Chemicals in Asian aquaculture: need, usage, issues and challenges

This paper outlines the opening introductory presentation made at the “Expert Meeting on the Use of Chemicals in Aquaculture in Asia,” which was held 20-22 May 1996 at the SEAFDEC facilities in Tigbauan, Iloilo, the Philippines. Its purpose is to provide a balanced and realistic perspective on the needs, issues and challenges with respect to the use of chemicals in Asian aquaculture. We hope to assist participants in identifying development opportunities and in differentiating real hazards from hypothetical threats to cultured organisms, end-users and the environment as a consequence of chemical use. We do not attempt to provide answers to issues related to chemicals in Asian aquaculture, but rather offer some basic directives and opportunities to the workshop participants to assist them in their discussions and in the compilation of realistic recommendations