Dear all,
This topic is very actual today and in my opinion, it should cover agro-economic/agribusiness – environmental relationship (the negative effect caused by businesses on the environment) as well, then explain the role of the new technologies in terms of resource efficiency and minimization of environmental footprint. Besides, the role of the agriculture-aquaculture integration should be highlighted. For example, in terms of increasing water resource efficiency in aquaculture, more environmental practices should be applied. Implementation of more intensive closed-or semi-closed Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) configurations in fish farms have a potential to result in significant improvements of groundwater footprints and water resource efficiencies. Incorporation of a sludge and wastewater treatment units, capable of removal of ammonia (highly toxic for aquatic animals) and sludge (major source of nutrients in aquatic environment) will further increase environmental sustainability of the farm, reducing pollution of receiving water bodies, soil waterlogging and salinization. With RAS configuration, aquaculture-agriculture integration is very essential, as nutrient rich aquaculture discharges can be used for irrigation purposes, even in Aquaponics system.
Regards,
Lusine Tadevosyan
Project Coordinator
Sustainable Fisheries for enhanced Water Resourses in Armenia
ICARE Foundation
Yerevan, Armenia
Lusine Tadevosyan