Aquaculture

isic code 032 covers the aquaculture industry, which is the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and aquatic plants. Aquaculture plays a vital role in the global food supply, providing a sustainable source of seafood and contributing significantly to the economy. As wild fish stocks decline, aquaculture has become increasingly important in meeting the growing demand for seafood products.

The main production techniques used in the aquaculture industry include fish farming, shellfish farming, and the cultivation of aquatic plants. Fish farming involves the controlled breeding and rearing of fish in enclosed or semi-enclosed water bodies, such as ponds, tanks, or cages. Shellfish farming focuses on the cultivation of molluscs like oysters, mussels, and clams, often in coastal areas or estuaries. Aquatic plant cultivation involves the growing of seaweeds, algae, and other aquatic vegetation, which can be used for food, feed, or industrial purposes.

The aquaculture industry requires a variety of inputs, including water, feed, fingerlings (young fish), and specialized equipment. Water quality and temperature are critical factors, and aquaculture operations often require access to clean, well-oxygenated water sources. Feed, which can include formulated pellets, live feed, or a combination, is a significant input for fish and shellfish farming. Fingerlings, or juvenile fish, are also a crucial input for fish farming operations. Additionally, aquaculture requires specialized equipment such as tanks, ponds, cages, and water treatment systems.

The main outputs of the aquaculture industry are various seafood products, including finfish, crustaceans, and molluscs. These outputs are often consumed by other industries, such as 101 Processing and preserving of meat, 102 Processing and preserving of fish, crustaceans and molluscs, and 463 Wholesale of food, beverages and tobacco. Aquaculture also produces aquatic plants, which can be used in the production of food, feed, and industrial products.