Explain how fish farming can help improve food security.

Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) — 9.2 Food security · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Overfishing has caused a significant decline in wild fish populations worldwide. Fish farming is increasingly used as a method to produce fish commercially in enclosures.

Model answer (4 marks)

Fish farming produces fish in controlled enclosures, allowing commercial breeding of fish for food.
It reduces pressure on wild fish populations, thereby reducing overfishing.
It increases the overall supply and availability of fish as a food source.
This ensures populations have access to adequate amounts of safe and nutritious food, improving food security.

Examiner tips

Use the word ‘reduces’ to link to overfishing, show cause‑effect. Mention ‘controlled enclosures’ to demonstrate understanding of farming. Show the chain from increased supply to food security. Keep each point short and to the point.

Common mistakes

Confusing fish farming with wild fishing. Failing to mention the controlled environment. Using vague terms like ‘more fish’ without linking to food security.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

Fish farming produces fish in controlled enclosures / commercial breeding of fish for food
Reduces pressure on wild fish populations / reduces overfishing
Increases the overall supply / availability of fish as a food source
This ensures populations have access to adequate amounts of safe and nutritious food / improves food security

Key terms in this question

fish farming · food security