The Emergence of Chemicals in U.S. Aquaculture Industry
Aquaculture has emerged as an important food production sector in the United States over the past few decades.
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As the demand for seafood continues to rise in the country and around the world, aquaculture provides an important way to meet this demand sustainably. However, as with any industrial food production system, aquaculture faces challenges in keeping fish healthy and productive. One way the industry has addressed these challenges is through the strategic use of chemicals.
Chemicals in Aquaculture: An Overview
Aquaculture operations utilize a variety of chemicals to control disease and facilitate fish growth. Some of the major types of chemicals used include antibiotics, pesticides, fungicides and disinfectants. Antibiotics are frequently applied to help prevent and treat bacterial infections in fish. Common antibiotics used include oxytetracycline, florfenicol and sulfadimethoxine/ormetoprim. Pesticides are applied to control ectoparasites like sea lice which can negatively impact farmed fish health and survival. Popular pesticides include azamethiphos, cypermethrin and deltamethrin. Fungicides are also used to prevent fungal diseases in aquaculture facilities and equipment. Disinfectants such as chlorine and hydrogen peroxide help maintain hygienic conditions and control pathogens. In addition, vitamins and hormones are also sometimes used to boost fish growth and productivity.
Concerns Regarding Aquaculture Chemical Use
While chemicals serve important functions in aquaculture, their use does raise some environmental and public health concerns. Excessive discharge of antimicrobials and other drugs from fish farms may contribute to the spread of antimicrobial resistance in the environment. Some studies have found higher rates of antibiotic resistant bacteria downstream from certain aquaculture operations. There are also concerns that pesticides and other toxins may accumulate in sediments and surrounding ecosystems at high concentrations. Another issue is the potential for human health risks if chemical residues remain in farmed seafood that people consume. Proper regulation and best management practices are important to minimize such risks.
The Emergence of Chemicals in U.S. Aquaculture Industry: https://www.coherentmi.com/blog/the-emergence-of-chemicals-in-us-aquaculture-industry-85
