The
2022 edition of The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture coincides with the
launch of the Decade of Action to deliver the Global Goals, the United Nations
Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and the United Nations
Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. It presents how these and other equally
important United Nations events, such as the International Year of Artisanal
Fisheries and Aquaculture (IYAFA 2022), are being integrated and supported
through Blue Transformation, a priority area of FAO’s new Strategic Framework
2022–2031 designed to accelerate achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development in food and agriculture.
The
concept of Blue Transformation emerged from the Thirty-fourth Session of the
FAO Committee on Fisheries in February 2021, and in particular the Declaration
for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, which was negotiated and endorsed by
all FAO Members. The Declaration calls for support for “an evolving and
positive vision for fisheries and aquaculture in the twenty-first century,
where the sector is fully recognized for its contribution to fighting poverty,
hunger and malnutrition.” In this context, Part 1 of this edition of The State
of World Fisheries and Aquaculture reviews the world status of fisheries and
aquaculture, while Parts 2 and 3 are devoted to Blue Transformation and its
pillars on intensifying and expanding aquaculture, improving fisheries
management and innovating fisheries and aquaculture value chains. Blue
Transformation emphasizes the need for forward-looking and bold actions to be
launched or accelerated in coming years to achieve the objectives of the
Declaration and in support of the 2030 Agenda. Part 4 covers current and high
impact emerging issues – COVID-19, climate change and gender equality – that
require thorough consideration for transformative steps and preparedness to
secure sustainable, efficient and equitable fisheries and aquaculture, and
finally draws some outlook on future trends based on projections.
The
State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture aims to provide objective, reliable
and up-to-date information to a wide audience – policymakers, managers,
scientists, stakeholders and indeed everyone interested in the fisheries and
aquaculture sector.