As global demand for seafood continues to rise, aquaculture has become an essential industry, supplementing wild fisheries and providing livelihoods for millions. However, unsustainable practices and overexploitation of aquatic species within this sector mirror the issues faced by unsustainable fishing methods, leading to significant environmental degradation and resource depletion. While often overlooked in the broader discourse of marine conservation, challenges in certain aquaculture production areas are threatening both ecological stability and economic sustainability. This article explores the multifaceted impacts of overexploitation in aquaculture, focusing on the cultivation of seaweed, shrimp, and crab, and highlights the urgent need for sustainable management practices to preserve these vital resources for future generations.
It is well known that unsustainable farming practices can have a direct negative impact on the biodiversity of an ecosystem, similar to the overexploitation seen in wild capture fisheries. Excessive exploitation depletes renewable resources beyond their ability to replenish naturally. This applies to various resources like wild plants, animals, forests, fish, and marine invertebrates and renewable natural elements. Continuous exploitation can destroy resources and is one of the five key threats to global biodiversity, along with pollution, introduced species, habitat fragmentation, destruction and damage to the economic health of local communities (Britannica: N.D). While the effects of overexploitation, are typically discussed in relation to fish populations, they also affect other marine resources like seaweed, sea salt, shrimp, and crab populations, leading to ecological imbalances, economic losses, and disruptions in marine ecosystems.
The Impact of Overexploitation on Aquaculture Practices
According to Sarah Harding, Head of Sector, the negative impacts of overexploitation threaten the sustainability of marine ecosystems. This manifests in several ways:
Excessive Stocking and Harvesting: Overcrowding ponds or tanks can quickly lead to rapid depletion and poor health of the species being farmed. Harvesting too frequently without allowing adequate time for growth and reproduction can also negatively impact the stock and reduce genetic diversity.
Environmental Stress: When we farm too intensively, it can take a toll on the environment. Things like water pollution and habitat destruction become big problems, and this in turn affects the health and productivity of the farmed species.
Disease and Mortality: High stocking densities and stress from overharvesting can increase the animal's susceptibility to diseases, leading to higher mortality rates and lower productivity.
Resource Depletion: When there is too much demand for certain farmed species, it often leads to unsustainable practices. The focus shifts to maximizing short-term yields rather than thinking about long-term sustainability.
We are committed to transforming the aquaculture industry by providing holistic technological solutions that enhance transparency, sustainability, and productivity. Through the implementation of our robust traceability systems, like KoltiTrace MIS, we empower businesses to adopt more transparent practices, preserve ecosystems, and maximize the ecological and economic benefits of aquaculture production.
Enhancing aquaculture through technological advancements
Technological advancements play a vital role in improving productivity, sustainability, and efficiency in aquaculture. Methods such as remote sensing and QR codes are essential tools that enable better monitoring and management of aquaculture operations, contributing to the industry’s overall sustainability and success.
Remote Sensing
Remote sensing involves gathering data from a distance using remote sensors which provide comprehensive and detailed information about Earth's various systems, supporting informed decision-making by utilizing both present and future conditions of our planet (Earth Data: N.D) Such technology is important in aquaculture, providing valuable information for various aspects of the industry as it supports precision fish farming by enabling real-time monitoring, predictive modeling for fish growth, as well as detection of harmful algal blooms and environmental threats. This contributes to improved production and sustainability in aquaculture (MDPI: 2023).
According to Fariz Kukuh Harwinda, Product Manager Aquatic Resources & Product Incubation, our remote sensing feature is able to integrate various data sources, including government coastal zoning and plot mapping and transaction data. By overlaying these datasets, overlaps between actual fishing spots and designated conservation or aquaculture zones can be identified. We integrate aquaculture zoning data, including production and conservation zones, into our system. We also collect and analyze data from each producer, such as harvest size and quality
“With its remote sensing capability in our map of collectors and other map features, we can integrate various data from government zoning, and coastal zoning conducted by the government. Then we integrate it into our mapping. So, from there, we overlay this data with the data we've gathered through plot mapping and transaction data via the FarmGate form. When connected to FarmGate, we can track transactions, identify their origin, producers, and ensure compliance with government aquaculture zoning," said Kukuh.
The process begins with data collection and culminates in the creation of dashboards, reports, and maps. As Kukuh stated, the GIS team acquires open-source data from platforms such as forest monitoring platforms and various NGOs or government agencies. This data is obtained through remote sensing via satellite imaging and then seamlessly integrated into our KoltiTrace MIS system to generate dashboards, reports, maps of all actors, and traceability maps for enterprises to better manage their supply chains and to empower producers with their valuable data.
On the other hand, Didi Adisaputro, Head of Geospatial, Climate, and IOT also explained how remote sensing works. According to him, remote sensing has the capacity to monitor the sea and calculate the production potential.
“In aquaculture, remote sensing can take the form of counted ponds. Detection is done directly from above. In more advanced cases, we can even calculate habitat loss caused by aquaculture. Or even further, like coral reefs. For example, satellites can also monitor conditions underwater. This allows us to see the distribution of coral reefs, seaweed, or other types that can calculate their production potential,’ said Didi
QR Codes
In addition, QR codes have been proven to be highly effective across various applications, such as tracking equipment, streamlining inventory management, providing consumers with detailed information about seafood products, and raising awareness about marine pollution. By facilitating transparent dissemination of information and supporting advocacy efforts regarding environmental concerns, QR codes enhance traceability and promote sustainable practices. According to Kukuh, QR codes have already been implemented in our seaweed and shrimp aquaculture projects.
“Seaweed from aquaculture has been traced, along with the implementation of mapping processes and QR codes for transparency and accountability in cultivation practices. Access to data is contingent upon legal boundaries, requiring consent from involved parties like clients, producers, and others,” said Kukuh.
We use remote sensing and QR code methods in our land-based aquaculture projects, enabling us to collaborate with clients across various regions with real-time data and precise analysis. With 10+ years of experience in supporting multinational companies in more than 61 countries, we are dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of the aquaculture industry. Consult with our experts today to secure a future where responsible business practices coexist with a thriving earth!
References:
Britannica. (n.d.). Overharvesting. Retrieved from Britannica: www.britannica.com/topic/overharvesting.
Earth Data. (n.d.). What is remote sensing. Retrieved from Earth Data: www.earthdata.nasa.gov/learn/backgrounders/remote-sensing.
Chatziantoniou, A., et al. (2023). Aquasafe: a remote sensing, web-based platform for the support of precision fish farming. Retrieved from MDPI: www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/10/6122.
Writer: Kumara Anggita, Content Writer
Editor: Daniel Prasetyo, Head of PR and Corporate Communication
Contributors: Sarah Harding, Head of Sector, Fariz Kukuh Harwinda, Product Manager Aquatic Resources & Product Incubation and Didi Adisaputro, Head of Geospatial, Climate, and IOT
About the Writer
Kumara Anggita, serving as Koltiva's dedicated Content Writer, brings a wealth of experience from her six-year tenure in journalism in the fields of humanities and lifestyle, as well as her role as a writer in the tech industry. Her deep-rooted passion for gender equality and sustainability spurred her to enhance her reporting and storytelling skills through the EmPower Media Bootcamp by UN Women. Now, Kumara utilizes her platform to advocate for sustainable practices and gender equality through her compelling writing.
Intriguing! This blog explores the dark side of aquaculture & offers a glimmer of hope with technology.
Insightful article! Traceability platforms, remote sensing, and QR codes are crucial for sustainable aquaculture