The global average catch from the seas is 100 million tonnes, while 50 million tonnes are produced through aquaculture. Most of the seas worldwide are over-exploited as far as the production of sea food is concerned. Development of aquaculture farming is thus a key to meeting the increasing demand for fish and fish products.
The ratio of direct catch from the sea and aquaculture is gradually shifting in favour of the later. Luckily, India is placed in an advantageous position, on both counts. The Indian ocean is less exploited compared with other oceans and has a great stock of seafood. India has a tremendous potential in seafood exports as it is the largest producer of seafood after China.
Aquaculture gaining in prominence
US - Aquaculture will be the mainstay of fish and fish-based production the world over, according to Kristjan Thorarinn Davidsson, managing director and head of global seafood, Glitnir Bank, one of the three major commercial banks of Iceland.