From its origins as a fragmented and globally insignificant small-scale activity of thirty years ago, aquaculture has developed rapidly over the last three decades to become an important growth industry worldwide. Aquaculture has confronted and, in the majority of cases, overcome many of the developmental problems that an emerging industry would expect to encounter, and has further faced many other situations in this relatively short period of time that are common to more highly developed and entrenched industries - including sector competition, over production, trade restrictions, over capitalisation, bankruptcies, concern over environmental pollution, and the influence of politics at both the national and international level.

Aquaculture Development - Progress and Prospects seeks to provide aquaculutrists, policy-makers, administrators and scientists with a critical appraisal of the experiences of the last three decades to guide and assist in the formulation and implementation of plans and strategies for the future. With unrivalled experience and expertise the author delivers a perceptive, international review of the development of the industry. The high costs and risks asscciated with aquaculture development and investment and the increasing influence of sociopolitical factors and environmental concerns demand that the lessons of the past shape the policies of the future. Dr Pillay's new book will play a significant part in ensuring that this is so.