Aquaculture - AP Environmental Science

1. Name one type of freshwater aquaculture.

   Cage culture is a type of freshwater aquaculture. Uses enclosed nets suspended in ponds or lakes.

2. Identify one sustainable practice in aquaculture.

   Using plant-based feeds is a sustainable practice. Reduces dependence on wild fish for feed production.

3. What is aquaculture?

   Aquaculture is the cultivation of aquatic organisms for food or resources. Farming fish, shellfish, and plants in controlled aquatic environments.

4. What is polyculture in aquaculture?

   Polyculture is cultivating multiple species in the same environment. Maximizes space efficiency and can improve water quality.

5. Identify a challenge faced by aquaculture.

   Disease management is a challenge faced by aquaculture. Dense populations increase disease transmission and treatment costs.

6. What is the main purpose of aquaculture?

   The main purpose is to produce food and resources like fish, shellfish, and seaweed. Meets global protein demand while reducing pressure on wild fisheries.

7. What is integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA)?

   IMTA is the co-cultivation of species from different trophic levels. Combines fed species with filter feeders to reduce waste.

8. What is a fishmeal in the context of aquaculture?

   Fishmeal is a protein-rich feed made from fish. Ground fish used as primary protein source in aquaculture feeds.

9. Which method of aquaculture is practiced in tanks or enclosures?

   Recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) is practiced in tanks. Provides controlled environment with water filtration and reuse.

10. Name a method of aquaculture.

    Pond culture is a method of aquaculture. Uses controlled water bodies for fish cultivation and management.

11. What is the purpose of biofilters in aquaculture?

    Biofilters remove waste products like ammonia from the water. Convert toxic ammonia to less harmful nitrates through bacteria.

12. What is the role of a hatchery in fish farming?

    Hatcheries produce young fish for stocking in fish farms. Controlled breeding ensures genetic quality and disease resistance.

13. Name a benefit of aquaculture.

    Aquaculture provides a sustainable food source. Reduces overfishing pressure on wild fish populations.

14. Name one factor that affects the pH of aquaculture systems.

    Carbon dioxide levels affect the pH. Higher $CO_2$ levels lower pH, affecting fish health.

15. Identify a major economic benefit of aquaculture.

    Aquaculture generates employment and boosts local economies. Creates jobs in rural areas and supports coastal communities.

16. What is the purpose of grading in aquaculture?

    Grading sorts organisms by size for optimal growth conditions. Prevents competition and allows targeted feeding strategies.

17. What is the main nutrient concern in aquaculture waste?

    Excess nitrogen and phosphorus are the main nutrient concerns. Can cause eutrophication and algal blooms in water bodies.

18. What is the role of phytoplankton in aquaculture systems?

    Phytoplankton provide a primary food source in aquaculture systems. Form the base of aquatic food webs and oxygen production.

19. Identify a species commonly used in marine aquaculture.

    Atlantic salmon is commonly used in marine aquaculture. High-value species widely farmed in net pens globally.

20. Name one potential negative impact of aquaculture on wild populations.

    Genetic contamination is a potential negative impact. Escaped farmed fish may interbreed with wild populations.

21. What is the effect of overfeeding in aquaculture?

    Overfeeding can lead to water pollution and waste. Excess feed decomposes, depleting oxygen and releasing toxins.

22. What is the difference between aquaculture and capture fisheries?

    Aquaculture involves cultivation; capture fisheries involve wild catching. Controlled farming versus harvesting from natural populations.

23. Identify one environmental impact of aquaculture.

    Waste discharge is an environmental impact of aquaculture. Uneaten feed and fish waste can pollute surrounding waters.

24. What is the main concern with antibiotic use in aquaculture?

    Antibiotic resistance is the main concern. Overuse creates resistant bacteria that threaten human health.

25. What role do hatcheries play in aquaculture?

    Hatcheries produce juvenile fish for aquaculture operations. Ensures consistent supply and genetic quality for farming operations.

26. What is the main use of seaweed in aquaculture?

    Seaweed is used for food and biofuel production. Valuable for nutrition, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy.

27. Identify one common species cultivated in aquaculture.

    Tilapia is a common species cultivated in aquaculture. Hardy, fast-growing fish ideal for farming in various environments.

28. What is mariculture?

    Mariculture is aquaculture practiced in marine environments. Saltwater farming that utilizes ocean and coastal environments.

29. What is the role of feed conversion ratio (FCR) in aquaculture?

    FCR measures the efficiency of converting feed into biomass. Lower FCR indicates more efficient and profitable operations.

30. What is the purpose of aeration in aquaculture systems?

    Aeration increases dissolved oxygen levels in the water. Fish require adequate oxygen levels for survival and growth.

31. Identify one method to reduce environmental impacts of aquaculture.

    Implementing waste management systems reduces impacts. Proper treatment prevents nutrient pollution and ecosystem damage.

32. Identify one factor that influences the growth rate of aquaculture species.

    Water temperature influences growth rates. Optimal temperatures maximize metabolism and feed conversion efficiency.

33. What does the term 'stocking density' refer to in aquaculture?

    Stocking density is the number of organisms per unit area or volume. Higher densities can reduce growth rates and increase stress.

34. Identify one advantage of a recirculating aquaculture system.

    RAS minimizes water use and waste discharge. Enables year-round production with controlled water parameters.

35. What is the significance of dissolved oxygen in aquaculture?

    Dissolved oxygen is crucial for the respiration of aquatic organisms. Essential for cellular respiration and metabolic processes.

36. Identify one method to manage disease in aquaculture.

    Vaccination is a method to manage disease in aquaculture. Prevents disease outbreaks that can devastate farm populations.

37. What is the significance of water quality in aquaculture?

    Good water quality is essential for organism health and growth. Poor quality leads to disease, stress, and mortality.

38. Identify one type of shellfish commonly farmed in aquaculture.

    Oysters are commonly farmed shellfish. Filter feeders that improve water quality while growing.

39. Which type of aquaculture is practiced in freshwater environments?

    Pond aquaculture is practiced in freshwater environments. Utilizes natural or artificial ponds for fish cultivation.

40. What is a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS)?

    RAS is a closed-loop system that filters and reuses water. Maximizes water efficiency and controls environmental conditions.

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