A global overview of aquaculture production

Abstract

Aquaculture, or underwater agriculture, is an art that has been practiced for some 4000 years. Largely within the past three decades, it has developed into a science. Aquacultured plants, molluscs, crustaceans, and fishes contribute significantly to man's food supply, though total production from wild harvest continues to greatly exceed the contribution from aquaculture. In the United States, development of the channel catfish industry since 1960 is an example of one of the major success stories of aquaculture. U.S. aquaculture is almost insignificant, however, in comparison with production levels that have been achieved in Asia. Constraints associated with user conflicts, availability of water, and a pending crisis in the world's fish meal supply exist, but modern technology may find solutions to these problems. Aquaculture, while not the total answer to providing food for a hungry planet, will continue to make an important contribution. One of the major challenges to further aquaculture growth is the need to establish a new emphasis on research of a more basic nature so new technology can be developed and employed.