Combined approach between better management practices and the mitigating stress management for fish culture

Abstract

The aquaculture in the world and in Brazil grows at an accelerating pace. Brazil currently occupies the 17th place in the world in production of fish, but the pace of growth decelerated in recent years. If we analyze the southern region, we see a trend of stagnation with drop in production. Both in the context of growth or stagnation and decline of production, improvement in the conditions of management are a real need. When the business activity grows, there is clearly a need for intensification of production leading to various problems such as greater quantities of sewage, outbreaks of disease and use of chemicals. These problems induce the creation and deployment of Better Management Practices (BMPs) that, if well planned, will lead to environmental safety and increase quality and quantity of production. Against a background of stagnant business activity, the deployment of adjustments and improvements in production systems through the adoption of BMPs can help in the recovery of activity. In both scenarios, the classical concept of BMPs with pure environmental focus may be associated with the concept of Mitigating Measures of Stress (MMEs). This combined approach leverages both the improvement of livestock performance and economic indices of activity regarding the environmental safety. In conclusion, the close relationship between the BPMs and MMEs promotes an environment preserved and suitable for aquatic life with low levels of stress and, consequently, high production.