As a contribution to the implementation of the Code of Conduct, especially of Article 9 (Aquaculture Development) the Department undertakes numerous activities related to promotion of responsible aquaculture. These activities result in the production, dissemination and promotion of international technical and policy guidance documents on approaches, frameworks and processes facilitating the effective adoption and implementation of responsible practices and measures in aquaculture, at various levels, including production, input supplies, post-harvest domains, as well as sectoral management and governance institutions. Major emphasis in developing such normative and practical technical guidelines is given on aquaculture resource use and management, risk assessment, management and communication, consultation and participation of producers, government and science stakeholders as well as concerned social and environmental interests. These activity outputs consist in:

• Development of information systems and databases;
• Reviews of status and trends in resources, technology, production systems and management (including social and economic implications);
• Development of principles and conceptual objectives for the sector;
• Assessment of aquaculture development potentials;
• Elaboration of management plans;
• Guidelines on water management, health management, and other aspects of farm management;
• Development of an ecosystem approach to aquaculture (EAA);
• Integrating aquaculture with agriculture (IAA) and irrigation; developing new technologies;
• Analysis and mitigation of environmental risks and impacts effects including genetic impacts;
• Support to the Committee on Fisheries Sub-Committee on Aquaculture and support to regional fishery commissions dealing with aquaculture.

The analyses are conducted globally and tailored to specific regions.