Assessing and Predicting the Environmental Impact of Mariculture

Abstract

Mariculture involves the farming and yield of fish, shellfish as well as other aquatic species including seaweeds, where in the medium of growth is seawater. The environment play crucial role in any mariculture activity. Prior to the start of any mariculture programme the environment assessment is absolutely essential for its successful launching, maintenance and harvest. This pre evaluation of environmental suitability is one of the most important factors, determining the type of mariculture fitting to the location. Appraisal of the environment at regular intervals, during the process of mariculture also is equally important for the continued healthy existence of the resources and also for ecological sustainability. The environmental impact assessment(EIA) of any undertaking including mariculture is a process of appraising the probable ecological impacts of the proposed endeavor, taking also into account the interconnected socio-economic, cultural and human-health impacts, both beneficial and adverse