FISHERIES

The world's fishery resources are an important source of protein as well as employment and economic revenue. The historical developments as well as the future prospects of the sector are conditioned, to a significant extent, by the wild characteristic of the resource and the fact that, for more species, the levels of production are limited by nature. This has three important consequences. First, beyond certain levels, additional investment in fishing effect does not produce additional yields and, in many cases, actually leads to declines in total catch as well as to economic waste. Second, with growing demand and limited supplies, the real prices of fish products inevitably increase. The third major result is that limited natural supplies and high prices serve to stimulate increased production through the cultivation of those species that allow it.

FAO is recognized by the international community as a leading international organization dealing, inter alia, with conservation and rational utilization of living aquatic resources. It provides, on request of Members, technical assistance in all aspects of fisheries and aquaculture management and development. Implementing the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and other international fisheries instruments is the major challenge in developing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. FAO's assistance to Member Countries in these endeavours is focused on the following five areas:

- Extensive analysis and advice, including assessment of the state of world fishery resources and aquaculture, as well as assistance with strategies and technologies for sustainable food dish production;
- Promotion of appropriate policies and technologies for more effective and efficient use of resources by fisheries and aquaculture industries;
- Developing and promoting the adoption of technical standards and international norms for improved utilization, trade, quality and safety of fishery and aquaculture products;
- Assisting Members in forecasting emergencies and disasters affecting fisheries and aquaculture, e.g. as they relate to important natural fluctuations in production (El Niño); meteorological disasters (cyclones, etc.); pollution (fish poisoning, oil spills); massive food contamination (cholera); or disease outbreaks (in aquaculture);
- Improved access to high quality and timely information in support of responsible fisheries, aquaculture and trade. A Fisheries Global Information System (FIGIS) has been recently developed to provide comprehensive information and statistics, in support of analysis, policy-making and planning.

• Fisheries Resources and Aquaculture
  
• Fisheries Exploitation and Utilization
  
• Fisheries Policy and Management

• Fisheries Department
  
• State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture
  
• Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries
  
• Fisheries Global Information System (FIGIS)
  
• GLOBEFISH
  
• FISH INFOnetwork