December 2006, id21 insights, Issue #65

The importance of fisheries for development

The increasing global demand for fish puts pressure on wild resources. This threatens the contribution of fisheries to poverty reduction and nutritional security in developing countries. Can these trends be reversed?

Other articles in this issue:

Investing in Africa's fisheries

Fisheries contribute to the food security of 200 million Africans and provide income for over 10 million people. They support economic growth through exports and provide environmental services, for example increasing the value of water. However, the potential of the sector is not being fulfilled.

Time to tackle illegal fishing

Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing includes poaching in national waters and unregulated fishing on high seas. It is common when management systems are weak or corrupt, where the value of the fish is high and where enforcing laws is difficult, as it is in remote seas and developing countries.

Aquaculture: benefiting rural and urban people

The global aquaculture industry is growing by ten percent each year - quicker than any other food sector. The most impressive changes are found around the cities of developing countries, particularly south and southeast Asia.

The role of NGOs in fishing

The fisheries sector is highly polarised. At one extreme, semi-industrial export operations create huge benefits for boat owners and generate large foreign exchange earnings. These operations depend on high levels of technology and capital. At the other extreme, communities struggle to survive from small-scale subsistence fishing.

Achieving a sustainable global fish trade

Fish often travel long distances after they are caught, mainly from developing countries to developed countries. Over one third of the world's fish catch for human consumption and reduction (processing fish into fish meal and oil) is traded internationally - the highest ratio for any primary commodity.

FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries

Fish stocks declined worldwide in the late 20th century and the international fish trade is increasing. To guarantee enough fish for future generations, everyone in the fishing industry must help to conserve and manage the world's fisheries.

Glossary of terms

Useful web links

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