ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes a Canadian case where similar local opposition emerged to development of aquacultural production. It demonstrates how cod farming because it is regulated by institutions developed for capture fisheries, benefits small-scale fishers primarily, but at the same time restricts cod farming from becoming a major industry. Bilateral and multilateral development agencies are increasing their support for aquacultural development both as a means of increasing foreign exchange earnings by developing countries and to enhance the availability of affordable protein for domestic consumers. In many parts of the world, fish provides a high proportion of all animal protein and the only source affordable by the poor. The relationship between outside promoters of aquacultural development and community organizations is another area where social science research can provide useful insight. Aquaculture's organization of production should be studied as a social phenomenon.
