Freshwater aquaculture

Freshwater aquaculture is the intervention in the rearing process to enhance the production of aquatic organisms including fish, mollusks, crustaceans and aquatic plants that naturally live in freshwater bodies such as lakes, streams, and ponds. Such forms of intervention include regular stocking, feeding, farming and breeding, and protecting these aquatic species. The aquaculture industry has become the world's fastest growing food-producing sector with a growth rate of 10% annually since 1984 and is valued at over $56 billion. With 50% of global fish products originating from developing countries, freshwater aquaculture provides significant income and benefits to poor rural communities in many developing countries by enhancing food security and improving the livelihoods of poor people.