ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of important indigenous and introduced aquacultural taxa in various parts of the world. Some genera of fish and shellfish dominate the international aquaculture scene. The Japanese have approached aquaculture in a scientific way during the past several decades and are recognized as world leaders in the field. The culture of molluskan species is of major importance throughout southeastern Asia. Atlantic salmon production takes place mainly in the northwestern coastal countries, especially Norway and Scotland. In the Mediterranean countries, mullets, European eel, seabream, and seabass are cultivated on a relatively minor scale. The Food and Agriculture Organization recently listed several hundred species reported to be cultivated throughout the world. Many more African, Australian, North American, South American and Central American species have yet to be examined for aquaculture potential. A major problem in aquacultural development is that exotic species introduced into an area for aquacultural purposes can escape and establish themselves in the natural systems.
