Aquaculture is the rough equivalent of agriculture on land. Aquaculture is the raising of fish, shellfish, or aquatic plants to supplement the natural supply. Although aquaculture includes the growing of aquatic plants, most people use the term to mean fish and shellfish farming. Fish and shellfish are raised as food under controlled conditions all over the world. The goal of fish and shellfish culture is to increase the yield of useful products, including increased food production.

While most aquacultural production is in food items such as fish, mollusks, and crustaceans, some marine algae, kelp, and other aquatic plants are raised commercially. Cultured pearls are created by placing small bits of material in the shells of young oysters. Various types of floating algae and phytoplankton are also grown, primarily as food for animals.

Aquatic animal husbandry includes all of the activities terrestrial farmers and ranchers have used, such as...