Book excerpt: Annotation Aquaculture provides an attractive alternative to capture fisheries where the majority of species are overexploited and an increased yield potential is unlikely. This document reviews the standards for water and fish product quality, looks at the parameters of greatest importance to aquaculture, and discusses the scientific basis for these standards. Containing information from current literature and government standards, it provides practical, cost-effective guidelines to determine whether the quality of the proposed source water will present a significant risk to the success of a project.