Marine aquaculture refers to the farming of aquatic organisms in coastal or offshore marine environments, involving controlled interventions to increase production by specific groups claiming ownership of the cultivated stock. Marine aquaculture involves the farming of a high diversity of aquatic organisms, including mollusks, crustaceans, fish, and aquatic plants, amounting to 240 reported species in 2004, cultivated in diverse environments (brackish and marine areas), with different technologies (cages, ponds) and a wide spectrum of production systems operated by distinct groups (individuals, cooperatives, corporations) in several regions of the world.