Interactions Between Economy and Fish Welfare in Aquaponics Systems

Abstract

Fish are considered to be sentient and capable of perceiving and experiencing pain. Fish welfare in farming conditions can be interpreted with regard to ethics, economic viability, legal issues and consumer’s perspectives. Fish welfare is directly related with the economic inputs such as stocking density, mortality and growth rate, affecting the profitability of the aquaponics systems therefore, fish welfare has a strong economical dimension in an overall sustainability of aquaponics systems. Thus, there is a growing understanding of a link between fish welfare and feasibility of the fish production systems. The economic achievement of aquaponics production may be linked to fish welfare, particularly with regard to preclude the fish diseases. Sustainable and profitable production of aquaponics can be challenged by poor welfare of fish. The poor welfare might lead to higher yield variation, resulting in poor economic gain. The strategies that can be adopted to protect fish welfare can increase profits and productivity of the aquaponics systems. Fish welfare practices should be considered to improve the production performance in aquaponics.