* Fisheries refer to the harvesting of wild fish populations from natural bodies of water (oceans, lakes, rivers).
* Fish farms or aquaculture involve the raising of fish in controlled environments, often tanks, ponds, or cages. They are essentially agricultural operations, like raising chickens or pigs.
While both fisheries and fish farms contribute to fish production, they differ significantly in their practices and impact on the environment.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | Fisheries | Fish Farms (Aquaculture) |
|---|---|---|
| Source of fish | Wild populations | Cultivated fish |
| Environment | Natural bodies of water | Controlled environments (tanks, ponds, cages) |
| Management | Focus on sustainable harvesting of wild populations | Focus on breeding, feeding, and raising fish |
| Impact | Can lead to overfishing and habitat destruction if not managed sustainably | Can have environmental impacts like pollution, disease spread, and escape of farmed fish |
Therefore, while fish farms are important for food production, they are not considered fisheries due to their controlled nature and distinct practices.