Impact of aquaculture on coastal marine environment

Abstract

Since aquaculture is intimately linked with aquatic environmental quality, entry of pollutants to coastal waters constitutes the greatest threat to marine environmental quality and, hence, to long term viability of coastal aquaculture. Fish proudction through aquaculture is an old age traditional practice in southeast Asia and India. Aquaculture activities have increased rapidly during the last 20 years. Much concern is now being expressed over the environmental problems associated with rapidly expanding marine fish and shellfish farming, world over. Accelerated development in techniques and equipment in the last three decades has created negative environmental impact and the subject of increasing heated debate in the advanced countries. The proliferation of aquaculture structures and acute organic enrichment, usually accompanied by sedimentation and eutrophication of coastal water is a serious environmental problem today. The environmental implications of coastal aquaculture is viewed and discussed