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  UN FAO website 7 Mar 05
State of the World Fisheries and Aquaculture, 2004
full report

Excerpts

Overall, fish provided more than 2.6 billion people with at least 20 percent of their average per capita animal protein intake.

Information available continues to confirm that, despite local differences, the global potential for marine capture fisheries has been reached, and more rigorous plans are needed to rebuild depleted stocks and prevent the decline of those being exploited at or close to their maximum potential.

By contrast, global production from aquaculture continues to grow, in terms of both quantity and its relative contribution to the world’s supply of fish for direct human consumption. Developing countries accounted for 90.7 percent of production in 2002, consisting of predominantly herbivorous/omnivorous or filter-feeding species.

The number of individuals earning an income from primary sector employment in fisheries and aquaculture in 2002 reached about 38 million. The highest numbers of fishers and aquaculture workers (85 percent worldwide) are in Asia, with China accounting for nearly one-third of the world total. The vast majority of the world fishing fleet is concentrated in Asia (about 85 percent of total decked vessels, 50 percent of powered undecked vessels and 83 percent of total non-powered boats).
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