Although the science of aquaculture has been around for centuries, it has only recently attained popularity. This textbook introduces a wide spectrum of aquaculture-related subjects. Topics covered include the history of aquaculture, water quality and sources, culture systems, economics, law, engineering, chemistry, biology and more.

Introduction to the General Principles of Aquaculture provides novice aquaculturists with an overview of the aquaculture industry so you may proceed successfully in academic studies or commercial ventures. The authors furnish you with insight into the history and development of aquaculture and cover the subjects of natural production versus aquaculture, the aquatic environment, energy requirements of and relationships in aquaculture systems, important components of aquaculture systems, selection of aquaculture species, major cultured species and their distribution, global aquaculture production, a comparison of agriculture and aquaculture, and those factors promoting and constraining aquaculture. The book is liberally illustrated so that students and laymen are able to visualize systems and species. Furthermore, tables and figures are used throughout to emphasize important points, facts, and methods. As an introductory text, it emphasizes several aspects of aquaculture that must be understood by those new to the industry. These aspects include water quality, species of importance around the world, and current and projected aquaculture production on a global basis. The important components of any aquaculture system are also covered in some detail--biological factors, technical-biological factors, technical-economic factors, production cost factors, socioeconomic factors, and species selection factors. Laypersons considering aquaculture as an investment and students considering aquaculture as a career, but who have no real background in agriculture and fisheries sciences,will find this book to be a key information source. Introduction to the General Principles of Aquaculture is written with the global market in mind and instructors will find it to be a useful introductory text at the undergraduate level. Persons in advisory capacities such as County Extension Agents, extension service specialists and bureaucrats in various arms of government who have some involvement in the aquaculture field will find it to be a reliable and quick reference.

The foundation of quantitative genetics theory was developed during the last century and facilitated many successful breeding programs for cultivated plants and t- restrial livestock. The results have been almost universally impressive, and today nearly all agricultural production utilises genetically improved seed and animals. The aquaculture industry can learn a great deal from these experiences, because the basic theory behind selective breeding is the same for all species. The ?rst published selection experiments in aquaculture started in 1920 s to improve disease resistance in ?sh, but it was not before the 1970 s that the ?rst family based breeding program was initiated for Atlantic salmon in Norway by AKVAFORSK. Unfortunately, the subsequent implementation of selective breeding on a wider scale in aquaculture has been slow, and despite the dramatic gains that have been demonstrated in a number of species, less than 10% of world aquaculture production is currently based on improved stocks. For the long-term sustainability of aquaculture production, there is an urgent need to develop and implement e- cient breeding programs for all species under commercial production. The ability for aquaculture to successfully meet the demands of an ever increasing human p- ulation, will rely on genetically improved stocks that utilise feed, water and land resources in an ef?cient way. Technological advances like genome sequences of aquaculture species, and advanced molecular methods means that there are new and exciting prospects for building on these well-established methods into the future.

The output from world aquaculture, a multi-billion dollar global industry, continues to rise at a very rapid rate and it is now acknowledged that it will take over from fisheries to become the main source of animal and plant products from aquatic environments in the future. Since the first edition of this excellent and successful book was published, the aquaculture industry has continued to expand at a massive rate globally and has seen huge advances across its many and diverse facets. This new edition of Aquaculture: Farming Aquatic Animals and Plants covers all major aspects of the culture of fish, shellfish and algae in freshwater and marine environments. Subject areas covered include principles, water quality, environmental impacts of aquaculture, desert aquaculture, reproduction, life cycles and growth, genetics and stock improvement, nutrition and feed production, diseases, vaccination, post-harvest technology, economics and marketing, and future developments of aquaculture. Separate chapters also cover the culture of algae, carps, salmonids, tilapias, channel catfish, marine and brackish fishes, soft-shelled turtles, marine shrimp, mitten crabs and other decapod crustaceans, bivalves, gastropods, and ornamentals. There is greater coverage of aquaculture in China in this new edition, reflecting China's importance in the world scene. For many, Aquaculture: Farming Aquatic Animals and Plants is now the book of choice, as a recommended text for students and as a concise reference for those working or entering into the industry. Providing core scientific and commercially useful information, and written by around 30 internationally-known and respected authors, this expanded and fully updated new edition of Aquaculture is a book that is essential reading for all students and professionals studying and working in aquaculture. Fish farmers, hatchery managers and all those supplying the aquaculture industry, including personnel within equipment and feed manufacturing companies, will find a great deal of commercially useful information within this important and now established book. Reviews of the First Edition "This exciting, new and comprehensive book covers all major aspects of the aquaculture of fish, shellfish and algae in freshwater and marine environments including nutrition and feed production." —International Aquafeed "Do we really need yet another book about aquaculture? As far as this 502-page work goes, the answer is a resounding 'yes'. This book will definitely find a place in university libraries, in the offices of policy-makers and with economists looking for production and marketing figures. Fish farmers can benefit greatly from the thematic chapters, as well as from those pertaining to the specific plant or animal they are keeping or intending to farm. Also, they may explore new species, using the wealth of information supplied." —African Journal of Aquatic Science "Anyone studying the subject or working in any way interested in aquaculture would be well advised to acquire and study this wide-ranging book. One of the real 'bibles' on the aquaculture industry." —Fishing Boat World and also Ausmarine

Aquaculture is an increasingly diverse industry with an ever-growing number of species cultured and production systems available to professionals. A basic understanding of production systems is vital to the successful practice of aquaculture. Published with the World Aquaculture Society, Aquaculture Production Systems captures the huge diversity of production systems used in the production of shellfish and finfish in one concise volume that allows the reader to better understand how aquaculture depends upon and interacts with its environment. The systems examined range from low input methods to super-intensive systems. Divided into five sections that each focus on a distinct family of systems, Aquaculture Production Systems serves as an excellent text to those just being introduced to aquaculture as well as being a valuable reference to well-established professionals seeking information on production methods.

Aquaculture has become of the fastest growing segments of agriculture around the world, but until recently many people have been unaware of its existence. The practice of raising fish is centuries old with a rich history of techniques and scientific advances. The History of Aquaculture traces the development of fish farming from its ancient roots to the technologically advanced methods of today. The History of Aquaculture is a comprehensive history of captive fish production from its small scale prehistoric roots through to the large-scale industrialized practices of today. Thirteen chapters take readers chronologically through the evolution of this important discipline. Chapters cover key periods of advancement and trace changes in the field from subsistence fish farming in the Middle Ages through the efforts to build global capacity for fish production to meet the needs of the world's ever growing population. Informative and engaging, The History of Aquaculture will broadly appeal to aquaculture scientists, researchers, professionals, and students. Special Features: Comprehensive history of advances in aquaculture production from prehistoric origins to industrialized practices Written by a revered scientists with decades of experience working in the aquaculture field Engaging and informative it will broadly appeal to individuals involved in all facets of aquaculture

Although some nations, such as Japan, have invested in aquaculture research and developed major aquaculture industries, the opportunities for similar devel opment in the United States remain largely unnoticed. In a typical recent year the United States, which claims 20% of the world's marine fisheries resources, imported seafood worth $4. 8 billion and exported $l. 3 billion. In addition to the $3. 5 billion deficit in food-fish, was another $2. 7 billion deficit for nonedible fishery products. Next to oil, fishery products constituted the second highest drain on the United States balance of payments and accounts for a significant portion of the foreign trade deficit. Furthermore, fish consumption has been increasing in North America. In response to the demand for fishery products, aquaculture managers not only have the opportunity to realize economic profit, but in doing so can make an important contribution to reducing the national debt, providing employment, and enhancing our diet. This book might be considered a farm management text for those in aquaculture. It is intended to provide an introduction to aquaculture principles and an introduction to management, including business and people management, microeconomics, and the concepts of efficiency and productivity. I hope it will bridge the gap between conservationists, the academic community, and commer cial culturists. Abundant references should enable the reader to quickly access literature on most topics germane to the management of culture systems.