Asia is home of over half of the world population. It is also the major fish consuming region of the world. The survey responses and national reports highlighted that the contribution of aquaculture to fishery production, food security, employment, nutrition particularly in rural and coastal communities, and national economy is significant and steadily increasing.

...A large number of aquatic species are being cultured in the Asian countries, using a variety of culture systems. Main aquaculture systems used in inland aquaculture are pond, pen, cage, tank systems as well as culture-based fisheries in open water bodies. Coastal aquaculture is dominated by pond, cage and pen systems, and such methods as floating, hanging, broadcast, long-line, pole, mudflat, and bottom culture of mollusc and seaweeds. Integrated farming systems; i.e. agriculture/livestock/fish, is popular in several countries such as Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.