Larval fish drift and distribution patterns were studied in the River Lohajang, a tributary of the River Jamuna, Bangladesh, during the monsoon seasons (June ‐ October) of 1992, 1993 and 1994. Larval fish drift peaks with the water levels of the River Jamuna. In all three years, the Indian carp, Catla catla, Labeo rohita L. and Cirrhinus mrigala, were associated with the first pulses, but were absent from drift samples after September. Hilsa species and other non‐identified fish species were found throughout the monsoon season. The highest larval fish densities were found in the upper strata of the river, near the shore. The drift densities of these fish became evenly distributed through time. Water turbidity probably influenced the vertical and horizontal distribution, and the absence of diel patterns. The most important species in the larval drift were Hilsa spp., followed by Labeo rohita L., Glossogobius giuris L. and Rasbora daniconius. Among the major carp, Labeo rohita was the dominant species, contributing 80‐90%. The impact of flood control programmes on the reproduction of riverine and larval fish drift is discussed.

The influence of macro-economic factors on production and consumption of aquatic products in the world was evaluated. World aquaculture production and its growth were analysed in terms of commodities, species, countries and regions. Special attention was given to interpreting the consequences of the results obtained on policy and planning of future aquaculture development.The consumption of both aquafood and meat increased significantly with income on a per caput basis in the world. The ratio aquafood:meat decreased with increasing per caput income, stressing the relative importance of aquafood in low-income countries. A significant correlation between the consumption of aquafood and aquaculture production was found for Asia, Europe and on a world-wide scale and it is therefore argued that fisheries pave the way for aquaculture development. Growth of finfish culture tends to correlate with agricultural growth. Africa and Latin America have low aquaculture productions compared with their aquafood consumption. These regions offer the highest probability for rapid growth in aquaculture production in the near future.