Aquaculture and One Health

Definition of aquaculture forms

Aquaculture

The farming of aquatic organisms including fish, mollusks, crustaceans and aquatic plants. Farming implies some sort of intervention in the rearing process to enhance production, such as regular stocking, feeding, protection from predators, etc.. Farming also implies individual or corporate ownership of the stock being cultivated, the planning, development and operation of aquaculture systems, sites, facilities and practices, and the production and transport (fao.org)

Sustainable aquaculture…

refers to the practice of farming aquatic organisms primarily for consumption purposes, in a manner that ensures the long-term health and viability of the aquatic environment, while also providing economic benefits and social equity. Sustainable aquaculture aims to balance the need for food production with the preservation of ecosystems, ensuring that aquaculture practices do not deplete resources or harm the environment and communities. (supported by GIZ)

Integrated aquaculture…

provides the byproducts, including waste, from one aquatic species as inputs (fertilizers, food) for another species or plants and the other way round. (supported by GIZ, see this infographic)

Aquaculture – Why this topic?

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food sector worldwide
Small-scale aquaculture is a driver of rural development and provides accessible and nutritious aquatic food to communities
Over 3.2 billion people already cover more than 20% of their animal protein intake with aquatic foods.
In 2022 (FAO 2024), aquaculture production has overtaken capture fisheries as the main source of aquatic animal food products
Compared to terrestrial sources of protein (cattle, pig), aquatic foods have a small climate footprint, with essential fatty acids and micronutrients such as minerals and vitamins.
(CO2-emission 1,6 kg comp. to 20-60 kg CO2 / per kg fish/beef)
The generalised overexploitation of fish resources has widespread negative consequences for the ecosystem.
The sustainable development of aquaculture is important to ensure the production of nutritious food without harming the environment and ensuring social equity.

Possible negative impact on intensive aquaculture on the environment/biodiversity:

Fish in net pens in open water can interbreed with wild populations and exterminate wild fishlings passing their nets which has huge negative impacts on aquatic wildlife.
Water as a medium facilitates the rapid distribution of pathogens, hormones and other harmful substances that may affect wild animal populations in open-water systems.
Increasing physical, chemical and social stress of the farmed aquatic organisms is likely elevating stress levels consequently requiring more antimicrobial interventions. This may contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance across the environment and the food web.
The sludge from the production sites brought out in the environment can contain pathogens, antimicrobials, molluscicides, pesticides, hormones, rest of feed, plant- and animal residues and chemicals such as stabilizers, pigments, antifoulant paint, salt, and disinfectants.
Organic fish waste and a surplus of fish feed may lead to the eutrophication of water bodies. This often causes the depletion of oxygen in the water, creating “dead zones” in ecosystems. Other problems are temperature change, salinisation or leaching into agricultural soils (intensive shrimp farming).
Ecologically valuable environments like mangrove forests are destroyed in order to establish intensive shrimp farms.

Potential benefits of integrating aquaculture

Theory of change health and aquaculture

Project profiles

Ecuador

About the project

Project: Sustainable valorisation of biodiversity in Amazonas and coastal regions (BioValor II) Goal in selected landscapes on the coast and in the Amazonas, key actors have implemented economic biodiversity conservation development strategies.

Implementation period:
01.10.2021-28.02.2025

Starting points to include aquaculture

capacity development in fishery and aquaculture at national and local level with different stakeholders;
sustainable aquaculture production without deforestation;
development of value chains for aquaculture.

Solutions – Ecuador

support of implementation of regulatory frameworks for greener products and services from agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries
integration of gender-responsive approaches and adaptation to climate change in aquaculture development
incentives for environmentally-friendly investments
promote local exchange mechanisms
cooperation with research centres
training for local stakeholders in the context of governmental structures
distancing of aquaculture systems from sensitive ecosystems

What facilitated the implementation in Ecuador

existing environmental, aquaculture and fishery legislation laws at the national and local level
strengthening communication between the government and local stakeholders
interinstitutional and intersectoral exchange
high motivation and participation of local stakeholders and direct beneficiaries (agricultural & aquaculture producers, organisations, communities, public and private entities)
development of technical and administrative capacities
strategic alliances with the private sector
GIZ already had good working relationships in the relevant sectors

Global Programme: Cambodia, India, Malawi, Madagascar, Mauritania, Uganda, Zambia

About the project

Project: Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture

Project no.: 2016.0126.9

Goal access to more fish products & higher incomes derived from sustainable fisheries & aquaculture

Implementation period:
29.06.2016 – 31.03.2025

Starting points to include aquaculture

capacity development: technical, economic and managerial trainings for ministries, farmers, and consumers
action plans for hygiene and quality
sustainable development of aquaculture value chains
training in financial literacy
facilitation of multistakeholder-platforms to promote experience exchange and political dialogue on favourable framework conditions

Solutions – Global Programme
Sustainable Fisheries & Aquaculture

technical trainings on sustainable aquaculture production and fish processing
the Aquaculture Business School supports aquaculture entrepreneurs in professionalising their businesses for stronger linkages with input suppliers and off-takers. It helps to increase the profit from their business by teaching effective business planning. This enables producers to evaluate offers and make informed decisions
innovations along the value chain – like the intermittent harvest technology and the use of energy-efficient ovens contribute to more regular fish consumption and the extension of the shelf life of fish products (reduction of post-harvest losses)
multistakeholder platforms disseminate knowledge, share information and get stakeholders together. Political partners can use such platforms for rapid feedback in case of emergency

What facilitated the implementation?

density and quality of fish stock, feed management, water quality & animal health knowledge
existing natural food
political commitment at local and national level
favourable political framework conditions, like policies, strategies and action plans
documents on fishery and agriculture (Zambia)
training of Trainers in aquaculture practices, fish health and welfare (Malawi, Cambodia, India)
intersectoral approach: integrated Agri-Aquaculture (rice-fish-cultivation; Madagascar)or aquaculture and water security and climate adaptation (Madagascar, India)
research on feed production for aquaculture (Cambodia, Madagascar, Malawi, India)
the interest in aquaculture producing smallholders in improving their practices and production (Zambia, Malawi, Madagascar, Cambodia, India)

Indicators from the project application

Ecuador

Method	Indicator	Challenges
strengthening producer organisations and increasing gender equality in agrobiodiversity value chains	sales revenue of six climate resilient value chains of biodiversity products and services increased by 50 % (40% of the beneficaries female).	capacity building to develop and apply sustainability criteria in agriculture and aquaculture value chains
training for implementers of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in European Union Regulation, Due Diligence System, implementation of a traceability system for cocoa marketing with producers’ organisation	number of implementation of regulations for biodiversity by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transistions	strengthen the capacities of key actors at the local and national levels.
application of sustainability and deforestation-free criteria in agricultural and aquaculture chains (cacao, shrimp), benefiting small farmers	no changes in deforestation rate of every selected landscape	capacity to coordinate & implement measures that contribute to sustainable use & conservation of biodiversity
mangrove ecosystem user organisations supported by environmental management plans marine coastal protected areas use biodiversity SMART PESCA monitoring tool.	no indicator	capacity to coordinate & implement measures that contribute to sustainable use & conservation of biodiversity
updating of the National Environmental Education Strategy (ENEA), Collaborative alliance between the public research institute of aquaculture and fishery and the-Ministry of Environment, water and ecological transition, Ecuador	implementation of measures to reduce illegal wildlife crimes increased share of regulated catch from artisanal fishery

Global Programme of sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture– Indicators from the project application

Method	Indicator	Challenges
technical trainings and introduction of intermittend fish harvesting techniques have increased yield of small-scale aquaculture farmers	number of fish products from artisanal fishery & aquaculture for food insecure population increased	trained farmers keep disseminating training results to themselves, to avoid competitors
improved fish pond maintenance has increased productivity	income in value chain of artisanal and small-scale fisheries & aquaculture.	partners sometimes expect direct monetary financing, rather than capacity development.
implementation of a multistakeholder platform has helped to contain a fish disease rapidly and was also used to coordinate tax exemptions by Ministry of Finance for aquaculture	share of regulated catch from artisanal fishery is increased.	the narrative of intensification leading to higher production leads to demand for feed and finances, negative social and environmental impact was not sufficiently considered
measures to maintain natural resources of inland coastal waters	number of countries implementing measures for maintaining natural resources of inland coastal waters	community committees that implemented fishery management practices to sustainable manage wild fish stocks in small water bodies (Zambia) and flooded rice fields (Cambodia)
focus of political partner to intensify aquaculture to generate foreign investments for the supply of urban or export markets to generate tax income	number of countries implementing measures to reduce illegal fishery	focus of political partner to intensify aquaculture to generate foreign investments for the supply of urban or export markets to generate tax income
desired direct monetary financing by partners	no indicator	proposed business models excluded production risks, interest rates for credits, and do not consider technical and financial capacities of smallholders, nor the risk of local aquaculture businesses becoming dependent on international trade, Lack of interest in capacity development by partners

Cross-cutting resource and efficiency

Cross-cutting resource and efficiency benefits in Ecuador

Extension point	Animal health	Reducing pollution and contamination	Environment
waste management	reducing the risk food borne diseases therefore reducing drug use	reduce the risk of exposure to waste materials	reduce pollution and contamination of water & soil. use of aquaculture waters and slurry as fertilisers.
food safety	reducing the risk of food borne diseases therefore reducing drug use.	reducing the risk of illness and disease transmission and use of antimicrobials	reduce the risk of exposure to waste materials
hygiene measures	reducing the risk of illness and disease transmission and use of antimicrobials	increased bioeconomy foster the protection of environment, decreased pollution.	less food waste therefore less irresponsible fishing/consumption.
surveillance	early detection and control of (zoonotic) diseases and AMR.	early detection and control of (zoonotic) diseases and AMR.	early detection and control of diseases, AMR or pollution that can harm ecosystems, including habitats and water resources ensuring protection of fishery resources, aquaculture and estuarine ecosystems.
capacity development	traditional produce is less contaminated fish, provide freely available protein nutrition esp. important for newborns	sustainable aqua- and agriculture include good husbandry and therefore animal welfare	traditional produce is less contaminated fish, provide freely available protein nutrition esp. important for newborns
biodiversity conscious production	preservation of animal species	good ecosystem services	disencouragement of deforestation, and reduced faeces from aquaculture (i.e. mangroves)
environmental conscious production	less pollution in water, and soil, reduced risk of infections, diseases, and pollution	reduced exposure to environmental pollution (water, soil), reduced contaminated fish (product quality assurance)	conservation of natural resources and reduction of pollution and degradation of ecosystems.

Cross cutting resource and efficiency benefits of the Global Programme for sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture

Extension points	Animal health	Human health	Environment
food safety	stress free raising	high-quality food, combating malnutrition, positive health impacts by fish consumption	none
hygiene measures	decrease of infections & diseases: improved animal welfare	reduced food poisoning and infections / diseases	no accumulation of nutrients and organic matter in fishponds
climate smart management through species selections	reduces the risk of disease and death.	resilience against droughts and flooding through ponds as water-buffer, food security through decentralised small scale fish production	none
agroecology approach	improved animal health and welfare, prudent use of veterinary drugs	healthier nutrition, AMR risk reduction	biodiversity conservation, less pollution (chemicals), soil health/erosion addressed, sustainable water use
capacity development	increased performance of fish, leading to better growth, less diseases and lower stocking density to animal welfare	increased knowledge on nutrition, balanced diet (malnutrition abatement)	awareness on environmental protection due to better technical inland fish farming