Aquaculture without Frontiers (AwF), Aquaculture without Frontiers (AwF) was started in May 2004 with the enthusiasm and dedication of some of the great most recognized leaders in aquaculture throughout the world and members of the World Aquaculture Society. Through the years leadership has changed, management has changed, funding has changed and lik e all things, have also seen programs and directional changes. However, Tthroughout all the changes, the key components have not changed: aquaculture is a great development tool, it can empower society's weakest contributors and it lends itself to primary, secondary and tertiary opportunities throughout the world.
Throughout the world and specifically in developing nations, there are a few identifiable trends observed: people are hungry, protein is deficient, and jobs are scarce . This all leads to food and health insecurity and quite possibly, political unrest. Aquaculture development can alleviate some of these social and economic stressors.
AwF has been involved in several development projects, many may have originally focused on small, independent aquaculture projects, and many others have morphed into larger and more vibrant projects. These seed projects have led to spin off opportunities in several factors sectors including support industries, processing initiatives, sales and marketing, and even education.
By participating In participating isn several AwF supported development projects, it was eye opening to see other NGO supported projects at work, observing the cross over and inclusion potential for greater achievements in development work. Other observations included the health improvement of children and elders where aquaculture took hold, women getting more involved and supporting the development of the industry around them in order to participate, and the creation of buying and selling cooperatives for better management and fiscal responsibility for the groups and expansion into both supporting and secondary divers industries. Continued efforts, support, and involvement of multi skilled volunteers are needed for further developmen t and potential achievements in economic, health and food security for many underserved communities.