aquaculture
noun
aqua·cul·ture
ˈä-kwə-ˌkəl-chər 
ˈa-
variants
or less commonly aquiculture
: the cultivation of aquatic organisms (such as fish or shellfish) especially for food
aquaculture
transitive verb
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For most of the modern history of aquaculture, only costly fish and shellfish like salmon and shrimp were harvested. But new technologies are allowing cheaper and more efficient cultivation of fish for food, and such common fish as cod are now being farmed. Seaweeds and other algae are also being grown--for food (mostly in Asia), cattle feed, fertilizer, and experimentally as a source of energy. Aquaculture is now the world's fastest-growing form of food production.
Examples of aquaculture in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Humboldt Bay and the neighboring town of Eureka are home to aquaculture businesses, fisheries, environmental justice organizations, local tribes and many other residents and stakeholders whose opinions on the project differ.
—
Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Mangrove trees are cut down for aquaculture, logged for charcoal and destroyed to make room for coastal development.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 9 Apr. 2026
At its best, seaweed aquaculture can catalyze environmental feedback loops that support surrounding marine life.
—Megan Zhang, Saveur, 8 Apr. 2026
Campers can focus on studying topics such as aquaculture, leadership, aviation, computer science, music and athletic performance.
—Jessie Dax-Setkus, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aquaculture
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Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Mangrove trees are cut down for aquaculture, logged for charcoal and destroyed to make room for coastal development.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 9 Apr. 2026
At its best, seaweed aquaculture can catalyze environmental feedback loops that support surrounding marine life.
—Megan Zhang, Saveur, 8 Apr. 2026
Campers can focus on studying topics such as aquaculture, leadership, aviation, computer science, music and athletic performance.
—Jessie Dax-Setkus, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aquaculture
Cite this Entry
“Aquaculture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aquaculture. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
aquaculture
noun
aqua·cul·ture
ˈak-wə-ˌkəl-ˌchər
äk-
: the cultivation of living things (as fish or shellfish) naturally occurring in water
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