Averting food crisis in the 21st century：the role of stock enhancement and sea ranching. In：K.M. Leber, S. Kitada, H.L. Blakenship and T. Svasand (eds.)

Abstract

Food security is a serious concern in the twenty-first century due to the continuously increasing human population coupled with diminishing natural resources. In many developimg countries, fish is considered an essential food that provides affordable animal protein. With stagnating capture fisheries, stock enhancement and sea ranching has become one of the potential management strategies used to increase fisheries production. Modern stock enhancement and sea ranching programs were initiated in the late nineteenth century. At present, Japan continues to be the leading country. The socio-economic benefits from these programs are still debatable. Some environmental issues also remain unsettled. However, successful stock enhancement and sea renching programs indicate economic feasibility and environmental compatibility. The key factors for success are the mass production of good quality seeds, the identification of appropriate release methods, not exceeding the carrying capacity, continuous evluation of programs, well-organized sea farming, and strong governmental and technical support. The benefits from such programs, e.g. averting food crisis, may be better obtained by strengthened international cooperation and promotion at the regional level.