The rate of growth and transformation of global aquaculture has been impressive, averaging 7% annual growth since 2001 (Fig. 1). Moreover, beginning in 2013, the farmed supply of seafood began to exceed that of wild-caught seafood, with aquaculture production supplying 50.9% of total seafood (FAO 2015). The effect of the growth and development of aquaculture globally can also be viewed in terms of the number of aquatic animals for which farmed supply now exceeds that of captured supply (Table 1 presents some examples). The importance and value of such growth is further underscored by the apparent leveling off in the supply of capture-based fisheries species. As global populations continue to increase, aquaculture will only become more important as a solution to meet the increasing demand for protein.

Figure 1. Total global supply of seafood, wild-caught, and farmed, 1950–2013. Source: FAO (2015)

Research and extension/technology transfer efforts have, over the years, led to development of new technologies that have resulted in an evolution from extensive pond production into a variety of forms of intensively managed and aerated plankton-based systems, and further into heterotrophic biofloc systems. Indoor, land-based systems have emerged that allow aquaculture in areas where land or water prices are too high to support pond-based production. Salmon ranching efforts eventually led to net pen production that became economically viable through a series of technological advances. The proliferation of offshore mariculture production of a variety of marine species has become possible through research breakthroughs in the development of viable offshore technologies. Science, along with on-farm research and development, continues to provide increased knowledge and new technologies that enhance on-farm efficiencies that enable aquaculture entrepreneurs to be successful.

The growth and expansion of aquaculture is clearly a success story of entrepreneurs who overcame challenges and obstacles with strong research and extension support. However, new problems and issues continue to emerge. Aquaculture managers solve many of these on their farms, but the more difficult ones require the best scientific minds and efforts to find solutions. Global aquaculture also needs for the scientific community to identify those issues likely to be important over the next 5–10 yr and begin to work now to develop answers to the questions that will emerge in the future.

The world has become a much smaller and far more inter-connected society than ever before. The vast majority of seafood is traded internationally, with much of the trade flowing from developing nations to more developed countries. International trade inevitably is accompanied by conflicts over a variety of issues. While international organizations work to develop harmonized sets of regulations and standards, the disparity among regulatory frameworks of different countries and trading partners has led to serious questions and conflicts related to food safety, spread of animal and human pathogens, and unfair trade practices, among others.

As human populations continue to grow, the effect of its footprint will also grow and lead to ever greater concerns over issues such as environmental degradation, climate change, energy sources, and food security for human populations. For the future to be bright, food production systems must become increasingly more sustainable environmentally, socially, and economically.

The role played by the scientific advancements published in the Journal of the World Aquaculture Society (JWAS) is more vital than ever. Aquaculture has tremendous potential to meet the protein needs of a still-growing human population. Science and technological development will continue to be required to provide solutions to the continuously emerging challenges and obstacles faced by aquaculture entrepreneurs around the world.

The commitment of the JWAS to global aquaculture is expressed in its Aims and Scope Statement as follows:

“The Journal of the World Aquaculture Society (JWAS) is a scientific journal devoted to the advancement of technological innovations and solutions to major issues facing the growth of global aquaculture. For over four decades, JWAS has represented the part of the World Aquaculture Society's overall mission that is devoted to effective dissemination of information, focusing on global aquaculture science, growth of aquaculture industries, and development and growth of sustainable aquaculture enterprises of all scales.”

In an effort to provide improved scientific support to the growth of aquaculture worldwide, the JWAS has been re-structured into the following categories:

“Review papers provide a compilation and synthesis of the research literature on a topic of historical and/or current significance relevant to a species, production system, research methodology, national or international set of policies, science basis for regulatory processes or emerging challenges or opportunities for aquaculture growth and development.”

“Applied studies provide scientifically rigorous and applicable information for technological, management, policy, and science-based regulatory improvements that enhance productivity, marketability, food safety, consumer acceptance, and public values and understanding, or otherwise contribute to growth and development of sustainable aquaculture.”

“Fundamental studies report results of novel research that reveal underlying mechanisms or test hypotheses related to basic biological, chemical, physical or socioeconomic theories relevant to sustainable growth and development of aquaculture.”

Papers are being solicited for each of the above categories that encompass the broad spectrum of disciplines and expertise needed to solve critical issues and problems faced by aquaculture growers worldwide. Papers are encouraged that address applied issues related to on-farm management and technology transfer as well as those that identify biological mechanisms that underlie the growth, survival, and condition of cultured plants and animals. These include all aspects of production technologies and management, post-harvest handling, processing, and marketing as well as issues related to inputs into production, such as feeds, equipment development, and other advances. Inter-disciplinary papers that explicitly address issues of: 1) sustainability in terms of environmental effects, social effects, and economic viability; 2) animal welfare; 3) pathogens, epidemiology, and disease risk; 4) biodiversity, invasive species, and conservation; and 5) policy development and regulatory processes are encouraged.

Issue 47(1) introduces the new structure for the JWAS, a re-vamped editorial board, and a new cover. On behalf of the Editorial Board of the JWAS, we look forward to continuing the long-standing mission of the World Aquaculture Society to disseminate scientific and technological innovations that assist global aquaculture to continue its growth and development.

Republished from Journal of World Aquaculture Society by permission of the author and publisher