TLE 8 AFA W4D3: Organic Aquaculture – Pros & Cons

🎯 Learning Goals – Day 3

By the end of the lesson, learners should be able to:

1. Explain the concept of organic aquaculture and its importance in sustainable fisheries.
2. Identify the advantages of practicing organic aquaculture.
3. Discuss the disadvantages or challenges faced in adopting organic aquaculture practices.

🧩 Key Ideas & Terms – Day 3

• Aquaculture – The farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic plants.
• Organic Aquaculture – Aquaculture that avoids synthetic chemicals, antibiotics, and genetically modified organisms, focusing on natural growth methods.
• Sustainability – Meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
• Biodiversity – The variety of life in a habitat, important for balanced ecosystems.
• Organic Feed – Natural, chemical-free food given to cultured fish and aquatic organisms.
• Certification – The process of verifying that aquaculture practices meet organic standards.
• Environmental Impact – The effect of human activities, such as aquaculture, on the surrounding ecosystem.
• Residues – Traces of chemicals, antibiotics, or pesticides that may remain in fish products.
• Consumer Demand – The desire of buyers for healthier and safer food products.
• Market Access – The ability of producers to sell their products in both local and international markets.

🔄 Quick Recall / Prior Knowledge – Day 3

Quick Recall: True or False

Directions: Write T if the statement is true, F if it is false.

1. Organic aquaculture avoids the use of synthetic chemicals and antibiotics.
2. Sustainability means producing as much as possible without concern for future resources.
3. Organic feed is made from natural, chemical-free ingredients.
4. Certification ensures that aquaculture practices follow organic standards.
5. Residues refer to vitamins and minerals left in fish after harvest.

Show Answer

1. T
2. F (It means balancing present and future needs)
3. T
4. T
5. F (Residues are traces of chemicals, pesticides, or antibiotics)

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Prior Knowledge Check – Short Q&A

1. Why do you think consumers prefer food labeled as organic?
2. Can you give an example of a product in your community that is sold as organic?
3. What possible benefits might fish farmers get if they practice organic aquaculture?

Show Answer

1. Because it is believed to be safer, healthier, and more natural.
2. (Answers will vary – organic vegetables, free-range eggs, organic rice, etc.)
3. Higher market value, safer working environment, and better environmental sustainability.

📖 Explore the Lesson – Day 3 (3 Pages)

Understanding Organic Aquaculture

Aquaculture, or the farming of aquatic organisms, is one of the fastest-growing food-producing sectors in the world. It provides millions of jobs and contributes to food security. However, not all aquaculture practices are the same. Some use chemicals, antibiotics, or artificial feeds that can harm the environment and human health. To address these issues, many countries and fish farmers are now turning to organic aquaculture.

Organic aquaculture is a type of farming that follows natural and environmentally friendly practices. It avoids the use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides, antibiotics, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Instead, it focuses on healthy environments, natural feeds, and sustainability.

1. Principles of Organic Aquaculture

Organic aquaculture is based on three important principles:

1. Health – Fish and aquatic organisms are raised in conditions that promote good health without the use of harmful chemicals.
2. Ecology – Production respects natural ecosystems, conserving biodiversity and reducing pollution.
3. Fairness and Care – Farmers, consumers, and the environment benefit equally. Workers are protected, consumers get safe products, and nature remains unharmed.

This type of farming is not only about producing food but also about protecting life below water, which connects directly to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water.

2. Advantages of Organic Aquaculture

There are many advantages to practicing organic aquaculture, both for farmers and society.

• Healthier Products for Consumers
  Organic fish are raised without synthetic chemicals or antibiotics, so there are fewer residues in the final product. This means safer food for people to eat.
• Environmental Protection
  Since organic aquaculture avoids harmful chemicals, it prevents water pollution. It also promotes better waste management and reduces the risk of harming other marine life.
• Higher Market Value
  Organic products often sell at higher prices because consumers are willing to pay more for safe, natural, and eco-friendly food. Farmers benefit from increased income.
• Biodiversity Conservation
  By using sustainable practices, organic aquaculture supports balanced ecosystems. For example, organic farms may use natural vegetation to filter water or integrate different species to maintain balance.
• Consumer Trust and Certification
  Certification ensures that farms follow organic standards. This builds trust among consumers and provides farmers with better access to international markets.

Example: In Europe and Japan, organic-certified shrimp and salmon products fetch higher prices in supermarkets. Filipino farmers can also benefit if they shift to organic methods.

3. Disadvantages or Challenges of Organic Aquaculture

While organic aquaculture has many benefits, it also faces challenges. These disadvantages make it harder for some farmers to adopt.

• Higher Costs
  Organic feeds and certification processes are often more expensive than conventional methods. This increases production costs.
• Limited Supply of Organic Feed
  Finding natural, chemical-free feed can be difficult. Farmers may need to produce their own or source from specialized suppliers.
• Lower Yields
  Because organic aquaculture avoids synthetic growth enhancers, production may be slower compared to conventional farming.
• Strict Standards
  Certification requires following detailed rules, inspections, and records. This can be time-consuming and challenging for small-scale farmers.
• Market Awareness
  Not all consumers understand the value of organic aquaculture. Farmers may struggle to sell products if buyers are unwilling to pay higher prices.

Example: In the Philippines, organic tilapia farming projects have shown success in producing safer fish, but farmers faced challenges in maintaining organic feeds and securing buyers willing to pay extra.

4. Comparing Organic and Conventional Aquaculture

Aspect	Organic Aquaculture	Conventional Aquaculture
Feed	Natural, organic feed	Commercial, may include synthetic additives
Chemicals	No synthetic chemicals or antibiotics	May use pesticides, antibiotics, or growth enhancers
Environmental Impact	Eco-friendly, reduces pollution	Higher risk of pollution and biodiversity loss
Market Value	Higher price, niche market	Lower price, mass production
Certification	Requires strict standards and inspections	Few or no certification requirements

This table shows that while organic aquaculture is more eco-friendly and healthier, it requires stricter rules and higher costs compared to conventional methods.

5. Why Organic Aquaculture Matters

• For Farmers – It provides a long-term, sustainable livelihood with potential for higher income.
• For Consumers – It ensures safer, healthier food without chemical residues.
• For the Environment – It protects water quality, biodiversity, and future fish stocks.
• For the Country – It opens opportunities for international trade, especially in countries with high demand for organic products.

In short, organic aquaculture connects environmental responsibility with economic opportunity. It is not just a farming practice but a way of caring for both people and the planet.

References

• FAO. (2021). Organic aquaculture. https://www.fao.org/organicag/oa-specialfeatures/oa-aquaculture/en/
• European Commission. (2022). Organic aquaculture production. https://food.ec.europa.eu/safety/biological-safety/organic-production/organic-aquaculture_en
• PhilRice. (2020). Organic aquaculture in the Philippines: Opportunities and challenges.
• World Wildlife Fund (WWF). (2023). Sustainable aquaculture practices. https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/farmed-seafood

💡 Example in Action – Day 3

Worked Example: Choosing Between Conventional and Organic Aquaculture
Carlos is a fish farmer in Batangas. He raises tilapia in fishponds and usually uses commercial feeds and medicines to boost production. Recently, he noticed that the water quality in his ponds is worsening, and some of his fish are getting sick. He also hears that some buyers in Manila are now looking for organic tilapia.

Carlos wonders: Should I shift to organic aquaculture?

Step 1 – Identify the Options

• Conventional Aquaculture: Continue using commercial feeds, synthetic chemicals, and antibiotics to maintain high yield.
• Organic Aquaculture: Shift to natural feeds, avoid chemicals, and follow stricter standards for certification.

Step 2 – Compare the Advantages

• Conventional: Lower production costs, faster growth, more predictable output.
• Organic: Healthier fish, safer for consumers, higher market value, and better environmental sustainability.

Step 3 – Consider the Disadvantages

• Conventional: Risk of residues in fish, water pollution, possible long-term health effects on consumers.
• Organic: Higher feed costs, more effort to get certification, smaller short-term harvest.

Step 4 – Decision and Action
Carlos decides to start with a small section of his ponds for organic aquaculture. He experiments with natural feeds such as duckweed and fermented plant-based feed. He also connects with a cooperative that helps farmers get organic certification. This way, he reduces risk while exploring opportunities for higher income and safer production.

Why is this important?
This example shows how farmers can weigh the advantages and disadvantages of organic aquaculture before deciding. It also highlights that small, careful steps can help farmers transition successfully without losing income.

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Now You Try!

Scenario:
Maria owns a small milkfish (bangus) cage farm. She wants to sell her products in the international market, where demand for organic seafood is increasing. However, she is worried because organic feeds are more expensive, and certification requires strict inspections.

Questions:

1. What advantages will Maria gain if she shifts to organic aquaculture?
2. What disadvantages or challenges might she face?
3. Suggest one solution to help Maria overcome a disadvantage.

Show Answer

1. Advantages: Access to international markets, higher product value, safer and healthier fish.
2. Disadvantages: Higher feed costs, strict certification, possible lower yield.
3. Solution: Join a cooperative or association to share costs for certification and bulk purchasing of organic feed.

📝 Try It Out – Day 3

Practice 1 – Multiple Choice

Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. Which of the following best defines organic aquaculture?
   a) Raising fish using synthetic feeds and antibiotics
   b) Farming fish with natural methods and no synthetic chemicals
   c) Growing fish only in the wild without human care
   d) Farming fish using genetically modified organisms
2. What is one advantage of organic aquaculture?
   a) Cheaper feeds
   b) Safer products for consumers
   c) Easier certification process
   d) Higher immediate yield
3. What does certification ensure in organic aquaculture?
   a) The farm has many workers
   b) The farm follows organic standards
   c) The farm is government-owned
   d) The farm uses more synthetic chemicals
4. Which term refers to traces of chemicals that may remain in fish products?
   a) Residues
   b) Biodiversity
   c) Market access
   d) Sustainability
5. Organic fish products often have:
   a) Lower market value
   b) Higher market value
   c) The same value as conventional fish
   d) No value at all

Show Answer

1. b
2. b
3. b
4. a
5. b

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Practice 2 – True or False

Directions: Write T if the statement is true, F if false.

1. Organic aquaculture helps reduce pollution.
2. Conventional aquaculture usually has lower production costs.
3. Biodiversity means the destruction of marine life.
4. Organic aquaculture avoids genetically modified organisms.
5. Certification is not necessary for selling organic fish in international markets.

Show Answer

1. T
2. T
3. F (It means the variety of life)
4. T
5. F (Certification is required)

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Practice 3 – Situation Analysis

Directions: Read each situation and write one possible solution or safety measure.

1. A farmer wants to shift to organic aquaculture but struggles with the high price of organic feed.
2. Consumers in the community are not familiar with organic fish products.
3. A small-scale farmer is worried about the strict certification process.
4. A farmer continues to use antibiotics because he is afraid of losing fish stocks.
5. A cooperative wants to convince members to try organic aquaculture.

Show Answer

1. Join cooperatives to buy in bulk and lower costs.
2. Educate consumers through campaigns and tastings.
3. Get support from local government or NGOs for certification assistance.
4. Provide training on natural disease prevention methods.
5. Show success stories and emphasize higher market value.

✅ Check Yourself – Mixed Quiz (10 Items)

Part A – Multiple Choice (1–4)

1. Which of the following is the main goal of organic aquaculture?
   a) Increase yield at any cost
   b) Reduce production expenses
   c) Protect health, environment, and consumers
   d) Eliminate all forms of aquaculture
2. What is one disadvantage of organic aquaculture?
   a) High consumer demand
   b) Higher costs for feed and certification
   c) Healthier products
   d) Better biodiversity protection
3. Which principle of organic aquaculture focuses on respecting ecosystems and conserving biodiversity?
   a) Health
   b) Ecology
   c) Fairness
   d) Certification
4. Which factor makes organic products attractive to consumers?
   a) They grow faster
   b) They are cheaper
   c) They are safer and chemical-free
   d) They don’t require markets

Part B – True or False (5–7)

5. Residues are traces of vitamins that improve fish health.
6. Organic aquaculture products usually sell at higher market value than conventional ones.
7. Certification is important in organic aquaculture to ensure standards are followed.

Part C – Short Answer (8–10)

8. Give one example of an advantage of organic aquaculture.
9. State one challenge or disadvantage faced by farmers practicing organic aquaculture.
10. Why is certification important in selling organic aquaculture products internationally?

Show Answer Key

Part A – Multiple Choice

1. c) Protect health, environment, and consumers
2. b) Higher costs for feed and certification
3. b) Ecology
4. c) They are safer and chemical-free

Part B – T/F

5. False (Residues are traces of chemicals, not vitamins)
6. True
7. True

Part C – Short Answer

8. Examples: healthier products, eco-friendly, higher market value, consumer trust.
9. Examples: high feed cost, strict certification, lower yield.
10. Because it verifies that standards are met, builds consumer trust, and allows access to international markets.

🚀 Go Further – Enrichment & Remediation Activities (Day 3)

Activity 1 – Organic Aquaculture Poster

Task: Design a poster that promotes the advantages of organic aquaculture.

• Use short slogans and visuals.
• Highlight benefits for consumers, farmers, and the environment.

Sample Output

Poster slogan: “Organic Aquaculture = Healthy Fish, Healthy Planet!” with drawings of clean ponds, smiling consumers, and safe fish.

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Activity 2 – Role Play: Farmer and Consumer

Task: In pairs, act out a short dialogue:

• One student plays a farmer explaining why their product is organic.
• The other student plays a consumer asking questions about quality, price, and benefits.

Sample Output

Consumer: “Why is your tilapia more expensive?”
Farmer: “Because it’s organic—no chemicals, safer to eat, and better for the environment.”

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Activity 3 – Class Debate: “Is Organic Aquaculture Worth the Cost?”

Task: Divide the class into two groups:

• Group A argues that organic aquaculture is worth the higher costs.
• Group B argues that conventional aquaculture is more practical.
• Each group presents evidence and examples.

Sample Output

Group A: “Consumers trust organic products and pay more, so farmers earn more in the long run.”
Group B: “Conventional farming feeds more people at lower cost.”

🔗 My Reflection – Day 3

Option A – Reflection Checklist (Tabular)

Copy and answer the checklist in your notebook by putting ✔ Yes or ✘ No.

Reflection Statement	Yes / No
I understand what organic aquaculture means.
I can explain at least two advantages of organic aquaculture.
I can identify one disadvantage or challenge of organic aquaculture.
I see the importance of certification in selling organic products.
I value sustainable practices in fisheries.

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Option B – 3-2-1 Reflection

Write your answers in your notebook:

• 3 things I learned about organic aquaculture
• 2 interesting facts I discovered about advantages and disadvantages
• 1 question I still have about organic aquaculture

🎣 Take the Aquaculture & Fish Capture Quiz