IB ESS HL 4.3.10 Aquaculture Question Bank

Strengths [2 max]:
a. Aquaculture can relieve the pressure of capture fisheries to meet demand / which would allow wild stock recovery;
b. Aquaculture provides more stability/control in supply as compared to natural/environmental fluctuations affecting wild populations;
c. Aquaculture can provide employment opportunities that are safer/require less time at sea than capture fisheries;
d. Integrated aquaculture can reduce pollutants/increase diversity of food types;
e. may foster economical development in LEDCs;
f. aquaculture may contribute to more sustainable model of food production/agri-business (both globally and locally);
g. Reduces loss through bycatch;

Weakness [2 max]:
h. Aquaculture can result in escaped fish becoming invasive/spread disease;
i. Aquaculture can result in nutrient/antibiotic/pesticide pollution;
j. Aquaculture can cause eutrophication through fish/food waste;
k. Aquaculture can reduce diversity of fish population;
I. Aquaculture may require habitat destruction/deforestation/loss of mangroves;

Note to examiners: Award one mark for a balanced conclusion appraisal Ex. Aquaculture certainly improves the efficiency of food production but without careful management can cause considerable environmental degradation.