To meet the rising demand, the total world fish production
reached a stunning 142.3 million tonnes in 2008 (81% for human
consumption). Of this total amount, 52.5 million tonnes was produced
in aquaculture but the remaining majority was captured in
the wild. High fishing rates have created an alarming situation for
marine fish stocks. About 85% of them were either fully exploited,
overexploited, depleted, or recovering from depletion in 2008. In
the light of these declining stocks and adverse effects of exploitation
of natural resources, aquaculture is increasingly seen as the key
player to ensure the future supply of fish. World aquaculture has
grown tremendously over the past 50 years, from a production of
less than 1 million tonnes in the early 1950s to 52.5 million tonnes
in 2008, excluding aquatic plants. Aquaculture currently contributes
to about half of the world’s human fish food supply, which is
largely destined for industrialised markets (FAO, 2010).