ABSTRACT
The production of food by aquaculture involves many dubious assumptions about man and nature. Descriptions of aquaculture systems abound; almost without exception, they bear on the technological aspects of development and ignore discussion of feasibility of development. Most experts in aquaculture development belong to groups of specialists - some from universities or private institutions, some from governmental or intergovernmental agencies. Policies of agencies responsible for aquaculture development projects often have unforeseen effects on projects. The more usual reason for failure is that aquaculture was considered in isolation - a package of technology that could be installed almost anywhere - rather than as part of an intricate natural and social system. Successful aquaculture development in areas formerly considered of little or no value, such as swamp or marsh, can cause the land to accrue value rapidly. Discussion of the technical issues should be accompanied by consideration of policy decisions involving allocation of knowledge about aquaculture systems and allocation of fishery products.
