MARICULTURE

'Mariculture' is a specialized branch of aquaculture involving the cultivation of marine organisms for food and other products in the open ocean, an enclosed section of the ocean, or in tanks, ponds or raceways which are filled with seawater. An example of the latter is the farming of marine fish, prawns, or oysters in saltwater ponds. Non-food products produced by mariculture include: fish meal, nutrient agar, jewelries (e.g. cultured pearls), and cosmetics.

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Sea ranching

Kelp farming

See also:

Sea ranching

The Japanese have developed a process for free ranching marine fish or sea ranching. The principle is based on behavioral conditioning and the migratory nature of certain species of marine fish. The fishermen first raise fish hatchlings in a closely knitted net in a harbor. They sound an underwater horn before each feeding. When the young fish are old enough they are freed from the net to mature in the open sea. During spawning season, about 80% of these fish return to their birthplace. The fishermen harvest the fish by sounding the horn and then raising the net.

Kelp farming

Off the coast of California, the top few feet of natural kelp beds are harvested by boats with mowers. Kelp provides alginin, an edible material used in ice cream and cosmetics.

See also:

★ Agriculture

★ Aquaculture

★ Fish farming

★ Hydroponics