An introduction to global aquaculture

Fish is an essential and affordable animal-sourced food providing vital nutrition to millions of people worldwide, including the poor. Nutritional contribution of fish to people and especially to women of reproductive age and children is fully understood. Since the catches from the sea are nearly static for some time, fish supplies required to bridge the widening supply–demand gap have been filled by aquaculture, reaching an average global annual per capita consumption of nearly 21 kg. Feeding the growing global population and at least maintaining current level of fish consumption by 2030 would be a daunting task for all concerned. This paper assesses the current global aquaculture situation, discusses its trends, and examines the challenges for continued growth.