East meets west：An eastern perspective of aquaculture

Abstract

The East or perhaps a better term, Asia, is both a major producer and consumer of aquacultural products. Yet with a long history in the field of aquaculture, most countries have made little or no progress in the techniques and methods applied in this field. The Asian needs for aquaculture are also more basic in that aquaculture provides a cheap source of protein for the malnourished and undernourished populations. Development may be significantly affected by the wide income gap existing in these countries, by inequalities in educational quality and opportunity, and by social factors such as religion, taboos, or tradition. But on the whole, a better life for many of Asia's people may possibly be found in the development of its aquaculture potential.