Global aquaculture is projected to provide 59 percent of fish for human consumption by 2030. Creating jobs for 20.5 million people in primary sector, aquaculture is a significant aquatic food system, covering the spectrum of marine  and freshwater environments. Aquaculture forms an important part of food security and poverty reduction strategies and human nutrition in some  key countries and regions. 

Asia has the  longest recorded aquaculture tradition, with highly diversified aquaculture practices, systems and species, providing 89% of global aquaculture production.

There are a wealth of success stories of resource efficient and environmentally friendly aquaculture systems;  but also lessons to be learned from over-development, unsustainable intensification and weak regulatory policies.