This document examines policies that encourage sustainable commercial aquaculture in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Commercial aquaculture - the rearing of aquatic organisms with the goal of maximizing profit - can contribute to food security and alleviation of hunger, directly by producing food fish and indirectly by generating income for the purchase of food, government revenues, improving a country's balance of trade as an export or as an import substitute, stimulating technological advances and bolstering the development of isolated regions. In addition, since it depends on private rather than public funds and is likely to use resources adequately, it is sustainable. However, some forms of commercial aquaculture can cause environmental damage and social conflicts. Stabilization or decline of the capture fisheries, the growing shortage of fish for domestic markets, export opportunities, suitable land and water and cheap labour offer prospects for commercial aquaculture in sub-Saharan Africa. Limited access to credit, shortages and high cost of feed, lack of good quality seed and a low flow of capital investment hamper its development. Good governance, openness to trade, macro-economic growth policies, emphasis on private investment as a source of wealth, land security, tax exemptions and holidays, loan guarantees, debt-equity swaps, promotion of large farms, producer associations, strategic planning and transparent regulatory procedures can stimulate the development of the sector.
