What is the practice of fish farming called?

The practice of fish farming is called aquaculture. Aquaculture refers specifically to the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of aquatic organisms, including fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic plants. This method is crucial for meeting the global demand for seafood as populations increase and wild fish stocks become depleted.

In contrast to aquaculture, hydroponics involves growing plants in a water-based, nutrient-rich solution without soil, which is focused on plant cultivation rather than aquatic animals. Horticulture is the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants, and is also distinct from aquatic farming as it pertains to land-based agriculture. Mariculture is a subcategory of aquaculture that specifically deals with the cultivation of marine organisms in their natural habitats, often focusing on species like shellfish or seaweed rather than freshwater fish. While related, mariculture is not a comprehensive term for all fish farming activities, making aquaculture the most accurate answer for the practice described.