This document presents a strategy and outline plan for improving information on the status and trends of aquaculture. The Strategy-STA is a voluntary instrument that applies to all states and entities. Its overall objective is to provide a framework, strategy and plan for the improvement of knowledge and understanding of status and trends of aquaculture as a basis for policy-making and management. Required actions are specified, with a primary emphasis on the need for capacity building in developing countries. The basic structure and guiding principles of the strategy for capture fisheries are retained and adjustments are made as necessary to meet the specific needs of aquaculture.--Publisher's description.

Several working documents, including 'State of world aquaculture 2006' and 'Prospective analysis of future aquaculture development' were presented at the meeting for information, discussion and decision by the Sub-Committee. The Sub-Committee agreed to the International Principles for Responsible Shrimp Farming. The Sub-Committee requested the Secretariat to ensure implementation of priority activities during the intersessional period. The Sub-Committee agreed that its next session should be held in 2008 and appreciated the offer by the Government of Chile to host it.

This issue of The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture aims to provide objective, reliable and up-to- ate data and information to a wide range of readers – policy-makers, managers, scientists, stakeholders and indeed all those interested in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. As always, the scope is global and the topics many and varied. This edition uses the latest official statistics on fisheries and aquaculture to present a global analysis of trends in fish stocks, production, processing, utilization, trade and consumption. It also reports on the status of the world’s fishing fleets and analyses the make-up of human engagement in the sector. Twenty years on from the introduction of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Conduct, and now with the recently adopted Sustainable Development Goals, 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Paris Agreement, and the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines, the focus on governance and policy has never been greater. This edition covers recent developments as they relate to fisheries and aquaculture, and reports, inter alia, on the Common Oceans ABNJ Program, FAO’s Blue Growth Initiative and efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. It also discusses issues such as valuing inland fisheries, cutting bycatch and promoting decent work. Other topics highlighted include: nutrition; aquatic invasive alien species; responsible inland fisheries; resilience in fisheries and aquaculture; and governance of tenure and user rights.

Several working documents, including 'State of world aquaculture 2006' and 'Prospective analysis of future aquaculture development' were presented at the meeting for information, discussion and decision by the Sub-Committee. The Sub-Committee agreed to the International Principles for Responsible Shrimp Farming. The Sub-Committee requested the Secretariat to ensure implementation of priority activities during the intersessional period. The Sub-Committee agreed that its next session should be held in 2008 and appreciated the offer by the Government of Chile to host it.

The sixth session of the Sub-Committee on Aquaculture of the FAO Committee on Fisheries was held in Cape Town, South Africa from 26 to 30 March 2012 at the kind invitation of the Government of South Africa. It was attended by 47 members of FAO and by observers from seven intergovernmental and three international non-governmental organizations. Several working documents were presented by the Secretariat for information, discussion and decision by the Sub-Committee. A consultative seminar on the Committee for Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture for Africa review was also held after the plenary session of the Sub-Committee from 26 to 27 March 2012 and the outcome was reported to the plenary. A Special Event on Genetic Resources and Technologies in Aquaculture Development was also held during the session. This document contains the report of the session adopted by the Sub-Committee. Ce document contient le rapport de la session tel qu'adopte par le Sous-Comite. El presente documento contiene el informe de la sesion adoptado por el Subcomite. "