Development of Sustainable Aquaculture in Asia: Challenges and Strategies

Abstract

Aquaculture has been playing an important role in the world food production since the 1960s. In the mid-80's, aquaculture production contributed 14% of the world fishery production and continuously increased since then, reaching 34% in 2001. Most of the aquaculture production came from Asia with the bulk coming from China. However, expansion rates in the region as a whole, and in two largest producing countries (China and India) are slowing down, with most of the top 10 producers showing a complete decline in production. When China is excluded in the total world aquaculture production, the trend even tends to level-off. This slow expansion in aquaculture production in the recent years can be attributed to the slow or lack improvement in the overall aquaculture management and environmental degradation. The disease problems hindered the development and sustainability of the industry. Shortage of non-polluted water supply and insufficient waste removal led to overloading of metabolites and stressful environment for the cultured species. This has led to efforts in finding cost-effective methods of effluent treatment. Traceability of aquaculture products is also going to be needed by all producers that are trying to access the major markets, while concerns on drug residues among cultured species produced need the development of sound aquaculture practices that could reduce or eliminate drug usage. To solve these problems, several alternative strategies for sustainable aquaculture management are proposed including ecosystem approach, technological approach, introduction and domestication of exotic and other candidate species for aquaculture, strain improvement by selective breeding and the use of molecular techniques, and adoption of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) procedure. Current endeavors on the refinement and integration of aquaculture technologies will lead to a more profitable, sustainable and responsible aquaculture. Organized research and development efforts for new technologies are needed for solving the relevant problems and improving productivity. As the largest producer and market for aquatic products, Asia will continuously play more important role in the world aquaculture production.