Mariculture: perception and prospects under climate change

Abstract Aquaculture is the fastest growing food system in the world at 5.8% annual growth (2000–15). Yet the food system is profoundly misunderstood and misrepresented. There is not much difference from other food systems, that is, livestock and crop food systems. Nevertheless, aquaculture, in general, and mariculture, in particular, could be the key to offsetting declines in sustainable seafood supply from capture fisheries, especially given the ongoing impacts from climate change. However, the mariculture sector is also threatened by this same phenomenon. Climate change impacts on marine farming systems will be both direct (e.g., physiology of farm species, and location) and indirect (operational input, i.e., aquafeeds, vaccinations cost). This chapter intends to give a clear definition of aquaculture and system types, the present trends of its production, and possible impacts of climate change on global future seafood supply from mariculture. The chapter also argues for an ecosystem approach to aquaculture, integrated multitrophic aquaculture, proper fishmeal and oil ration programs, and a biosecurity procedure as adaption measures that could assist in strengthening sustainability and reducing the negative consequences of climate change on this sector.