Global markets for fish and fish products have changed considerably over the past few decades and continue to do so, with ever growing interactions across countries and continents. Change has brought substantial benefits to the world economy and a number of policy challenges for governments.

OECD helps policy makers better understand the process of fisheries globalisation so that, on the one hand, the opportunities that are created are not missed while, on the other, the risks are addressed appropriately.

The core of the fisheries policy response to globalisation should be to build communities resilient to both natural fisheries fluctuations and adjustment pressures. This includes a strategy of reducing dependence on the fishery, upgrading workforce skills and improving mobility, both geographically and into other professions.

Further reading

Globalisation in Fisheries and Aquaculture: Opportunities and Challenges Global markets for fish and fish products have changed considerably over the past few decades and continue to do so,with ever growing interactions across countries and continents. Change has brought substantial benefits to the world economy and a number of policy challenges for governments. To meet these challenges, without compromising the advantages of increasing market interactions, countries must develop and implement fisheries management frameworks and aquaculture strategies that accommodate globalisation without undermining resource sustainability. » Read the complete report online

• Problems of scale: globalisation and fisheries
  An article from the OECD Observer magazine looking at the pressures placed on fisheries by consumers, retailers, producers and fishers alike.
• Workshop on Globalisation in Fisheries and Aquaculture, April 2007
  Read the presentations of participants from different points on the spectrum of fisheries and aquaculture.
• Globalisation and Fisheries: Proceedings of an OECD-FAO Workshop
  This publication presents a wide range of experiences and points of view from every part of the value chain of the fisheries industry, including fishers, processors, consumers, NGOs, restaurant and retail chains, as well as government and academic experts.