Mariculture - the future expansions of agriculture into new horizons

Abstract

Traditional land-based agriculture consumes more than half of all developed land and more than 70% of the world’s freshwater resources. Despite this, more than 800 million people are chronically undernourished. In addition, Ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface. Marine aquaculture offers many environmental benefits, relative to other forms of animal farming. Mariculture, the farming of marine organisms, has received higher attention in recent times due to the limiting factors gradually immerging in conventional agriculture, such as climate change and non-availability of suitable lands, urban sprawling and infrastructure development. As a result, mariculture has seen several recent developments aimed at sustainability, efficiency, environmental concerns and expanding the range of species cultivated. It is estimated that edible food from the sea could increase by 21–44 million tonnes by 2050, a 36–74% increase compared to current yields. This represents 12–25% of the estimated increase in all meat needed to feed 9.8 billion people by 2050. To reach this level, the latest innovations and improvements are vital such as are Integrated Multi- Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), Land-Based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), Biotechnology and Genomics, Selective Breeding and Genetic Improvement, Alternative Feeds, Diversification of Species and Technological Innovations. IMTA approach involves cultivating several species together in the same space, utilizing the waste from one species as nutrients for another. IMTA systems can improve environmental sustainability by reducing waste and increasing overall productivity. RAS technology enables the farming of various species, including fish, shrimp, and even seaweed, in inland areas, where as selective breeding programs are being implemented to enhance desirable traits in farmed species such as growth rate, disease resistance, and feed conversion efficiency. This can lead to more sustainable and productive mariculture operations. Alternative sources of feed for farmed fish and shellfish, such as plantbased proteins, insect meal, and single-cell proteins derived from microbes are becoming popular as it reduces the reliance on wild-caught fish for feed and helps to mitigate pressure on marine ecosystems. Technological Innovation such as advancements in sensors, automation, and data analytics are being integrated into mariculture operations to monitor water quality, optimize feeding regimes, and enhance overall efficiency. Diversification of species and regulatory frameworks also facilitate this process, collectively contribute to the sustainable development of mariculture, helping to meet growing global demand for seafood and expanding more into novel concepts while minimizing environmental impacts and enhancing resource efficiency.