Dear readers,

In this brief article we are going to explore the trends of Aquaculture Market in Thailand.

Since commercial fisheries are being exploited at or above their maximum sustainable yield, aquaculture is playing an increasing role as a supplier of protein to the world’s population. Thailand has for decades proved itself to be a country of high potential and success in aquaculture. The increasing importance of aquaculture, both brackish water and freshwater, is a substantial part of the country’s economic development. Further development of aquaculture is, therefore, in the national interest. A consensus is developing that a dramatic increase in aquaculture is needed to supply both domestic and foreign growing aquatic food needs.

The continued growth and competitive position of the Thai aquaculture industry in a global marketplace will be directly related to the resources invested in research and technology development. The diversity of species cultured and of production systems employed presents added challenges for the future aquaculture research agenda.

There are opportunities to substantially improve production efficiency through research in the areas of genetics, improve traditional animal breeding, brood stock development; aquatic animal health, i.e. population health management, pathogen-free and disease resistant brood stock; reproduction and early development, i.e. year-round maturation and production; and growth, development and nutrition, i.e. increased survival, faster growth rates, better feed conversion rates, improved environmental tolerances, etc.

Research can lead to new techniques to improve the freshness, colour, flavour, texture, taste, nutritional characteristics and shelf life of cultivated products. Practical technologies can be developed to detect, test and reduce toxins, contaminants, and residues in aquaculture products. Development and adoption of uniform quality standards throughout the aquaculture industry and assurance of product safety and high quality will improve consumer confidence in domestically cultivated faunas.

There is a need to expand and improve extension educational programmes, to involve industry and researchers, to communicate promising research results which demonstrate profitable technologies, and to educate consumers and the public. There is also a need for other support services to the aquaculture industry including public information access and retrieval systems, aquatic plant and animal health services, marketing services, statistical and economic support services, etc.

Aquaculture in Thailand will continue to be an increasingly vital function in maintaining low-input aquaculture as supplier of protein for domestic consumption. It will also develop a into a highly competitive, sustainable aquaculture industry to meet consumer demand for cultivated aquatic foods and products that are of high quality, safe, competitively priced, and nutritious and are produced in an environmentally responsible manner with maximum opportunity for profitability in all sectors of the export industry.