What is the primary focus of aquaculture?

The primary focus of aquaculture is the cultivation of aquatic organisms for human use. This encompasses the farming of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic plants, which are raised in controlled environments. Aquaculture is an important method for producing seafood to meet the growing demand from consumers and to alleviate pressure on wild fish stocks. As global populations increase and overfishing becomes a concern, aquaculture provides a sustainable alternative to sourcing seafood from natural ecosystems.

The context of aquaculture also includes improving food security and providing economic opportunities through farming practices. In addition, responsible aquaculture can contribute to biodiversity preservation by reducing the need to exploit wild populations. While other options relate to animal husbandry and agriculture, they do not encompass the specific practices and objectives associated with the cultivation of aquatic life.