ABSTRACT
Data on the detrimental effects of crop and livestock production on the environment are increasing nowadays. The meat industry which is conventionally a part of agriculture is being heavily blamed for the increased production of greenhouse gases and other pollutants (including antimicrobials, xenohormones and microbes). Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing (annual growth rate >6%) meat industries which is often portrayed as a sustainable and less harmful alternative to conventional meat industries (beef, sheep and poultry). The environmental impact of aquaculture was soon realized by developed countries in the European Union. However, aquaculture in developing countries in South Asia (which accounts for >50% of total aquaculture world production) is still not rigorously regulated. One of the well-known regulations in the aquaculture industry is the curbing of antimicrobials usage. On the other hand, only infinitesimal research groups are concerned about the threats like the release of chemicals like xenoestrogens into the biosphere, depletion of natural resources like the use of marine bycatch for fish feed, and the increase in virulence of bacteria such as Aeromonas veronii that are commonly found in water bodies. In conclusion, aquaculture in developing countries should be regulated more stringently and traditional methods should be encouraged.
