Ocean waters cover nearly three-fourths of the earth and are an important part of God’s creation—the home of fish and other creatures He provided for our food. When it has become difficult to feed people where there is little farmland and food is scarce, sea farms have been established. Following are examples of what can be grown in a sea farm.
MARINE PLANTS: Certain seaweeds have always been an important food for people as well as domestic animals. Kelp is one outstanding seaweed with stems growing as long as two hundred feet. But crops of kelp are never certain, because they receive no care and are often destroyed by fish. Now, however, some natural kelp areas are being “farmed,” and new areas are being planted, screened and tended carefully, resulting in large crops.
SHELLFISH: Oysters, clams, crabs, lobsters and other shellfish have been taken out of the ocean in great quantities and are becoming scarce in some places. Sea farmers now set aside protected places where they control the number of shellfish harvested. One big oyster farm is in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, and smaller ones are in other parts of North America, as well as in Italy, Japan and other places.
SALTWATER FISH: Today there are fish hatcheries where eggs are taken from freshwater fish and hatched in ponds or tanks alongside streams and lakes. “Fish farms” have also been established in ocean waters where eggs of local saltwater fish are hatched. The fingerlings are raised to full size in wire cages that have been dropped into deep water where they grow safely and rapidly, providing a new source of nutritious food.
These new sources of seafood from sea farms are helping to feed the increasing numbers of people who don’t have enough food. No doubt additional sea farms will soon be helping out with ever-improving methods.
A Bible verse tells us: “[The Lord] causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb [plants] for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth” (Psalm 104:1414He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; (Psalm 104:14)). And He also provided seafood for part of our food. God has provided plenty for everyone, but there are not always people willing to share with others, and much food is wasted while people go hungry.
When we help take care of someone’s need, it pleases the Lord Jesus. He tells us that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:3535I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35)). We should be glad to help those in need, and this should also include telling them of the love of God and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who wants all to know Him as their Saviour. This is man’s greatest need.
ML-01/16/2005
JANUARY 16, 2005