The distinguishing characteristic of 'ocean ranching', as compared to ocean fish farming is that the released species are unassisted once released into the ocean. The document considers the experiences in ocean ranching in Japan, the United States and Iceland up to the mid-1990s, and discusses methodologies for assessing costs and benefits.

"The author distinguishes between ocean fish farming and ocean ranching. The distinguishing characteristic of ocean ranching is that the released species are unassisted once released into the ocean. Ocean ranching in turn is classified as pure ocean ranching (animals intended to be harvested by the entity that released them) and stock enhancement ocean ranching"--P. [4] of cover.

The collapse of many of the World’s fisheries continues to be of major concern and the enhancement of fish stocks through techniques such as ranching is of huge importance and interest across the globe. This important book, which contains fully peer reviewed and carefully edited papers from the 2nd International Symposium in Stock Enhancement and Sea Ranching is broadly divided into sections covering the following areas: The present situation of stock enhancement Seed quality and techniques for effective stocking Health management of hatchery stocks Methods for evaluating stocking effectiveness Population management in stock enhancement and sea ranching Management of stocked populations Ecological interactions with wild stocks Genetic management of hatchery and wild stocks Socio-economics of stock enhancement Case studies Stock Enhancement and Sea Ranching has been written and edited by some of the world’s foremost authorities in fisheries science and related areas and is essential reading for all fisheries scientists throughout the World. Fish biologists, marine and aquatic scientists, environmental biologists, ecologists, conservationists, aquaculture personnel and oceanographers will all find much of use and interest within this book. All libraries within universities and research establishments where these subjects are studied and taught should have copies of this book on their shelves.

With coastal fisheries in decline around the world, there is growing concern about how long current sources of seafood can supply world needs. There is an increasing emphasis on restocking and aquaculture-based stock enhancement as a way to rapidly replenish depleted fish stocks and increase fishery landings. This publication contains case studies on the use of sea ranching and marine hatchery enhancement to generate income, re-establish fisheries and conserve aquatic biodiversity, including studies from Norway, Australia, the Pacific Islands, the Caspian Sea with an emphasis on Iran, and Japan.