Over time, fish rearing has been a source of income and food for domestic consumption for over 15% of the world’s population. Fish rearing is surrounded by many ethical issues among them the conditions at the fish farm. Some people believe in maintaining a serene environment for the fish taking the perspectives that; fish like any other animal is a subject to gentle treatment and being firm believers of fish should breed naturally. They hence advocate for maintaining water quality and proper feeding for fish. However, some people believe that it is not necessary to keep fish in right conditions with their viewpoints being, increasing of production is essential and firmly believe that the main reason why fish is reared is for profit generation. They thus advocate for raising a lot of fish in one pond as well as altering natural conditions in which fish breed to boost the rate of breeding. Nevertheless, it is essential to maintain suitable conditions in the fish farms as it increases the life span of fish, thus their capability to reach full production.
Supporting side
- Fish like any other animal should be treated fairly
- Fish should breed naturally
- Prevention of fish death
- Prevention of chemical reaction of water
- Fish needs a well-balanced diet
- Fleeing fish from predators is necessary
Opposing side
- Fish has no feelings
- Make fish rearing easier
- Time-consuming
- Enhance high fish productivity no matter what
- Having a lot of fish in one pond
- Avoid a lot of expenses
The ethical choice around the issue of maintaining the right conditions on the farm is considering the benefits of reasonable terms of farm to fish just like any other animals. Taking the utilitarian approach, which advocates for engaging in actions that cause less harm, the conditions at the fish farms should be of more benefit to the fish. Therefore it is good to enhance clean conditions at the fish farm by making sure that water at the fish pond is changed regularly. Enhancing of water quality is essential as it limits the chemical reactions that occur in water hence making sure that at all times, the fish are safe. Regular fish ponds’ cleaning is also necessary to limit the growth of predators that may endanger the life of fish. Making sure that the fish breed under the ideal pond conditions is also essential. Introducing artificial states such as light disturbances to increase the time the fish stay awake for reproduction is exhausting to the fish. Fish should also not be subjected to hunger, thus feeding them at least once in a day increases their productivity. Therefore, enhancing the right conditions in farms is essential as it creates good conditions for high fish productivity.
On the other hand, some people argue that enhancing right conditions in farms hinders profit generation. This is because maintaining the right conditions in farms is cost incurring in terms of resources such as labour as well as the material acquisition cost. Therefore, focusing more on expense reduction is essential in fish farming.
In conclusion, though some people think that maintenance of right conditions in fish farms is not necessary as it increases expenses, thus reducing profit, maintenance of right conditions in fish farms is essential. This is because, fish like any other animal should be subjected to conditions that may not cause any harms and also, maintenance of right conditions in farms increases the life span of a fish thus being able to produce well for a more considerable period. Therefore, our fish farms are of significant benefit to us, and so they should be kept in the right conditions.