Aquatic sector of vital importance as world seeks sustainable solutions

Aquatic animals are so lucky.

They swim freely in the water, feeding on abundant plants or other animals that are abundant, and visiting places without borders.

You might wonder whether they can become stressed like other vertebrates. They sure can.

Aquatic animals become stressed when there are changes in the environment such as in the temperature or salinity, or there is pollution around them. They also experience stress when they are threatened with overharvesting and when they are farmed in crowded conditions.

Ahmed Mustafa, professor of biology at Purdue University Fort Wayne, wrote this guest column for The Journal Gazette. (subscription required)