Global aquaculture has grow dramatically over the past 50 years to around 52.5 million tones in 2008 worth US$98.5 billon and accounting for around 50 per cent of the world s food fish supply. Asia dominates this production, accounting for 89 per cent by volume and 79 per cent by value, with China by far the largest producer (32.7 million tonnes in 2008). The rapid growth in the region has been driven by a variety of factors, including preexisting aquaculture practices, population and economic growth, relaxed regulatory framework and expanding export opportunities.