Aquaculture in Asia：Status, constraints, strategies, and prospects. In：I C. Liao, C.Z. Shyu and N.H. Chao (eds.)

Abstract

Aquaculture plays a very crucial economic and social role in Asia. Its achievements in recent years reflect another stage in its rich and experience-filled history. Asia is a major producer and consumer of aquacultural products. In 1987, production from aquaculture was about 84% of the total world production. The average per capita consumption of aquatic products in Southeast Asia was about 27 kg. This is understandable because aquaculture provides a cheap source and readily available supply of protein to meet the more basic human need for food. This chapter presents the status and prospects of aquaculture in some Asian countries. It also offers some strategies to counteract the constraints in its practice and ensure its further development. A historical overview of aquaculture in the region provides insights to the present successes.