ITEC Programme on Marine Agri-Entrepreneurship and Supply Chain Management (December 4 to 17, 2024)

Abstract

Marine agriculture is increasingly becoming an important producer of aquatic food in coastal areas and a source of employment and income for many coastal communities. Well-planned and -managed Mari cultural-based enterprises can also contribute positively to coastal environmental integrity. Over the last decade, aquaculture production has experienced a substantial increase. Food and Agriculture Organization Report,2024, and the State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture Report, 2024, state that global fisheries and aquaculture production in 2022 amounted to 223.2 million tonnes, reflecting a 4.4 percent increase from 2020. The increased production has been attributed to the growing demand for seafood (marine and brackish waters) in developed countries. Despite the interest in expanding Mari culture to increase seafood production, concerns about its environmental impact and the availability of suitable space are also growing.