Pisciculture

Pisciculture, or fish farming, is the branch of aquaculture that focuses on the controlled propagation, rearing, and harvesting of fish for human consumption and other uses. It encompasses breeding populations, stocking, feeding, and harvesting in man-made or managed water environments such as ponds, tanks, cages, or recirculating systems. It differs from wild capture fisheries in that production is planned and managed to optimize growth rates, feed efficiency, and product quality while reducing pressure on natural stocks. Practices vary by species and environment and range from extensive pond culture with low input to intensive recirculating systems with high stocking densities. Common species include carps in Asia, tilapia, salmon, trout, and catfish, among others; some systems also produce ornamental fish or seed stock.

Production methods include pond culture in freshwater or brackish water; cage culture in lakes, rivers, or seas; flow-through and raceway systems; and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Breeding often uses selective breeding, controlled mating, and, in some cases, hormone-induced spawning. Key concerns include feed formulation, water quality, disease management, and biosecurity. Environmental considerations address effluent, nutrient loading, habitat alteration, and the risk of escaped organisms impacting wild populations.

Economic and regulatory aspects include farm licensing, compliance with food-safety standards, and veterinary health management. Sustainable pisciculture seeks to balance production with ecological and social objectives, including biodiversity protection, rural livelihoods, and responsible use of resources.