As aquaculture expands in importance globally, there is an increasing need for corresponding economic information, to aid managers, policy-makers and planners. This document seeks to provide a review of the current state of this aquaculture economics information and research base in developing countries, based on a comprehensive compilation of available literature on the subject. A broad integrated view is adopted, encompassing micro- and macro-economics, market analysis, socio-economics and environmental economics, the relationship with non-aquaculture economic activities (household economics), as well as relevant socio-cultural considerations. The circular contains two principal components. First, there is a set of regional assessments (Africa and the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific) reviewing the economics of aquaculture activity, the state of the art in aquaculture economics research, and research priorities for the future, on a region-by-region basis. Second, a set of annotated bibliographies is provided, one for each of the three regions, together with a bibliography of general references. In total, 1 154 references are included: 77 General; 223 for Africa and the Middle East; 133 for Latin America and the Caribbean; and 721 for Asia and the Pacific. Each bibliography documents available literature on the economics of aquaculture systems, emphasizing the most recent literature but also including older literature as relevant to the current state of aquaculture. All bibliographies are indexed according to country, aquatic species, production environment, production system and eight economic subject areas.A broad overview is given of research and information on aquaculture economics in Asia and the Pacific. Following a description of the general state of aquaculture in the region, an examination is made of the available research and information on the various aquaculture systems: inland/freshwater aquaculture; brackishwater /coastal aquaculture; and, marine aquaculture/sea farming. Studies on post-harvest handling, processing, transportation and marketing, and market analysis and development are discussed. Environmental issues and concerns, social equity and women's issues, community-based coastal resources management, technology transfer and macro-economic policies and institutional structures are also analysed. Aquaculture economics research is also assessed, highlighting thrusts, priorities, constraints and needs
