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Report on the Health of the World's Oceans (3)

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Aquaculture shows promise as a way to relieve some of the pressure off the wild stocks of fish and seafood. Often called "fish farming" aquaculture is the raising of fish and seafood in captivity. Aquaculture of freshwater fish, such as catfish, tilapia, and trout has had great success, but will not be sufficient to supply the demand. Done properly, saltwater aquaculture could prove to be the savior of our oceans.

Improper management however, can cause more damage than it does good. The problems lie with intensive aquaculture techniques, involving small crowded areas, and excessive use of antibiotics. Aquaculture of saltwater species usually takes place in the ocean itself. Areas are netted off to enclose the fish, but the water is exchanged with the surrounding ocean water. Dense, aggressively managed aquaculture facilities release excess feed and feces, which adds nutrients to the water encouraging plant and algal growth (6). Any diseases or bacteria the cultured fish are carrying, easily spreads to wild stock (6). Better management techniques are needed to support aquaculture, and make it a more attractive and viable option. So, what can be done to prevent the overuse and exhaustion of our ocean resources? First, we need research and study into what impact our actions have, noting key species and relationships. Next, we need to develop a workable, feasible management plan, and finally, we need to have a consensus across the globe to hold to that plan.

The first two steps, study, and the development of a management plan are already in effect. In 1996, the United States enacted the Sustainable Fisheries Act, which was put in place to prevent overfishing, conserve fish habitat, reduce bycatch, and manage harvesting capacity (5). The Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act are other steps that we have taken to protect our ocean resources (5). The 1998 "Year of the Ocean" project by the Heinz Center addressed many key issues in the management of the ocean, and raised questions on what legislative and management steps to take (7). Now, we only have to complete the process to have a comprehensive management plan for United States fishermen, our coasts, and oceans. The final step, consensus, will be by far the most difficult. Even management of fish between states within a country is sometimes difficult, as evidenced by the multiple regulations that varied between states on red drum management (34). The Ocean Planning Information System (OPIS) is the first attempt in the US to create an information system for a regional area, rather than on a state by state basis (37).

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