What does mariculture mean?
Mariculture is the cultivation and commercial production of organisms that live in the sea or other saline coastal waters. It includes the farming of fish, shellfish, crustaceans, and aquatic plants for markets such as food, animal feed, and other products. The term is a specialised branch of aquaculture, which can encompass both marine and freshwater farming. Mariculture can increase seafood production and reduce pressure on wild stocks, but intensive operations may also raise concerns about water quality, disease, habitat disruption, escapes, and the use of coastal space. The word is consequently common in scientific, agricultural, environmental, and commercial discussions of sustainable seafood. Although it sometimes overlaps with the broader expression fish farming, mariculture is the more precise term when the organisms being cultivated are marine rather than exclusively freshwater species.
nounMariculture is the cultivation, farming, or production of marine organisms, such as fish, shellfish, crustaceans, and aquatic plants, for food or other commercial purposes. It is a branch of aquaculture specifically associated with the sea.
- The cultivation or commercial production of marine organisms such as fish, shellfish, crustaceans, and aquatic plants.
"The expansion of mariculture reduced pressure on some wild fish stocks, although environmental concerns remain."
"Mariculture has become an important source of supply for the global seafood market."
"Researchers are investigating mariculture methods that can reduce harm to coastal ecosystems."
The plural is used when referring to distinct mariculture operations, industries, or systems.
"The two maricultures operate in separate coastal regions."
Mariculture turns the sea into a kind of crop field, cultivating organisms that once had to be caught in the wild.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mariculture come from?
Mariculture combines the Latin root mari-, meaning “of the sea” or “maritime,” with culture in the sense of cultivation. The compound developed during the nineteenth century as a scientific and commercial term for the cultivation of marine organisms. Its relatives include marine, maritime, mariner, and submarine, all of which reflect the same Latin association with the sea.
Related word forms
How mariculture is actually used
Mariculture is a technical and relatively formal term used in aquaculture, marine biology, food-policy, and environmental contexts. In general use, fish farming may be more familiar, but it can refer more narrowly to raising fish and may not cover shellfish or other marine organisms.
Easily confused with mariculture
Aquaculture broadly includes the cultivation of aquatic organisms in marine and freshwater environments, whereas mariculture specifically concerns marine and coastal environments.