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 Fisheries
Fish provides nutritious food, employment and income for millions of people in Asia and the Pacific. In 2001, capture fishery production from this region accounted for half of world production, with aquaculture alone reaching 89 percent of the global aquaculture production of fish and shellfish.

Fisheries are critical to the food security of most countries in the region and, although demand for fish is increasing, the supply from capture fisheries is unlikely to increase unless some fairly far-reaching management measures are introduced. Marine coastal fisheries in particular are either fully or over-exploited. Aquaculture, and to a lesser extent inland fisheries, may provide some opportunities for further increases in fish production in the region, but only if they are managed sustainably.

The FAO regional office, also working through the Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission (APFIC) – a stautory body of the Organization which presently has a membership of 20 countries – is addressing these issues by promoting:

Sound management and sustainable use of resources in fisheries and aquaculture
Development of fisheries and aquaculture techniques
Responsible aquaculture development
Conservation of marine and inland fisheries' resources within the Framework of the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries
Strengthened regional institutions and international collaboration in support of responsible fisheries
Improved fisheries statistics



News
Fish feed scare highlights challenges of aquaculture boom
28 May 2007

American Red Cross and FAO team up to restore fisheries and aquaculture in tsunami-affected communities
Indonesia, 10 May 2007

Asia agrees to reduce trawling and push net fishing
Malaysia, 23 Aug 2006

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Recent Publications

... APFIC regional consultative workshop. Certification schemes for capture fisheries and aquaculture
RAP Publication - 2007/26
[abstract]  [view/download]

... A qualitative assessment of standards and certification schemes applicable to aquaculture in the Asia-Pacific region
RAP Publication - 2007/25
[abstract]  [view/download]

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Upcoming Meetings
Date
Title Location
17-19 Jun 2008 Assessment and Management of the Offshore Resources in South and Southeast Asia

(for information: Simon-Funge Smith)
Bangkok,
Thailand
5-8 Aug 2008 Second Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission Regional Consultative Forum

(for information: Simon-Funge Smith)
Manado,
Indonesia
11-13 Aug 2008 Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission (30th Session)

(for information: Simon-Funge Smith)
Manado,
Indonesia

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