Figure 8.16 Global aquaculture and fisheries. Aquaculture is expanding rapidly around the globe, led by China, the world’s top producer. Virtually all mariculture takes place within countries’ 200-mile coastal territory known as the EEZ (exclusive economic zone). The EEZ is also the site of most commercial fishing, which has greatly depleted wild fish stocks and raised the need for increased mariculture production. (Source: Global Education Project, Fishing and Aquaculture.)