A Review of Responsible Marine Aquaculture

ISBN 0-85199-604-3

'Responsible Marine Aquaculture' was first published in 2004. With many contributors to this publication it was edited by the main authors R.R. Stickney and J.P. McVey with a forward written by R.R. Stickney. The material within this book cover a wide area of study and understanding in marine aquaculture. It contains many presentations made in the Responsible Marine Aquaculture symposium held from January 22-23, 2001.

Chapter one, is the introduction to the subject of marine aquaculture covering the background of the subject and the symposium of 2001 and how the first 16 chapters of this book was derived from papers presented at that symposium of 2001.

Chapter two looks at the sustainability challenge written by M. Richard DeVoe and Catherine E. Hodges. It sets the tone of the book with detailed information that makes up the rest of the book. Subjects dealt with like, good water quality and access to site, exclusive rights to the site, financial commitment and commitment by government to the industry.

Chapter three, written by Bernd Wursig and Glenn A. Gailey looks at interactions between marine mammals and marine aquaculture and how the negative impacts can affect both the marine mammals and the species being cultured. Looking at how marine mammals damage the equipment and how to discourage marine mammals from interacting with cultured fish. It also looks at last resort of dealing with marine mammals, which involves removal. This can be done in one of two ways, both non-lethal and lethal.

 Chapter four, written by William D. Harvey and Larry D. Mckinney, deals with recreational fishing and aquaculture. Highlighting the issues that have arose from confrontations between the two groups. The issues that cause the conflict are based on how marine aquaculture affects the environment effluents released from farms and the worry about cultured fish escaping into the wild populations.

Chapter five and six deals with Aquaculture or the threat to traditional capture fishermen, written by Rollie Barnaby and Steve Adams, and the advances in marine stock enhancement. Shifting emphasis to theory and accountability written by Kenneth M. Leber.

Future chapters in this publication deal with aquatic polyculture and ecosystem management, marine aquacultural facilities and habitats. Also looked at are mangrove and coastal aquaculture along with genetic and the changes in marine aquaculture species.

In my opinion this is an excellent publication, covering key important information on aquaculture and the marine environment and its interactions and impacts on the marine ecosystem. Looking at sustainability in marine aquaculture and the effects of the environmental impact it has on the marine ecosystem.

A well-written and informative book a must have for anyone interested in marine aquaculture or studying legislation within this field and is worthy of its space on anyone's bookshelf.