The Near East and North Africa (NENA) region covers 18 countries and territories: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Western Sahara and Yemen with a total land area of 9.8 million km2. The region is mostly arid or semi-arid but has extensive coastlines and includes a wide range of different economies from high income, hydrocarbon-rich countries to low-income states, some of which have been severely impacted by conflict in recent years. NENA aquaculture production was worth USD 2.3 billion in 2018, two-thirds of which came from Egypt and around one-quarter from Saudi Arabia. Production has grown rapidly since the 1980s, more than doubling over ten years and increasing by 50 percent over the five years preceding 2018 to reach 1.7 million tonnes. Egyptian fish farms accounted for 92 percent of production and Saudi Arabia for 4.2 percent while other significant producers included Iraq (25 737 tonnes), Tunisia (21 826 tonnes), Algeria (5 100 tonnes), the United Arab Emirates (3 350 tonnes) and the Syrian Arab Republic (2 350 tonnes). Although current aquaculture production levels are low, all these countries have high ambitions with further developing the sector, often for improved food self-sufficiency.

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circulars All Near East and North Africa countries have sea borders, whereas fresh water resources are scarce. Yet, aquaculture production in the region has doubled over the past decade, with an average annual growth rate of 9.7 percent, and the role of aquaculture in total fish production is steadily increasing. It should be noted that the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Islamic Republic of Iran contributed 74 and 21 percent respectively to total aquaculture output.

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circulars A summary of trends in North America for 2010–2015, this review describes current and evolving aquaculture practices (species, methods, amounts and values) and details the needs of the industry in terms of resources, services and technologies. Environmental impacts are discussed, as well as the industry's response to market demands and opportunities, its contribution to social and economic development, and external pressures on the sector (e.g. climate change).

The present regional review and synthesis for sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) provides an overview of major issues and trends in the aquaculture sector between 2004 and 2014 with emphasis on outstanding issues over the last five years. The regional review reflects development in 41 countries in SSA for which production was reported to FAO in 2014. The production volume and value data have been derived from the latest FAO global aquaculture dataset 1950-2014 (FishStat).

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circulars Whereas aquaculture in Latin America and the Caribbean is progressing at rates above world averages, growth is slowing due to governance, planning and environmental issues, among others. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges facing aquaculture in the region, as well as opportunities for further development.

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circulars While many countries in the Asia-Pacific region have made commendable efforts to set up policies, as well as administrative, legal and regulatory frameworks to properly develop and manage aquaculture, some countries are still lagging behind. And in some of the countries that have made conducive policies, implementation is delayed by a lack of financial and skilled human resources. This issue must be addressed as a priority if the Asia-Pacific aquaculture sector is to continue to develop sustainably.

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circulars Aquaculture is recognized as having the potential to boost growth and jobs in coastal and inland areas in Europe. Policies such as the Blue Growth strategy, the reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the Baltic Sea Region Strategy highlight aquaculture as a key component in achieving economic growth. However, challenges remain, including the lack of a coherent national aquaculture policy.