Aquaculture Basics
What is aquaculture?
The farming of fish, shellfish, or aquatic plants.
What is overfishing?
Catching fish faster than they can reproduce.
What part of an aquaculture system holds the fish?
The tank or pond
What waste product do fish release into the water?
Ammonia
What do fish use to breathe underwater?
Gills
What is the main purpose of aquaculture?
To raise aquatic organisms for food, conservation, or recreation.
What can happen to fish populations when overfishing occurs?
Fish populations decline or collapse.
What device adds oxygen to the water?
An aerator or air pump.
Why is ammonia dangerous to fish?
It is toxic and can harm or kill fish.
What water quality factor measures how acidic or basic water is?
pH.
What type of fish is commonly raised in freshwater aquaculture systems?
Tilapia, catfish, or trout.
Name one fishing method that can damage ocean habitats.
Bottom Trawling
What is the purpose of a filter in an aquaculture system?
To remove waste and keep water clean.
What type of bacteria changes ammonia into nitrite?
Nitrifying bacteria.
Why is dissolved oxygen important in fish tanks?
Fish need oxygen to survive.
What is the difference between aquaculture and commercial fishing?
Aquaculture raises fish in controlled environments, while commercial fishing catches wild fish.
Why is overfishing harmful to ecosystems?
It disrupts food chains and biodiversity.
What part of the system moves water through pipes and filters?
The pump
What chemical is formed after nitrite is broken down?
Nitrate
What can happen if a fish tank becomes overcrowded?
Increased stress, disease, and poor water quality.
What are two benefits of aquaculture?
Reduces pressure on wild fish populations and provides a reliable food source.
How can aquaculture help reduce overfishing?
By producing farm-raised fish so fewer wild fish need to be caught.
Why are biofilters important in aquaculture systems?
They contain beneficial bacteria that break down fish waste.
Why are nitrates less harmful than ammonia and nitrites?
They are less toxic and can be removed by plants or water changes.
Name two signs of unhealthy fish.
Gasping at the surface, loss of color, swimming oddly, or not eating.