Bulk of Aquaculture production

By Mr. Arnav Sen

During the past decade, world aquaculture production has grown tremendously, averaging and annual growth rate of 9.4% during the period 1994-2004. Total world aquaculture production is now on the order of 25.5 million mt, valued at $US 39.8 billion, and accounts for some 21.7% of the total world fishery landings. it has a huge capacity to raise the market value and jobs to many youngsters.

Although the culture of high-priced species such as shrimp and salmon often receives the lion’s share of attention, it is important to note that low-value inland finfish (e.g., Indian major and Chinese carps, tilapia, etc.) produced in extensive or semi-intensive culture systems comprise the bulk of world aquaculture production. Crustaceans, by comparison, represent only 4.2% of total aquaculture production by weight, and only 18.1% by value. Developing countries contribute more than 86% of total world production, with LIFDCs (Low Income Food Deficient Countries) accounting for more than 75% of the total. Production from the LIFDCs continues to grow at an above average rate of some 13% annually, indicating aquaculture’s real and potential contribution to providing low cost protein to those among the world’s most impoverished sectors.

Mr. Arnav Sen is MSc. in Marine Biotechnology and works as a Research Associate.