NACA's vision is to assist member governments to improve opportunities for sustainable aquaculture development and aquatic resources management to contribute to social and economic development in the Asia-Pacific region. Based on this vision, its mission will be:
- To support cooperation in research and development with a focus on rural development through aquaculture and improved aquatic resources management.
- To support institutional strengthening and development of policies for sustainable aquaculture and improved aquatic resources management.
In line with this mission, the following seven principles will be adhered to:
- A basic shift in emphasis from aquaculture development to aquaculture for development, and attaining social and economic development objectives;
- Further emphasis on environmental sustainability and efficient use of natural resources through responsible aquaculture;
- Harnessing and integrating both science- based and indigenous knowledge to improve aquaculture technology, systems and management;
- Increasing use of information technology to develop and deliver environmentally sustainable innovations in aquaculture and promote cooperation in aquaculture research and development;
- Strategic shift in the networking structure from institutional to more people-centered networking and broader stakeholder participation in the network;
- Increasing reliance on technical cooperation among states; and
- Greater participation and more active involvement in inter- regional co- operative actions
