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. The WAS is associated with other aquaculture associations such as the Aquaculture Association of Canada, Aquaculture Association of South Africa, Aquaculture without Frontiers, Asian Fisheries Society, Brazilian Society of Aquaculture and Aquatic Biology, China Society of Fisheries, Egyptian Aquaculture Society, European Aquaculture Society, Indonesian Aquaculture Society, Korean Aquaculture Society, Malaysian Fisheries Society, Society of Aquaculture Professionals (India) and Spanish Society of Aquaculture. 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.