Overview
Mariculture is the cultivation of marine organisms in a controlled environment on land or in marine ecosystems. It is an emerging form of aquaculture, which is the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants. Through mariculture, important species of finfish and shellfish can be grown and harvested in a sustainable way, benefiting coastal communities and consumer markets alike. Mariculture is a valuable tool for the conservation of fisheries, as it is a means of producing food from the ocean without damaging the environment. Additionally, it can be used to produce valuable products such as omega-3 fatty acids and nutraceuticals for medical use. Mariculture has potential for boosting global food security, as increased production of seafood can support a growing population.