Fisheries

Fisheries resources from the oceans, rivers and lakes are important sources of food for people in developing countries that can be acquired at a relatively low cost. Nearly 20% of animal protein intake in developing countries is dependent upon fisheries, according to FAO. The fisheries industry is also a valuable means of securing food and livelihood for people without land or steady income. It provides a valuable livelihood for poorer segments of the population and women as well. Developing countries account for 49% of the world's exports of fisheries products in monetary terms and 59% in volume terms (2005), making this industry vital to the economies of these nations.

Global production volume of fisheries products increased almost sevenfold between 1950 (approximately 20 million tons) and 2006. Production volume of marine fisheries hit a peak and has reached its limit after the 1990s. Amid increasing pressure on marine resources, production volume in the fish farm industry has continued to grow since the 1990s, and now accounts for one-third of total fisheries production.

Marine resources around developing countries have also started to diminish and, in some cases, even become depleted. Unlike mineral resources, which diminish as they are extracted, marine resources such as fish and shellfish actively propagate and grow within the natural environment. As long as catches can be controlled within the reproductive range, the utilization of marine resources are sustainable into the future. However, this notion of managing resources is not yet pervasive among fishermen in developing countries. In fact, impoverished living conditions tend to force non-sustainable use of these resources. Managing and preserving fisheries resources and encouraging a sustainable fisheries industry are key challenges.