Aquaculture refers to culturing aquatic animals like fish, shrimp, and shellfish. It began over 4000 years ago when Sumerians kept fish in ponds. Ancient Egyptians, Romans, Chinese, and Indians also engaged in early forms of fish culture. In modern times, aquaculture has expanded globally and plays an important role in food production, economic growth, and employment. A wide variety of fish, shellfish, algae and other aquatic species are now farmed using advanced techniques.