What is aquaculture?

Aquaculture refers to the farming of aquatic organisms, which includes a variety of species such as fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants in controlled environments. This practice can occur in various settings, from freshwater ponds and lakes to marine environments. The term encompasses not only the growing and harvesting of these organisms but also the management of their breeding, feeding, and health. Given the increasing demand for seafood and the need for sustainable practices, aquaculture plays a critical role in food production and can help alleviate pressure on wild fish stocks.

The other options relate to different agricultural practices or conservation efforts. The cultivation of terrestrial plants involves gardening or farming strategies related to land-based crops, thus not aligning with the aquatic nature of aquaculture. Freshwater fishing is a method of harvesting wild aquatic resources rather than cultivating them, which is a fundamental aspect of aquaculture. Similarly, marine conservation focuses on protecting ocean ecosystems and their biodiversity rather than cultivating marine life, which is the focus of aquaculture practices.