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As a young person, you grew up in a fishing town along the West Coast of South Africa - NSC Marine Sciences - Question 5 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 5
As a young person, you grew up in a fishing town along the West Coast of South Africa. Since then you have left the town to study and your studies focused on aquacul... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:As a young person, you grew up in a fishing town along the West Coast of South Africa - NSC Marine Sciences - Question 5 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe aquaculture to the community.
Answer
Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms, such as fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants, in controlled or semi-controlled environments. It involves breeding, rearing, and harvesting of these organisms. Farmers manage the life cycles of these species and monitor critical factors such as water quality, temperature, pH, and salinity to ensure they thrive. This practice not only supports the local economy but also helps in food production.
Step 2
Inform the community about TWO socio-economic benefits of aquaculture, OTHER than food security.
Answer
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Improve Nutrition: Aquaculture can significantly improve nutrition, especially in rural areas where poverty and malnutrition are common. By providing a consistent supply of fish, communities can enhance their dietary intake of vital nutrients such as proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins.
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Increase Employment: Aquaculture creates job opportunities within the community. It requires labor for farming, processing, and distribution, thereby providing income for local residents. Additionally, the establishment of aquaculture can stimulate related sectors, such as transport and construction, further contributing to job creation.
Step 3
Raise concerns about how aquaculture could result in further risk to local fisheries.
Answer
Aquaculture, if not managed properly, could pose significant risks to local fish stocks. For example, inbreeding can occur, impacting the genetic integrity of wild species. There is also the concern that carnivorous fish in aquaculture require high volumes of feed, which may lead to overfishing of small fish populations to meet this demand. Additionally, the potential introduction of invasive species from aquaculture could disrupt local ecosystems and outcompete native species.
Step 4
Critically evaluate whether aquaculture will provide food security in the town.
Answer
Aquaculture has the potential to enhance food security in the town by supplementing fish supply, especially during times when wild catches are low. However, critical evaluation is necessary to ensure sustainable practices are in place. Over-reliance on aquaculture without proper regulation could lead to depletion of local stocks and ecological damage. A balanced approach that integrates traditional fishing practices with aquaculture would be necessary to achieve long-term food security.
Step 5
In your conclusion, motivate whether you (as a previous resident of the town) will recommend the proposed aquaculture industry.
Answer
In conclusion, I would recommend the proposed aquaculture industry as a viable strategy to enhance food security and improve the community's economy. Provided that effective management practices are established to avoid environmental degradation and ensure sustainable development, aquaculture can serve as a vital resource for food and economic growth. It is essential that the community remains engaged in decision-making processes to align aquaculture development with their needs and ecological considerations.