Water Footprint of Aquaculture Production

Abstract

Water is a very familiar substance and is therefore often underestimated. The water footprint (WF) shows the extent of water use based on consumption by humans. The water footprint of an individual, community, or business is defined as the total volume of freshwater consumed by the individual or community or used to produce goods and services produced by the business. Water is a valuable resource that must be protected for present and future generations because both natural ecosystems and human society are highly dependent on an adequate and quality water supply. There is a shortage of fresh water in many parts of the world, and in many places, the quality of freshwater and seawater is deteriorating due to pollution. Agricultural production accounts for 92% of humanity's freshwater footprint; almost a third of this is related to animal production. The study shows that animal products have a larger water footprint (WF) than the production of plant products. All agricultural production activities require water, but water is particularly important for aquaculture as it is the medium in which aquatic food organisms are produced. Since aquaculture is often associated with intensive production patterns, those interested in water conservation have begun to explore the possibility of excessive water use in aquaculture. Therefore, aquaculture must continually struggle to use water efficiently and be prepared to defend water use practices.