Socioeconomics Of Responsible Aquaculture In Asia K. Viswanathan and E. Genio International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management (ICLARM) P.O. Box 500, GPO 10670 Penang, Malaysia Abstract Aquaculture provided 20% of global fisheries production and 29% of food fish in 1996. Much of the production was from low income food-deficit countries (LIFDCs). Between 1990 and 1996, the average expansion rate of aquaculture in LIFDCs was nearly six times than in non-LIFDCs. The expansion in production is not free of problems, however. Environmental, biological diversity, socioeconomic, and consumer safety issues have been linked to intensive aquaculture. These problems are seen in the context of a need for good governance of aquaculture development. The socioeconomics of responsible aquaculture and approaches of good governance of aquaculture is examined in this paper. Introduction “Socioeconomics” is a very broad word and so is the word “responsible.” For the benefit of all of us, I will clarify what is meant by these two words in the context of this discussion paper. Both these words are important in the social sciences. The social sciences are scientific in the sense that we seek true knowledge about society and its functions. It is the task of social scientist to examine the issues that affect humanity and society and take responsibilities as social engineers for inducing necessary changes in the political process so that better outcomes are realized for the society as a whole. Socioeconomics is made up of two words, “socio” and “economics.” In using the word “socio” the focus is on society, organizations and social well-being. While in using the word “economics,” the attention is on welfare, efficiency and equity. The word “responsible” refers to accountability, knowledge and understanding of one’s actions and a value system that emphasizes the use of the knowledge and understanding of one’s actions for improving the social well-being of society. Responsible also means the participation of governments, stakeholders, users and consumers and their understanding of the ecological support system on which aquaculture production depends on and takes place. Responsible aquaculture is therefore aquaculture activity which is accountable to society and involves the participation of all stakeholders in the decision-making process. Aquaculture’s contribution to world food supplies has been increasing rapidly in recent years and has maintained its position as one of the fastest growing food production activities in the world. Aquaculture provided 20% of global fisheries production and 29% of food fish in 1996 (FAO, 1998). Another important feature of aquaculture is that the low-income food-deficit countries (LIFDCs) feature among the top producers. In 1996, 82 percent or around 27.9 million tons of world total finfish, shellfish and aquatic plant production originated in LIFDCs. The contribution of this group of countries to world production has increased sharply since 1990. The average expansion of aquaculture production in the LIFDCs is nearly six times that in non-LIFDCs. Between 1990 and 89