Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms in inland and coastal areas, involving

intervention in the rearing process to enhance production and the individual or corporate
ownership of the stock being cultivated. Public institutions and agencies in the Philippines
provide substantial support to freshwater aquaculture, through collaborative research,
technology development, and extension. The private sector continues to invest in aquaculture
education, extension, facilities, and equipment. Indeed, aquaculture has achieved rapid
development. Nevertheless, aquaculture has also seen a series of problems emerge. Inevitably,
aquaculture interacts with the environment and society. Rapid development requires that close
attention be paid to potential environmental and social impacts and their prevention. The
development and management of aquaculture is related closely with a variety of legal and
institutional arrangements. Thus, aquaculture raises numerous legal and institutional issues.