Fish production and the management of natural resources: the role of aquaculture for economic-environmental sustainability

Fish fauna is a renewable and mobile natural resource whose reproduction and movements are still relatively uncontrolled by man. The maintenance of a satisfactory level of sea fishing activities requires a healthy marine environment if we are to preserve the species. Consequently, fishing must be regulated and managed in a manner such as to harmonise economic and environmental needs.The first part of the work dwells in depth on the concept of sustainable development with regard to fisheries. The concept has evolved over time following different theoretical approaches. After comparing two different natural systems of food procurement (livestock and fish rearing) and highlighting the advantages of fish farming, with respect to pasturage for the production of low-cost animal protein, the analysis addresses the sustainability of different productive systems in the fisheries sector. In conclusion, an Italian case study is presented on a special form of extensive fish farming, vallicolture, which demonstrates a compatible use of the highly sensitive lagoon environments.