Abstract

Aquaculture is essential for meeting the demand of food and nutrition nationwide. This chapter outlines the significant importance of aquaculture and its role in food security. In addition to this it also identified the challenges and opportunities in the global perspective. We have presented the current trends in the sector, like production and human consumption, majorly in developing countries. The sector has a positive impact on households, employment and fostered economic growth in both rural and coastal areas. In 2022, aquatic animal foods production reached 185 million tonnes globally, with Asia being the highest consumption region. These foods provide high-quality proteins, nutrients, minerals and vitamins, which are important for human nutrition. However, there are significant challenges faced by this sector, including the impact of climate change and environmental degradation, which are severe threats to biodiversity and local ecosystems and the imbalance between fish supply and demand, which results in an increase in prices. Challenges in production facilities, including feed supply and usage of antibiotics in inland aquaculture, are also major threats. However, aquaculture also has many opportunities to enhance food security worldwide. So, adopting sustainable practices and implementing eco-friendly technologies are necessary for the growth of aquaculture, maintenance of ecosystem health and to improve food security. Encouraging small-scale and community-based aquaculture, providing accessibility to training and technology and encouraging regional collaboration and knowledge sharing are crucial for the development of the sector.