Fisheries
Fisheries is the industry and economic sector concerned with the harvesting, processing, and marketing of fish and other aquatic organisms from marine and freshwater environments. The sector encompasses commercial fishing operations, aquaculture (fish farming), processing facilities, and the supply chains that bring seafood products to domestic and international markets. Fisheries play a vital role in global food security, providing a primary source of protein for billions of people, particularly in coastal and island nations. The industry ranges from small-scale artisanal fishing communities to large industrial fleets equipped with advanced technology for locating and catching fish at scale. Key species harvested include tuna, salmon, cod, shrimp, and tilapia, among hundreds of others, with both wild-capture and farmed production contributing to global supply. Fisheries management involves balancing economic activity with sustainability concerns, as overfishing and habitat degradation threaten many fish stocks worldwide. Regulatory frameworks, including quotas, seasonal restrictions, and marine protected areas, aim to ensure long-term viability of fish populations. The sector faces challenges including climate change impacts on ocean ecosystems, illegal fishing, and competition for marine resources. In many developing nations, fisheries represent a significant source of employment, export revenue, and livelihood security for coastal populations. International trade in seafood is substantial, with major exporters including China, Norway, Vietnam, and numerous African and Asian coastal states.
Fisheries Updates
SA: Willie Aucamp: Adress by Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, at DFFE Budget Vote 2026, Parliment, Cape Town (27/05/2026)
27th May 2026 While our mandate is to protect the environment for future generations, we must also use our natural resources to drive economic growth and create... →
How the Iran war could derail Somalia’s fragile recovery
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 14th May 2026 Somalia faces more than spillover effects – these shocks are pushing the country’s long-term recovery further out of reach. The United... →
Extreme heat threatens global food systems, UN agencies warn
By: Reuters 22nd April 2026 Extreme heat is pushing global agrifood systems to the brink, threatening the livelihoods and health of more than a billion people, according to a... →
DA looks forward to wins in conservation and the ocean economy, featuring in SONA 2026
12th February 2026 The DA expects that continued progress in conservation and anti-poaching efforts, led by Minister Willie Aucamp, will feature in the President’s... →
As the BBNJ Agreement takes effect, Africa must lead from the helm
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 19th January 2026 Several steps can ensure that Africa uses its numerical advantage in the agreement to influence critical upcoming negotiations. The watershed BBNJ... →
 |
 |
1 |
 |
 |
