This document is intended for aquaculture development specialists, aquaculture project managers and officials and specialists involved in the planning and management of aquaculture activities. it provides an introduction to rapid rural appraisal and participatory rural appraisal for people working in these fields. the principal components of these two approaches to information collection and planning are described together with the various tools used, with a case-study to illustrate their uses and some of the issues they raise. Possible applications of the approaches for those involved in aquaculture development are given and an outline is provided of the kinds of planning and institutional context where they can be best applied. The problems and shortcomings of the approaches are also discussed and guidelines are given for the use of alternative approaches to information gathering and planning.

The use of participatory approaches was analysed in eight aquaculture case studies from different countries in Asia and one from Africa. The main conclusion was that there are no "absolutes" in manifested in the development process. Participatory approaches proved to be particularly helpful in improving understanding of the role of aquaculture in rural livelihoods and in understanding the attitudes and perceptions of the people involved.

The ecosystem approach to aquaculture provides the conceptual guideline to spatial planning and management. This publication describes the three major steps in spatial planning and management, namely, zoning, site selection and design of an aquaculture management area, or AMA. The rationale for and objectives of each step, the ways (methodologies) to implement it, and the means (tools) that are available to enable a methodology are described in a stepwise fashion. Recommendations to practitioner s and policy-makers are provided. A separate policy brief accompanies this paper. The benefits from spatial planning and management are numerous and include higher productivity and returns for investors, and more effective mitigation of environmental, economic and social risks, the details of which are provided in this paper. This publication is organized in two parts. Part one is the “Guidance”; it is the main body of the document and describes the processes and steps for spatial planning, incl uding aquaculture zoning, site selection and area management. Part two of the publication includes six annexes that present key topics, including: (i) binding and non-legally binding international instruments, which set the context for sustainable national aquaculture; (ii) biosecurity zoning; (iii) aquaculture certification and zonal management; (iv) an overview of key tools and models that can be used to facilitate and inform the spatial planning process; (v) case studies from ten countries – Brazil, Chile, China, Indonesia, Mexico, Oman, the Philippines, Turkey, Uganda and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; and (vi) a workshop report. The country case studies illustrate key aspects of the implementation of spatial planning and management at the national level, but mostly within local contexts.

The objective of the Consultation was to provide FAO and its members with information and advice on the role of small-scale aquaculture in rural development. To this end, participants were asked to analyze and reflect on four keynote papers prepared by selected participants. In addition, four information papers were presented and discussed. This document presents a summary of discussions and principal conclusions reached, followed by abstracts and full versions of the overview and thematic papers plus the abstracts of the information papers.

Aquaculture for both finfish and shellfish is expanding rapidly throughout the world. It is regarded as having the potential to provide a valuable source of protein in less developed countries and to be integrated into the farming systems and livelihoods of the rural poor. This book addresses key issues in aquaculture and rural development, with case studies drawn from several countries in South and South-East Asia. Papers included cover topics ranging from production and technical issues (such as pond culture and rice field fisheries) to social aspects and research and development methodology. The book has been developed from a meeting of the Asian Fisheries Society. It is aimed at all concerned with aquaculture and rural development.

This book is about important relevant recent research topics in sustainable aquaculture practices. A critical assessment of the sustainable fishing methods and the aspect of sustainable aquaculture feed is presented in this volume. A special focus has been given to socio-economic and environmental assessment of aquaculture practices and analysis of carbon footprint under an intensive aquaculture regime. Aquaponics as a niche for sustainable modern aquaculture has been highlighted. The effect of use of pharmaceuticals to prevent fish disease on the surrounding marine environment is an emerging area of concern, and a critical discussion on this aspect is included in the book. The spread of organic waste and nutrients released by fish farms to natural water bodies has raised considerable concerns. Therefore the methods to prevent their dispersion and removal (treatment) have been comprehensively covered in this book. This book is an essential read for academician, researchers, and policy makers in the field of aquaculture.

The book is focused on developing more sustainable aquaculture practices.

This report is based on a review of literature and experience relating to the planning and management of aquaculture development and its integration into coastal area management. It explores in detail how more planned and integrated approaches can be applied to aquaculture development. These approaches range from "enhanced sectorial" initiatives, to incorporation within comprehensive ICM programmes.

Provides annotations to the Principles of Article 9 of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. These annotations are meant to serve as general guidance, and should be taken as suggestions or observations intended to assist those interested in identifying their own criteria and options for actions, as well as partners for collaboration, in support of sustainable aquaculture development.

Rapid Assessment Process is the first introduction to the RAP group of ethnographic methods and techniques that provide field-based research findings for policymakers and program planners. Prepared by an international development professional, it provides clear guidelines on producing high quality research in a fraction of the time taken by traditional ethnography. Visit our website for sample chapters!