Alien species in aquaculture : : considerations for responsible use

Aquaculture is an important economic activity in the coastal areas of many countries. It offers opportunities to alleviate poverty, boosts employment, helps community development, reduces over exploitation of natural coastal resources, and enhances food security, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Due to the increasing worldwide demand for aquatic products, aquaculture is one of the most important and fastest growing sectors within fisheries. Currently most aquaculture facilities in the marine environment, particularly in developing countries, use non-native or alien species, mainly to reduce costs by using readily available research and development outputs.