Difference Between Aquaculture and Mariculture

Aquaculture vs Mariculture

Both aquaculture and Mariculture are related to cultivating aquatic products under controlled conditions. Though the two relates to increase the aquatic production, they are different in the sense that one is related to growing fish products in fresh water and the other pertains to seawater.

While aquaculture is related to freshwater, mariculture is identified with seawater. Aquaculture is the branch involving the whole spectrum of fish products. But Mariculture pertains to a branch of aquaculture.

Aquaculture or also called as aqua farming is farming of salt water and freshwater organisms like finfish, crustaceans molluscs and aquatic plants. Mariculture, on the other hand is a specialized wing of aquaculture that is undertaken in marine environments. It involves cultivation of marine organisms in the open ocean or in an enclosed section of the ocean or in ponds, tanks filled with seawater.

Coming to the origin of aquaculture and Mariculture, the former was developed first. Aquaculture can be traced back to 2500 BC with its roots in China. The Chinese used this method to catch fish and other products when the waters subsided after river floods. History also says that about 1,000 years ago, the Hawaiians practiced this method by constructing fishponds. It later became a means of cultivating fish products in many parts of the world.

It was in the 19th century that mariculture began. Kokichi Mikimoto in Japan first developed mariculture in 1896. He was given a patent for his discovery.

Some of the fish that are produced in aquaculture are barramundi, black Drum, bluegill, catfish, cobia, crappie, milkfish, perch reddrum, salmon, tilapia, carp, cod, trout, prawns and oysters. Some of the mariculture products include grouper, seabass, snapper, pompano abalone and prawn.

Coming to the environmental impact, both the aquaculture and Mariculture have almost the same adverse effects. Both of them disrupt the trophic systems, degrade habitat and deplete natural seed stock.

Another important thing to be noted is that mariculture is going to stay here for long as the world is going to see freshwater scarcity in many areas.

Summary
1. While aquaculture is related to freshwater, mariculture is identified with seawater.
2. Aquaculture is the branch involving the whole spectrum of fish products. But Mariculture pertains to a branch of aquaculture.
3. Aquaculture is farming of salt water and freshwater organisms like finfish, crustaceans molluscs and aquatic plants. Mariculture, on the other hand is a specialized wing of aquaculture that is undertaken in marine environments.

Sharing is caring!