Marine Aquaculture Development and Distribution Assignment

Marine Aquaculture Development and Distribution - Assignment Example Salmon and shrimp are accredited for the growth of global mariculture (Stickney, 1999). In recent years, many developing countries have made significant accomplishments in mariculture production. However, there are increased concerns regarding the increased culture of salmon, shrimp and other carnivorous mariculture species that affect the wild fish stocks. They are fed on processed wild capture fishes, which may have a negative impact on food security even though they are economically viable. The economic gains for the cultured carnivorous species are short-lived compared to sustainable capture fishes that are significant for food security. Many countries have developed policies to enhance eco-friendly mariculture. China, Russia, South Africa and Honduras in Latin America are among the nations that have put in place policies to support mariculture projects. USAID and other environmental stakeholders have contributed to the establishment of sustainable environmental friendly mariculture in various countries. This has been accomplished through capacity building in some selected third world countries such as Indonesia, Republic of Tanzania and Honduras among others. These projects are aimed at improving the food security of the poor coastal communities as well as acting as a source of income for improved standards of living (Stanley, 2003). In Asia where aquaculture is a significant source of food and income, mariculture contributes 37% of the overall finish and shellfish production, totaling 10.8 million tons (Stickney, 1999). In recent years, China’s mariculture production has been on the rise, with close to 60% of the global production coming from the country in 2005. India and Japan are also major producers of mariculture products, as well as Bangladesh. Japan’s production has been facilitated by the improvements in techniques for seed production as well as the practice of cage culture.