Assessing the environmental impact of aquaculture

To avoid aquaculture practices that may affect habitat conservation through occupation of sensitive areas, ie mangroves and inter-tidal areas, prevent pollution by inputs and outputs from fish farms and genetic contamination by possible releases or escapes of farmed species or varieties.

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Agenda 21 recommends making such assessment with specific reference to commercialized culture units and potential water pollution from processing centres.