Economic Benefits

1. Alternative Food Source

Fish and other seafood are good sources of protein. They also have more nutritional value like the addition of natural oils into the diet, such as omega 3 fatty acids. Also, since it offers white meat, it is better for the blood to reduce cholesterol levels as opposed to beef’s red meat.

Fish is also easier to keep compared to other meat-producing animals as they are able to convert more feed into protein. Therefore, its overall conversion of a pound of food to a pound of protein makes it cheaper to rear fish as they use the food more efficiently.

2. Alternative Fuel Source

Algae are slowly being developed into alternative fuel sources by having them produce fuels that can replace contemporary fossil fuels. Algae produce lipids that, if harvested, can be burned as an alternative fuel source whose only by-products would be water when burnt.

Such a breakthrough could ease the dependency of the world on drilled fossil fuels as well as reduce the price of energy by having it grown instead of drilling petroleum. Moreover, algae fuel is a cleaner and farmable source of energy, which means it can revolutionize the energy sector and create a more stable economy that avoids the boom-bust nature of oil and replaces it with a more abundant fuel source.

3. Increase Jobs in the Market

Aquaculture increases the number of possible jobs in the market. It provides both new products for a market and creates job opportunities as labor is required to maintain the pools and harvest the organisms grown.

The increase in jobs is mostly realized in third world countries as aquaculture provides both a food source and an extra source of income to supplement those who live in these regions.

Aquaculture also saves fishermen time as they do not have to spend their days at sea fishing. It allows them free time to pursue other economic activities like engaging in alternative businesses. This boosts entrepreneurship and provides more hiring possibilities and more jobs.

4. Reduce Sea Food Trade Deficit

The seafood trade in America is mainly based on trade from Asia and Europe, with most of it being imported. The resultant balance places a trade deficit on the nation. Aquaculture would provide a means for the reduction of this deficit at a lower opportunity cost as local production would mean that the seafood would be fresher. It would also be cheaper due to reduced transport costs.

Environmental Benefits

1. Creates a Barrier Against Pollution With Mollusc and Seaweed

Molluscs are filter feeders, while seaweed acts a lot like the grass of the sea. Both these organisms sift the water that flows through them as brought in by the current and clean the water. This provides a buffer region that protects the rest of the sea from pollution from the land, specifically from activities that disturb the sea bed and raise dust.

Also, the economic benefits of molluscs and seaweed can create more pressure from governments to protect their habitats as they serve economic importance. The financial benefits realized provides an incentive for the government to protect the seas in order to protect seafood revenue.

2. Reduces Fishing Pressure on Wild Stock

The practice of aquaculture allows for alternative sources of food instead of fishing the same species in their natural habitats. Population numbers of some wild stocks of some species are in danger of being depleted due to overfishing and uncontrolled exploitation. The use of unsustainable fishing methods such as bottom trawlers is also reduced.

Aquaculture provides an alternative by allowing farmers to breed those same species in captivity and allow the wild populations to revitalize. The incentive of less labor for more gains pushes fishers to convert to fish farmers and make even more profit than before.

It also allows the control of the supply of the fish in the market, giving them the ability to create surplus stock or reduce their production to reap the best profits available.

3. Low Environmental Impact

Studies conducted by  NOAA indicate aquaculture poses a low risk to the environment. The impact is mostly local and temporary. In some cases, aquaculture can benefit the environment. Where filter-feeding shellfish, such as oysters, are cultured in-situ, water quality in ponds and lakes can improve.Fish and shellfish can also be farmed using methods that do not harm the environment, and that helps meets the growing demand for seafood by supplementing wild harvests. Especially for offshore systems, the bio-security systems, cameras and surveillance infrastructure, as well as trained inspectors, ensure that farms are complying with environmentally safe practices. This helps to reduce diseases transfer in the waters and so on.

4. Water Usage

Aquaculture systems often take advantage of harvested runoffs, stormwater and surface water. This reduces the dependency on other sources of water supply. In addition to this, ponds maintain soil moisture in their vicinity, thereby conserving natural resources.