We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Fish and Fishery: An Overview of Fish Farming and Aquaculture, Pollution, Microplastics and Habitat Degradation
Summary
This review pulls together existing research on how pollution, microplastics, and habitat destruction (like coral reef and mangrove loss) are harming fish populations worldwide. Microplastics are especially concerning because they build up in fish tissue and can combine with other toxins like heavy metals and pesticides, making the fish we eat potentially less safe and less nutritious. The takeaway: protecting fish habitats and reducing pollution isn't just good for the environment—it directly affects the quality and safety of seafood on your plate.
Aquatic ecosystems are increasingly threatened by multiple anthropogenic stressors, among which pollution, microplastic contamination, and habitat degradation are of critical concern for fisheries and aquaculture sustainability. This chapter provides a comprehensive synthesis of the sources, distribution, and ecological consequences of these stressors in freshwater and marine environments. Special emphasis is placed on microplastics as emerging contaminants, detailing their origin, physicochemical characteristics, trophic transfer, and bioaccumulation in fish species. The chapter further explores how conventional pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial effluents interact synergistically with microplastics, exacerbating toxicity and ecological risks. Habitat degradation, including mangrove destruction, coral reef decline, eutrophication, and sedimentation, is discussed in relation to its impact on fish diversity, breeding grounds, and aquaculture productivity. The implications for fish health, growth performance, reproductive success, and food safety are critically evaluated. Finally, the chapter highlights mitigation strategies, including sustainable aquaculture practices, pollution control measures, habitat restoration, and policy interventions, providing a roadmap for enhancing ecosystem resilience and ensuring long-term fishery sustainability.