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This publication analyses and reviews the latest available global statistics and trends in fisheries and aquaculture. Looking at broader issues, it emphasizes the growing need to focus on the many facets of policy and governance and the critical factors that contribute to poverty in small-scale fishing communities, such as: insecure access rights to fishery resources; poor or absent health and educational services; lack of social safety nets; vulnerability to 'natural' disasters and climate change; and exclusion from wider development processes owing to weak organizational structures and inadequate representation and participation in decision-making. Among other topics, it also examines the impacts on the sector of climate change, biodiversity loss, quality certification and product traceability.

It explores the important, yet often underestimated, role of inland fisheries, particularly in many small communities where they make a vital contribution to poverty alleviation and livelihood security. It also points the way forward by encouraging actors at all levels in the sector to make better use of the Internet, GIS, remote sensing and other technological advances to safeguard biodiversity and ensure a sustainable future for the sector. It is intended to give readers an accurate and useful view of the fisheries and aquaculture sector, and to provide an idea of what the future the sector is likely to face and of the tools available to help people around the world put into practice and manage responsible fisheries and aquaculture.