Regional review on status and trends in aquaculture development in Asia-Pacific, 2015
2017
Subasinghe, R.
Aquaculture is still the fastest growing food producing sector in the world. In 2014, aquaculture produced 73.8 million tonnes of aquatic animals, with an estimated first-sale value of US$160.2 billion and 27.3 million tonnes of aquatic plants worth US$5.6 billion., in 2014. Almost all fish produced from aquaculture are destined for human consumption, although by-products may be used for non-food purposes. Thirty-five countries produced more farmed than wild-caught fish in 2014 and four top producers in Asia-Pacific, namely, Bangladesh, China, India and Viet Nam are included in this group. Historically, the Asia-Pacific region (in particular China, South Asia and South-east Asia sub-regions) has dominated global aquaculture production, both in quantity and value; the region contributed 65.2 million tonnes of aquatic animals, amounting to 88 percent of the global total in 2014. The value of Asia-Pacific regional aquatic animal production in 2014 was 79 percent of the global total, amounting to US$127 billion. In terms of consumption, it is apparent that more fish and shrimp are now consumed in Asia than ever. While this trend is continuing, the demand for improved high quality, nutritious, safer to eat and easy to cook (precooked) aquatic products will continue in the region. While many countries in Asia-Pacific have made commendable efforts to set up policies, administrative, legal and regulatory frameworks to properly develop and manage aquaculture, some countries in the region are still lagging behind. And in some of the countries who have made conducive policies, their implementation is delayed by the lack of financial and skilled human resources. Policies and regulations may be enacted, but unless there are sufficient government personnel with adequate skills and financial resources to monitor and enforce them, they will remain ineffective. This issue must be addressed without delay if the aquaculture sector in Asia-Pacific is to further continue to develop sustainably.
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