Membership of the World Aquaculture Society connects aquaculturists with their colleagues world-wide through meetings, publications and the Membership Directory. Members receive: substantial discounts on registration fees for WAS meetings; WORLD AQUACULTURE, the magazine; the JOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, and reduced prices on WAS publications (books and proceedings). To join the World Aquaculture Society go to the "Join WAS" link on the menu.

Aquaculture is a dynamic field that is advancing at a rapid pace. It is critical for researchers, producers, businessmen and government officials to stay abreast of current developments. The World Aquaculture Society (WAS) was founded specifically for the purpose of improving communication and information exchange among aquaculture interest groups.

The concept for the Society emerged in 1969, when 45 pioneering aquaculturists met in Louisiana, USA, for two days of informal discussions about their research programs and private enterprises. They felt that the interaction was very helpful and agreed that such meetings should be scheduled regularly and should continue to involve both the research community and the private sector. Accordingly, the World Mariculture Society (later renamed the World Aquaculture Society) was founded in 1970 for the purposes of coordinating meetings and disseminating technical information and news to its members. It is directed by elected officers and board members who serve without compensation.

From its small beginnings in Louisiana, WAS has grown to a society of more than 2,500 members in 85 countries. WAS is also associated with other aquaculture associations such as CAA (Caribbean Aquaculture Society, AAC (Aquaculture Association of Canada), and the Asian Fisheries Society. The United States, Japanese, Latin American, and Asian Pacific Chapters have also been established to focus on aquaculture issues unique to their needs. Other WAS Chapters are proposed throughout the world.