The scientific basis of marine fish farm regulation

As aquaculture expands, regulation to prevent environmental damage is an essential requirement for sustainability. In this paper, we discuss three aspects of aquaculture regulation pertaining to 1) protection of other resource users, 2) protection of ecosystem structure (conservation), and 3) protection of ecosystem function (recycling). Some of the approaches taken to regulation of aquaculture in several countries are presented, emphasizing the need for these to be based firmly in a good scientific understanding of the ecosystem and the processes by which it interacts with aquaculture.