Copyright 2007 - Indigenous Enivronmental Network/Indigenous Aquaculture Network
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Strengthening food security, health and community development in a way that reflects Indigenous Sovereignty and Standards  as related to the Water World and its interlinked natural resources through education, empowerment and capacity building by Indigenous Peoples .

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Introduction

The concept behind the Indigenous Aquaculture Network - Eagle-Condor Exchange Project begins with the realization that indigenous cultures are present throughout every major bioregion of the world. As they have for millennia, many indigenous communities are situated near and dependent on water-based resources for livelihoods, health and well-being. Traditional aquaculture practices covering many geographical locations have been reviewed by Beveridge and Little (2002), Costa-Pierce (1987; 2002), Fitzsimmons (2000), Hickling (1962) and Ling (1977). More recently over fishing has depleted many wild fish stocks and in some cases the expansion of modern industrial aquaculture (especially salmon farming in some areas of the Pacific Northwest) threatens indigenous life-ways due to environmental externalities that affect already stressed wild capture fisheries. At present, there is much speculation regarding aquaculture's fit with indigenous communities. On one hand, aquaculture is viewed as a form of economic development. In this regard, aquaculture projects have had decidedly mixed results. On the other hand, the IAN attempts to view the potential of aquaculture from more of a balance between culture and technology that emphasizes traditional knowledge in anchoring and operating fish facilities regardless of the species or system deployed.