Published in Cooperation with THE UNITED STATES AQUACULTURE SOCIETY The rapid growth of aquaculture worldwide and domestically has caused concerns over social and environmental impacts. Environmental advocacy groups and government regulatory agencies have called for better management to address potentially negative impacts and assure sustainable aquaculture development. Best Management Practices (BMPs) combine sound science, common sense, economics, and site-specific management to mitigate or prevent adverse environmental impacts. Environmental Best Management Practices for Aquaculture will provide technical guidance to improve the environmental performance of aquaculture. This book will be the only comprehensive guide to BMPs for mitigation of environmental impacts of aquaculture in the United States. The book addresses development and implementation of BMPs, BMPs for specific aquaculture production systems, and the economics of implementing best management practices. Written by internationally recognized experts in environmental management and aquaculture from academia, government, and non-governmental organizations, this book will be a valuable reference for innovative producers, policy makers, regulators, research scientists, and students.

Impacts of Aquaculture on Habitats and Best Management Practices (BMPs).

1. Production statistics. 2. Production methodology. 3. Resource use. 4. Environmental issues. 5. Social issues. 6. Food safety issues. 7. Environmental management in aquaculture. 8. Codes of practice. 9. BMP development.

Aquaculture, Resource Use, and the Environment places aquaculture within the larger context of global population growth, increased demand for sustainable, reliable sources of food, and the responsible use of natural resources. Aquaculture production has grown rapidly in recent decades as over-exploitation and environmental degradation have drastically reduced wild fish stocks. As fish production has increased, questions have persisted about the environmental sustainability of current aquaculture practices. Aquaculture, Resource Use, and the Environment is a timely synthesis and analysis of critical issues facing the continued growth and acceptance of aquaculture practices and products. Chapters look at the past, present, and future demands for food, aquaculture production, and tackle key issues ranging from environmental impacts of aquaculture to practical best management practices in aquaculture production. Providing broad coverage of issues that are essential to the continued development of aquaculture production, Aquaculture, Resource Use, and the Environment will be vital resource for anyone involved in the field of aquaculture.

Florida aquaculture has a vested interest in protecting and managing environmental resources. As conscientious environmental stewards, this responsibility lies with each aquatic farmer. The Florida Legislature and the aquaculture farming community worked to amend the Florida Aquaculture Policy Act, Chapter 597, Florida Statutes (F.S.), to create the Aquaculture Certificate of Registration and Aquaculture Best Management Practices (BMPs). The BMPs in this manual are intended to preserve environmental integrity while eliminating cumbersome, duplicative and confusing environmental permitting and licensing requirements. Aquaculturists following these practices meet the minimum standards necessary for protecting and maintaining off site water quality and wildlife habitat. These practices represent a mutually beneficial relationship between commercial aquaculture production and natural resource protection. These BMPs were developed specifically for Florida aquaculture to protect Florida’s natural resources and as required by Florida law are to be implemented at all certified aquaculture operations. As part of the annual aquaculture certification process, you, the Florida aquaculturist, have pledged your intention to implement these practices as part of the ongoing daily management practices at your facility.