Aquaculture is a rapidly expanding sector of the global economy with an average growth rate of 8.8 percent per annum since 1970. This consistent increase in production is a result of expansion of markets, globalization of market access and an increasing market demand for seafood products during a period in which most capture fisheries are stagnating or in decline. Aquaculture is expected to continue to increase its contribution to the world’s production of aquatic food and will further strengthen its role in food security and food safety, while also offering opportunities to alleviate poverty, increase employment and community development and reduce overexploitation of natural aquatic resources, thus creating social and generational equity, particularly in developing countries.

This rapid development of the industry under various national and regional jurisdictions has resulted in a diversity of regulatory frameworks. Thus, FAO Members have requested guidance on the application of risk analysis with respect to aquaculture production. The purpose of this manual is to provide an overview of the risk analysis process as applied to aquaculture production and to demonstrate the variety of ways in which risk can manifest in aquaculture operations and management. The intention of this manual is to promote wider understanding and acceptance of the applications and benefits of risk analysis in aquaculture production and management.

This manual is directed towards decisions-makers and senior aquaculture managers in FAO Members States. It includes an introduction to the methodology used to assess the risks posed by aquaculture operations to the environment, socio-political and economic well-being and cultural values, as well as the risks to aquaculture from outside influences, including potential environmental, socio-political, economic and cultural impacts. The manual contains six sections. Section 1 provides a background to the aquaculture sector and an introduction to the concepts of risk analysis. Section 2 presents the operating environment for risk analysis for the aquaculture sector by briefly reviewing the relevant international frameworks applicable to each risk category. Section 3 discusses a general risk analysis process for aquaculture. Section 4 provides brief overviews of the risk analysis process as applied in each of the seven risk categories. Section 5 briefly summarizes actions that need to be taken by FAO Members to promote the wider use of risk analysis for aquaculture development. Finally, Section 6 discusses future challenges to aquaculture and the role risk analysis might play in addressing them.