Tapping of the wealth of the oceans has become an urgent need for
the survival of the human race. Most nations are expanding their fish
catching power. Several countries are sending fishing fleets with mother
ships and floating factories into virgin areas of the globe's vast ocean
expanses. Controlled fish cultivation is gaining major significance in many
lands. Man-made reservoirs are being exploited for fish raising also on a
large scale. With regard to fish, the need for a comprehensive resource
management as well as wise and efficient utilization have become paramount
in face of the mounting population pressures. Even the organized
cultivation of the seas, mariculture, now looms as an inevitable and
intriguing task for future generations. All these circumstances are contributing
to bringing into focus the world-wide importance of fish, shellfish,
and other aquatic organisms suitable for food and feed.