Mapping diversity of species in global aquaculture

Abstract

Aquaculture is the world's most diverse farming practice in terms of number of species, farming methods and environments used. While various organizations and institutions have promoted species diversification, overall species diversity within the aquaculture industry is likely not promoted nor sufficiently well quantified. Using the most extensive dataset available (FAO‐statistics) and an approach based on the Shannon Diversity index, this paper provides a method for quantifying and mapping global aquaculture species diversity. Although preliminary analyses showed that a large part of the species forming production is still qualified as undetermined species (i.e. ‘not elsewhere included’); results indicate that usually high species diversity for a country is associated with a higher production but there are considerable differences between countries. Nine of the top 10 countries ranked highest by Shannon Diversity index in 2017 are from Asia with China producing the most diverse collection of species. Since species diversity is not the only level of diversity in production, other types of diversity are also briefly discussed. Diversifying aquatic farmed species can be of importance for long‐term performance and viability of the sector with respect to sustaining food production under (sometimes abrupt) changing conditions. This can be true both at the global and regional level. In contrast, selection and focus on only a limited number of species can lead to rapid improvements in terms of production (towards sustainability or not) and profitability. Therefore, benefits and shortcomings of diversity are discussed from both economical and social‐ecological perspectives that concurrently are shaping the expanding aquaculture industry.

The contribution of small-scale, privately owned tropical aquaculture to food security and dietary diversity in Bolivia

“…Aquaculture is the world's fastest-growing food-production system, currently contributing over half of the total global fish and seafood supply (FAO 2020). This is driving aquaculture expansion into new regions, which is leading to the diversification of species, farming methods and environments used (FAO 2020;Metian et al 2020). This growth and diversification has contributed to global aquaculture revenues of $263.6 billion and the provision of livelihoods to 20.5 million people, 19% of whom are women, and mostly with small-scale systems (FAO 2020).…”

Unlocking the intraspecific aquaculture potential from the wild biodiversity to facilitate aquaculture development

“…The low species diversity which contributes to worldwide aquaculture production is one of the main causes of these issues. Indeed, although numerous species have been farmed, the production of most of these species (i) was quickly abandoned due to zootechnical or economic problems or (ii) remains marginal when compared to the total volume of aquaculture production (Teletchea & Fontaine 2014; Metian et al 2019). Thereby, 85% of the current world fish production relies on about fifteen species (Lazard 2013).…”

“…Such production model based on few species jeopardises (i) local native fish fauna by increasing interspecific competition in the wild (Garibaldi & Bartley 1998; De Silva et al 2009) or triggering pathogen spillover (Martinez‐Porchas & Martinez‐Cordova 2012) when accidental introductions or invasions by the alien farmed species happen, (ii) human food security since the heavy dependence on few species puts at risk aquaculture production (e.g. if an epizootic outbreak happens in farmed species, see for instance Godoy et al 2008), and (iii) economic prospect since poorly diversified production limits the adaptive potential of aquaculture to face environment/consumer demand changes (Fontaine 2009; Metian et al 2019). In face of such threats, international organisations (e.g.…”

“…the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) are strongly advocating for diversification in regard to species while strengthening well‐established species (FAO 2018; Metian et al 2019). Indeed, species diversification appears as one way to improve the sustainability of the aquaculture sector and promote its resilience, particularly through the production of new species occupying other market segments, for instance niche markets (Liao & Huang 2000; Muir 2005; Fontaine et al 2009; FAO 2018; Metian et al 2019). This political will has triggered the development of new species production (e.g.…”

“…It is a long and tough process, and attempts are often unfruitful (Teletchea & Fontaine 2014). Indeed, previous domestication attempts on new species show that such tries often lasted only a few years before being abandoned (Teletchea & Fontaine 2014; Metian et al 2019). Furthermore, even when the life cycle is completed in captivity, major bottlenecks can still remain, impeding domestication continuation and production development (Teletchea & Fontaine 2014).…”