This book deals with all cultured crustaceans of commercial significance - shrimp, prawns, crayfish, lobsters, crabs, spiny lobsters - and examines the criteria by which both the feasibility and desirability of culture proposals are assessed. The characteristics and production methods of cultured and candidate crustacean species are described in sufficient detail to enable areas for profitable involvement to be distinguished from other opportunities presenting only very high risks and possibilities for serious loss. Coverage extends right from brood stock acquisition and management through the operation of hatcheries, nurseries and on-growing units to key aspects of processing and marketing. The following areas are covered within the volume: History, status and potential - The world market for crustaceans - Candidate species - Culture options - Site selection - Project implementation - Economics - Social and environmental impacts - Technical constraints - Research advances and priorities - General conclusions.