In Taiwan there are three major types of aquaculture, namely, fresh water pond aquaculture, brackish water pond aquaculture and mariculture. The total acreage of the three types of aquaculture is approximately 60 thousand hectares, with an annual production of about 250 thousand tons. Located in the subtropical region, the environment of Taiwan is suitable for the nursing of aquatic seeds. Through research and improvement of artificial propagation as well as upgrading of technologies in fish farming, nearly 100 aquatic species can now be farmed in Taiwan. In fresh water fish farming, important species include eel, tilapia, carps, giant freshwater prawn, freshwater clams, etc. In brackish water ponds, such species as snapper, milk fish, tiger prawn, and kuruma shrimp are farmed. In shallow sea, the main species farmed are oyster, hard clam and small abalone. In sea cages, the main species include sea breams, groupers, cobia, and yellowtail. For the promotion of rational use of land and water resources, the Government has established specific aquaculture areas in different localities, and efforts have been exerted to encourage the use of recycled water in fish farming and the introduction of pure seawater pond culture and sea ranching.