The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture

As most of the world's capture fisheries have apparently reached their maximum potential and the majority of stocks are now fully exploited, the future is not likely to bring substantial increases in the total catch from these fisheries.

In contrast, growth in aquaculture production is continuing.

Reporting in detail on the status of resources and ecosystems and on production, utilization, trade and consumption patterns this publication confirms a number of global supply and demand trends.

Consumers' concerns are addressed in relation to a number of issues such as fish quality and safety and the use of genetically modified organisms in fisheries.

The welfare of fishermen - which is possibly the most dangerous occupation in the world - is considered in separate studies on safety and fishing community cultures.