Aquaculture
Aquaculture is defined as the rearing of aquatic animals or the
cultivation of aquatic plants for food. The earliest
beginnings of aquaculture can be traced back to China more than
4,000 years ago and has been evolving ever since. Aquaculture
is practised on every continent of the planet (with the exception
of Antarctica) and in many countries it contributes substantially
to overall food production.
Aquaculture can take many forms depending upon the
characteristics of the available water source and the type of
organisms that may be available as farm stock. It includes the
production of both plants and animals, in both seawater and
freshwater.
In Scotland aquaculture is dominated by the production of fish
but there are other important sectors as well. This
section provides an insight into aquaculture in Scotland and
the regulation of this important industry.