The Importance of Aquaculture free essay sample

Aquaculture contributes about 20 percent of the total catch in Malaysia. One of the importances of aquaculture is to supply protein. Of resources the Department of Fisheries, in the year 2007, aquaculture has contributed approximately 268. 5 tonnes of protein supply to the country. The aquaculture sector remains a supplier to the country and contributing to economic growth because of this protein supply. Aquaculture also acts as an alternative to marine fisheries that cannot provide year-round fish, such as during the monsoon season. Shrimp, grouper and catfish are among the alternatives that can be supplied by aquaculture in this season. Here is a graph showing the aquaculture production from 2006 to 2011. In 2004, overall production was recorded at 202. 225 tonnes, an increase of 2. 72% compared to 2003. Aquaculture has contributed over 12% of fish production. The production value increased by 7. 86% from RM 1,172. 3 million to 1,264. 5 million. In 1996, statistical data statistics show that aquaculture production in Malaysia contributes 11% or 132. 42 tonnes of fish production in Malaysia for export. We will write a custom essay sample on The Importance of Aquaculture or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Aquaculture is one of the sectors with the greatest potential and contributes to the economy. Statistics of Aquaculture Production in Malaysia from 1991 to 1996 (000 tonnes) Sector| Area | 1991| 1992| 1993| 1994| 1995| 1996| Marine aquaculture| SabahSarawakWP LabuanPeninsular Malaysia| 0. 900. 500. 0048. 30| 0. 900. 100. 0062. 70| 2. 100. 050. 0086. 10| 2. 900. 080. 0092. 60| 3. 200. 100. 00110. 70| 2. 600. 500. 0098. 0| Freshwater aquaculture| SabahSarawakWP LabuanPeninsular Malaysia| 6. 200. 200. 004. 70| 7. 101. 600. 007. 30| 5. 800. 800. 008. 90| 6. 001. 300. 0011. 20| 6. 101. 200. 0011. 20| 6. 500. 800. 0014. 70| *Source : Annual Fisheries Statistic, DOF Malaysia (1991-1996) Aquaculture encourage research and development field (R amp; D). It helps to improve the technology in the country through R amp; D programs such as breeding research, methods of packaging and fish feeding study. For example, the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Research Institute in Penang has resulted the production of fish and shrimp high seed quality. This aquaculture activity can also prevent the extinction of marine life. There are many fishing activities at sea which has been carried out has led some to endangered marine life. Thus, with the aquaculture sector, endangered marine species can be kept as grouper, tiger prawn and barramundi. In addition, the government has also conducted and produced breeding a new species to avoid extinction phenomenon. In addition, it also can minimize damage and disruption to marine life ecosystem because it does not involve the use of equipment that can disrupt and destroy habitat. For example, the fishermen do not have to use nets that will destroy coral reefs. This activity does not pollute the water by the use of environmentally friendly technologies. For example, the use of cages and barrels. The aquaculture sector is very important to ensure continuous supply of protein to the country rather than importing from abroad.