The World Aquaculture Society was founded in 1969 as the World Mariculture Society. Since it’s beginning the membership in WAS has grown to more than 3,000 members in about 100 countries representing the global aquaculture community. In order to meet the expanding international nature of the Society and to address specific needs in various areas of the world, the WAS has created Chapters in the United States, Japan, Korea, Latin American and Caribbean region and the Asian-Pacific region. Through its diverse membership and international networks, the WAS provides leadership for enhanced international communications, collaboration and information exchange. The World Aquaculture Society is a dynamic organization capable of responding to change and is recognized for its professional credibility in aquaculture science, technology and education. Aquaculture will have to play an increasingly important role in meeting the global demand for fisheries products as the world population continues to expand and fisheries stocks approach their biological limits. Although world aquaculture production reached an all time high of 28.8 million metric tons valued at $45.4 billion (US$) in 1997, aquaculture production will have to expand at least two fold to meet world demand for fisheries products by the year 2025. Aquaculture will also play an important role in economic and community development throughout the world as the world moves to a more global economy. The progressive development and expansion of aquaculture will be dependent on the generation, dissemination, and adoption of knowledge and technology consistent with broad societal, national and international goals. As aquaculture production expands to meet the global demand for fisheries products, it is essential that efficient and environmentally sustainable production systems be developed and utilized.