Regular reporting and monitoring of fishery and aquaculture production using genetic information, i.e. using information on stocks, breeds, monosex groups, polyploids, products of modern biotechnology and hybrids, would allow aquaculturists to assess which breeds or strains could be most useful for production, and help fishery managers better manage and trace products from capture fisheries. Genetic information would be useful to both aquaculturists and fishery managers in assessing which stocks are under threat or endangered and in traceability requirements for the origin and handling of aquatic food products. However, the capacity and information requirements for incorporating genetic information into national and global statistics are significant and, in many cases, currently prohibitive. A key source of information for this paper was the reports currently being submitted to the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department by countries as part of the process to produce the first report on The State of the World’s Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (SoW AqGR). Through this country-driven process, FAO is receiving information on stocks, varieties, strains and other farmed types that are currently being used in aquaculture and fisheries or that are being actively researched for future use. The country reports will further attempt to include relevant policies and constraints relating to the collection and monitoring of genetic data.

The conservation, sustainable use and development of aquatic genetic resources (AqGR) is critical to the future supply of fish. The State of the World’s Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture is the first ever global assessment of these resources, with the scope of this first Report being limited to cultured AqGR and their wild relatives, within national jurisdiction. The Report draws on 92 reports from FAO member countries and five specially commissioned thematic background studies. The reporting countries are responsible for 96 percent of global aquaculture production. The Report sets the context with a review of the state of world’s aquaculture and fisheries and includes overviews of the uses and exchanges of AqGR, the drivers and trends impacting AqGR and the extent of ex situ and in situ conservation efforts. The Report also investigates the roles of stakeholders in AqGR and the levels of activity in research, education, training and extension, and reviews national policies and the levels of regional and international cooperation on AqGR. Finally, needs and challenges are assessed in the context of the findings from the data collected from the countries. The Report represents a snapshot of the present status of AqGR and forms a valuable technical reference document, particularly where it presents standardized key terminology and concepts.

This report summarizes the proceedings and outcomes of the Expert Workshop on “Incorporating information on wild relatives of aquaculture species into an information system for aquatic genetic resources” held from 2 to 3 August 2022. The workshop aimed to discuss the expansion of the FAO Aquatic Genetic Resources Information System (AquaGRIS) in order to also include information on wild relatives (i.e. wild stocks) of aquaculture species. AquaGRIS, the system being developed by the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, will help countries and stakeholders to inventory national aquatic genetic resources (AqGR) used for aquaculture and monitor the status of their management.

The 2018 edition of The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture emphasizes the sector’s role in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, and measurement of progress towards these goals. It notes the particular contributions of inland and small-scale fisheries, and highlights the importance of rights-based governance for equitable and inclusive development. As in past editions, the publication begins with a global analysis of trends in fisheries and aquaculture production, stocks, processing and use, trade and consumption, based on the latest official statistics, along with a review of the status of the world’s fishing fleets and human engagement and governance in the sector. Topics explored in Parts 2 to 4 include aquatic biodiversity; the ecosystem approach to fisheries and to aquaculture; climate change impacts and responses; the sector’s contribution to food security and human nutrition; and issues related to international trade, consumer protection and sustainable value chains. Global developments in combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, selected ocean pollution concerns and FAO’s efforts to improve capture fishery data are also discussed. The issue concludes with the outlook for the sector, including projections to 2030. As always, The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture aims to provide objective, reliable and up-to- date information to a wide audience, including policy-makers, managers, scientists, stakeholders and indeed all those interested in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.

This paper reports on the main discussion points of the meeting, including the implementation of genetic improvement programmes and the setup of an information system to assess and monitor the status of aquatic genetic resources.

The State of the World's Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture presents the first global assessment of biodiversity for food and agriculture worldwide. Biodiversity for food and agriculture is the diversity of plants, animals and micro-organisms at genetic, species and ecosystem levels, present in and around crop, livestock, forest and aquatic production systems. It is essential to the structure, functions and processes of these systems, to livelihoods and food security, and to the supply of a wide range of ecosystem services. It has been managed or influenced by farmers, livestock keepers, forest dwellers, fish farmers and fisherfolk for hundreds of generations. Prepared through a participatory, country-driven process, the report draws on information from 91 country reports to provide a description of the roles and importance of biodiversity for food and agriculture, the drivers of change affecting it and its current status and trends. It describes the state of efforts to promote the sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity for food and agriculture, including through the development of supporting policies, legal frameworks, institutions and capacities. It concludes with a discussion of needs and challenges in the future management of biodiversity for food and agriculture. The report complements other global assessments prepared under the auspices of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, which have focused on the state of genetic resources within particular sectors of food and agriculture.

This catalogue aims to improve the dissemination and outreach of FAO’s knowledge products and overall publishing programme. By providing information on its key publications in every area of FAO’s work, and catering to a range of audiences, it thereby contributes to all organizational outcomes. From statistical analysis to specialized manuals to children’s books, FAO publications cater to a diverse range of audiences. This catalogue presents a selection of FAO’s main publications, produced in 2021 or earlier, ranging from its global reports and general interest publications to numerous specialized titles. In addition to the major themes of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, it also includes thematic sections on climate change, economic and social development, and food safety and nutrition