Aquaculture and Ecosystem Relationship.pptx

The rapid growth of aquaculture has become a significant contributor to global food production, supporting livelihoods, economic development, and food security. However, this expansion poses challenges such as environmental pollution, resource depletion, and vulnerability to climate change impacts. Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of aquaculture and securing future food security. Understanding the complex relationship between aquaculture and ecosystems is essential for developing effective management strategies. Sustainable aquaculture practices, including site selection, integrated systems, and responsible resource management, are key to minimizing negative environmental impacts while maximizing social and economic benefits. Conservation and management efforts, such as Marine Protected Areas and sustainable resource management practices, play a vital role in safeguarding marine biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Additionally, addressing climate change through mitigation and adaptation measures is critical for ensuring the long-term viability of aquaculture operations and marine ecosystems.

1. College of Fisheries Science Kamdhenu University Department of Aquaculture Sub: Aquaculture Ecosystem Management and Climate Change (AQC 603) Submitted By Rajesh V. Chudasama, Reg. No. 231303002, Ph.D. (AQC), 1 st Sem. COF-VRL, KU. Submitted To Dr. N. H. Joshi, Associated Professor, COF-VRL, KU. 1

2. Aquaculture and Ecosystem Relationship: Biotic and Abiotic Relationship, Marine Ecosystem and Environment

3. Aquaculture is the fastest growing food production industry (FAO, 2020). It is a significant contributor to supplying essential macro-and micro-nutrients for the global population. Aquaculture aims to improve livelihoods, promote economic development, reduce poverty, and ensure human food security. However, the development of global aquaculture, faces challenges such as environmental pollution, excessive resource consumption, and impacts of climate change. 3

4. Aquaculture ecology is the science focused on studying the interactions between commercial aquatic organisms, their farming activities, and the environment. Ecosystems are self-sustaining networks of biotic and abiotic elements that interact to sustain life. Ecosystems consist of communities plus abiotic factors. Ecosystems are the basic unit of study in ecology, coined by A. G. Tansley in 1935, where "eco" refers to environment and "system" implies a complex of coordinated units. 4

5. Biological equilibrium in ecosystems where various components of aquaculture interact to maintain stability ( Homeostasis) . Carrying capacity, recycling capacity, density, pollution, habitat stress, disease Aquaculture and Ecosystem Relationship 5

6. As one component of the ecosystem changes, it influences other components, leading to adjustments to maintain balance. Positive feedback - increased plant population leads to increased herbivore population, which further increases predator populations. Negative feedback - increased predator population reduces herbivore population, stabilizing plant populations. 6

7. Increased demand for aquaculture products leads to expansion and intensification of aquaculture activities. Aquaculture activities affect the environment through waste discharge, habitat alteration, and nutrient cycling. Conversely, environmental changes also impact aquaculture operations. Examples: Waste discharge from fish farming can lead to eutrophication and oxygen depletion in water bodies. Seaweed cultivation can absorb excess nutrients, mitigating eutrophication. Interactive Relationships 7

8. The interconnection between aquaculture and ecosystems is complex and diverse. Aquaculture relies on natural resources provided by ecosystems, including water, land, nutrients, and sometimes wild fish for feeds. Impact on different ecosystems: Marine aquaculture impacts coastal and marine environments, freshwater aquaculture affects rivers and lakes, while brackish water aquaculture impacts estuarine ecosystems. Resource Utilization 8

9. Construction of aquaculture facilities alters physical and chemical characteristics of ecosystems, including water flow patterns, sedimentation rates, and nutrient dynamics. Effects on habitat: Changes in habitat structure can disrupt natural processes and affect native species. Habitat Alteration 9

10. Aquaculture introduces nutrients into ecosystems through feed and waste, affecting nutrient cycling and primary production. Excessive nutrient inputs can lead to eutrophication, harmful algal blooms, and oxygen depletion, disrupting ecosystem balance and biodiversity. Nutrient Cycling 10

11. Introduction of non-native species for aquaculture can lead to biodiversity loss and genetic pollution if these species escape into the wild and outcompete native species. Predation and competition between farmed and wild species can alter ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity patterns. Biodiversity Impact 11

12. Aquaculture is like fish farming. It helps clean water and stores carbon, but if done wrong, it can harm nature. So, using sustainable practices is crucial to keep the environment healthy and support fish production. Ecosystem Services 12

13. Aquaculture systems are vulnerable to climate change impacts, including rising temperatures, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events. Sustainable aquaculture practices can help mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon, providing alternative protein sources, and supporting coastal resilience. Climate Change Resilience 13

14. Regulations should be in place to ensure responsible aquaculture practices and minimize environmental degradation. Regulation and Management 14

15. Biotic and Abiotic Interaction Aquaculture involves interactions between living organisms (biotic) and non-living factors (abiotic). Understanding these interactions is crucial for maintaining ecological balance in aquaculture systems. 15

16. Biotic Interactions Relationships between different living organisms within aquaculture systems. Co-culturing carnivorous and herbivorous species creates predator-prey dynamics similar to natural ecosystems. 16

17. Intensive aquaculture practices can lead to competition for resources such as food and space. Competition Aquaculture facilities can serve as reservoirs for pathogens, which may be transmitted to wild populations. Detrimental effects on cultured and wild species, highlighting interconnectedness of aquaculture and ecosystem health. Pathogen Transmission 17

18. Escapees from aquaculture facilities can interbreed with wild populations, leading to genetic introgression. Altered genetic diversity and adaptability of wild populations. Genetic Interactions Aquaculture systems such as polyculture and integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) promote symbiotic relationships between species. Enhance ecosystem resilience and productivity. Ecological Engineering 18

19. Abiotic Interactions Relationships between aquaculture and non-living factors such as water quality, habitat alteration, pollution, climate change resilience, energy and resource use, and spatial planning. 19

20. Aquaculture activities release pollutants such as antibiotics, pesticides, and fecal matter into the environment. Accumulation in sediments and biota, posing risks to ecosystem health and human well-being. Pollution Aquaculture systems are vulnerable to climate change impacts. Developing adaptive strategies to mitigate risks and ensure long-term sustainability. Climate Change Resilience 20

21. Aquaculture operations require significant inputs of energy, water, and feed resources. Optimizing resource use efficiency and transitioning towards renewable energy sources. Energy and Resource Use Effective spatial planning and zoning policies can minimize conflicts and negative interactions with ecosystems. Locating aquaculture facilities in areas with minimal ecological sensitivity and maximizing co-location opportunities. Spatial Planning and Zoning 21

22. Interplay Between Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems M arine ecosystems is for importance their biodiversity, food security, and climate regulation. Marine ecosystem include oceans, seas, estuaries, coral reefs, and coastal areas, each with unique biodiversity and ecological processes. Marine ecosystems encompass a vast array of life forms and habitats, from the colourful coral reefs to the deepest ocean depths. However, the rapid expansion of aquaculture, driven by increasing seafood demand, has raised concerns about its potential impacts on marine environments. 22

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24. Components of Marine Ecosystems Biotic Components: Overview of living organisms within marine ecosystems, including phytoplankton, fish, marine mammals, and coral reefs. Abiotic Components: Non-living factors such as water, sunlight, temperature, and nutrients that influence ecosystem dynamics. 24

25. Interactions Between Marine Ecosystems and Environment Marine environments play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate, Primarily through processes such as carbon sequestration, T emperature regulation, and N utrient cycling. 25

26. 26 Carbon Sequestration Oceans absorb a significant amount of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) from the atmosphere, acting as a vital carbon sink. Phytoplankton, marine plants, and other organisms play a crucial role in this process through photosynthesis, where they absorb CO 2 and release oxygen. Additionally, carbon is stored in the deep ocean through processes like the biological pump, where organic matter sinks to the ocean floor .

27. Impact of Climate Change Increasing levels of CO 2 in the atmosphere lead to ocean acidification, which occurs when seawater absorbs CO 2 , resulting in lower pH levels. This acidification can harm marine organisms, particularly those with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, such as corals, mollusks, and some plankton species. 27

28. 28 Temperature Regulation Oceans help regulate global temperatures by absorbing heat from the sun and distributing it around the globe through ocean currents. This process influences weather patterns and climate systems on both regional and global scales.

29. Impact of Climate Change: Rising global temperatures lead to thermal stress in marine ecosystems, causing coral bleaching events and affecting the distribution and behavior of marine species. Changes in temperature can also disrupt ocean currents, affecting nutrient transport and productivity in marine ecosystems. 29

30. 30 Nutrient Cycling Marine ecosystems play a crucial role in nutrient cycling, where various organisms recycle nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. These nutrients are essential for the growth of marine plants and phytoplankton, forming the base of the marine food web.

31. 31 Impact of Climate Change : Changes in ocean temperature and circulation patterns can alter nutrient availability and distribution in marine ecosystems, affecting the productivity and composition of marine communities. Additionally, increased nutrient runoff from human activities can lead to eutrophication, causing algal blooms and oxygen depletion in coastal waters.

32. 32 Biodiversity and Functioning Marine biodiversity encompasses a wide range of species, from microscopic plankton to large marine mammals, and plays a crucial role in ecosystem functioning and resilience. Biodiverse marine ecosystems provide various ecosystem services, such as food provision, coastal protection, and recreational opportunities.

33. 33 Impact of Climate Change: Climate change poses significant threats to marine biodiversity, including habitat loss, species range shifts, and increased extinction risk.

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36. 36 Impacts of Aquaculture on Marine Ecosystems Habitat Modification: Aquaculture operations can affect marine habitats through infrastructure development. Introduction of Non-Native Species: Risks associated with introducing non-native species into marine environments.

37. 37 Pollution: Pollution from aquaculture activities, including nutrient runoff and chemical discharge. Disease Outbreaks: Disease risks associated with aquaculture and their potential impacts on ecosystem health.

38. Sustainable Aquaculture Practices 38 Sustainable aquaculture means farming aquatic organisms responsibly to protect the environment, support communities, and ensure long-term food security. Its goals include conserving natural resources, promoting biodiversity, and adopting efficient, socially responsible practices. This involves minimizing environmental impacts, optimizing resource use, and prioritizing food safety and social equity.

39. 39 IMTA

40. 40 Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) ASC certification sets standards for responsible aquaculture practices, covering environmental, social, and economic aspects. It ensures that seafood is produced in a manner that minimizes environmental impact, respects workers' rights, and contributes to local communities' welfare. Products bearing the ASC logo are traceable and meet stringent criteria for sustainability.

41. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) 41 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable fisheries by establishing designated areas where human activities are regulated or restricted to protect marine ecosystems and species.

42. Biodiversity Conservation : MPAs help conserve biodiversity by safeguarding critical habitats, such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests, which serve as nurseries, feeding grounds, and shelter for numerous marine species. By limiting fishing, habitat destruction, and other harmful activities within their boundaries, MPAs provide refuge for vulnerable species, preserve genetic diversity, and maintain ecosystem resilience. 42

43. Fisheries Management : MPAs serve as important tools for fisheries management by replenishing fish stocks, enhancing reproductive success. By protecting breeding and spawning areas, MPAs contribute to the recruitment and sustainable harvest of fish populations, helping to maintain healthy fisheries and prevent overexploitation. 43

44. Ecosystem Functioning : MPAs promote healthy ecosystem functioning by maintaining ecological processes and interactions among species. By preserving intact ecosystems and reducing human disturbances, MPAs support natural predator-prey relationships, nutrient cycling, and trophic dynamics, which are essential for maintaining the balance and productivity of marine ecosystems. 44

45. 45 MPAs enhance climate resilience by providing refuges for species and protecting healthy, biodiverse habitats from climate change impacts like ocean warming and acidification. They also offer socioeconomic benefits through ecotourism, recreation, and sustainable fisheries, supporting local economies and fostering conservation efforts.

46. The rapid growth of aquaculture has become a significant contributor to global food production, supporting livelihoods, economic development, and food security. However, this expansion poses challenges such as environmental pollution, resource depletion, and vulnerability to climate change impacts. Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of aquaculture and securing future food security. Understanding the complex relationship between aquaculture and ecosystems is essential for developing effective management strategies. Sustainable aquaculture practices, including site selection, integrated systems, and responsible resource management, are key to minimizing negative environmental impacts while maximizing social and economic benefits. Conservation and management efforts, such as Marine Protected Areas and sustainable resource management practices, play a vital role in safeguarding marine biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Additionally, addressing climate change through mitigation and adaptation measures is critical for ensuring the long-term viability of aquaculture operations and marine ecosystems. Conclusion 46

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48. 48 Thank You !! [email protected]