FISHINFONetwork (FIN)
FISHINFONetwork (FIN)
Having access to relevant, up-to-date and reliable information is one of the primary fish marketing problems for exporters and producers, particularly in developing countries and countries in transition.
To address this, FAO in the mid-seventies initiated a series of projects to set up a global network of markets and trade promotion information and technical advisory services aimed at the improvement of trade in fisheries and aquaculture products both from and among developing countries.
Today, the FISHINFONetwork (FIN) consists of six independent intergovernmental and governmental organizations plus FAO GLOBEFISH.
The network provides services to private industry and to governments and it is also widely known for its range of publications and periodicals as well as for the organization of international conferences, events, workshops, and training seminars on seafood commodities and developing trends, offering experts the opportunity to share their views in person.
In particular, FIN promotes trade in fisheries and aquaculture products by:
- providing up-to-date information on markets and prices;
- bringing buyers and sellers together in international conferences;
- organizing trainings for industry and governments on requirements of the main markets.
FIN offers information in several languages on international trade of fisheries and aquaculture products, including market studies, fish price reports and statistical information.
INFOPESCA - Latin America and Caribbean
INFOPESCA is the oldest organization in FIN and was established in 1977. It is based in Uruguay and concentrates on the fisheries in Latin America
INFOFISH - Asia and Pacific
Established in 1981, INFOFISH is the leading source of marketing support for fish producers and exporters in the Asia (Pacific region), which includes some of the largest fishing nations in the world. It was established in 1981 with the headquarters located in Puchong, Malaysia
INFOPECHE - Africa
INFOPÊCHE is the African Fisheries Information service and is based in, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. It was established in 1985 as a project implemented by FAO
INFOSAMAK - Arab Region
INFOSAMAK was first established in Manama, Bahrain, in 1986 and then moved to Morocco in 2000. INFOSAMAK provides the Arab speaking countries with information and assistance on trade in fishery and aquaculture products and encourages the promotion of investments in the sector.
EUROFISH - Europe
Initially created in 1996 as the EASTFISH project of FAO, in 2002 it became the International Organization for the Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Europe (EUROFISH). EUROFISH serves the needs of the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Europe and surrounding countries.
INFOYU - China
In 1997, GLOBEFISH assisted China in setting up the special information unit INFOYU, which then became a part of FIN. INFOYU is the Chinese member of the network and is based in Beijing
Success stories
The experiences of FAO GLOBEFISH and FIN have been included in a publication highlighting FAO success stories, demonstrating how the network has played a vital role in collecting and sharing fish trade information world-wide.