming, marine culture.

Examples of usage

  • Aquaculture has become essential for meeting the growing demand for seafood.
  • The farm specializes in aquaculture, raising various species of fish.
  • Sustainable aquaculture practices can help protect marine ecosystems.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Environmental Impact

  • Aquaculture can help reduce overfishing by providing a controlled supply of seafood.
  • However, if not managed properly, it can lead to water pollution and habitat destruction for natural ecosystems.

Cultural Significance

  • In Asia, particularly in countries like China and Thailand, aquaculture forms a crucial part of the diet and local economy.
  • Traditional fishing communities often adopt aquaculture methods to sustain their livelihoods.

Economic Factors

  • Globally, the aquaculture industry is among the fastest-growing food production sectors, contributing significantly to food security.
  • Countries like Norway and Chile are leaders in fish farming, with salmon being a major export.

Innovations and Technology

  • Technological advancements in aquaculture include the use of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) for sustainable fish farming.
  • Genetic research is also being utilized to improve growth rates and disease resistance in farmed species.

Origin of 'aquaculture'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'aquaculture' comes from the Latin 'aqua' meaning water and 'cultura' which means cultivation or farming.
  • It first appeared in English around the mid-20th century to describe farming in water environments.

The term 'aquaculture' comes from the Latin words 'aqua', meaning 'water', and 'cultura', meaning 'cultivation'. It was first introduced in the mid-20th century to describe the commercial farming of aquatic organisms in controlled environments. This practice dates back thousands of years, with early examples such as the Chinese fish farming in rice paddies and the cultivation of oysters in ancient Rome. As the global population increased and the demand for seafood grew, aquaculture began to develop as an industry in its own right. Over the years, advances in technology and understanding of aquatic biology have made aquaculture more efficient and sustainable, allowing it to become a vital industry that contributes significantly to global food security.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,488, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.