Aquaculture and fisheries

Overfishing, pollution and a lack of or inadequate regulations are threatening fish stocks worldwide – with serious consequences for small-scale fishers. Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing destroys marine ecosystems and puts livelihoods at risk. Through the BlueFairFish project, GIZ is working with the ASEAN Member States to promote sustainable fisheries management. 

Approximately USD 22 billion is channelled into fisheries subsidies each year – in some cases even when fish stocks are already overfished. This exacerbates overexploitation, distorts markets and damages sustainable businesses. 

In 2024, the 164 WTO member countries reached an agreement to curb harmful subsidies. It aims to prevent public funds being used to facilitate overfishing and illegal fishing. 

Illegal fishing, overfishing and obscure subsidies threaten fish stocks worldwide. The Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) focuses on disclosure, accountability and good governance in fisheries policy – together with governments, civil society and industry. 

The FiTI was established in 2017 – and now has 13 partner countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia. GIZ is supporting these countries in establishing transparent structures and participating in the initiative. 

Around half of all aquatic foods consumed globally come from aquaculture – and this figure is rising. Demand is expected to reach over 200 million tonnes by 2030. As the amount of wild-caught foods is barely increasing, almost all of this growth is coming from aquaculture. 

Managed correctly, it can make an important contribution to food security, employment and climate change mitigation – especially in the Global South. It is primarily small and medium-sized enterprises that supply local markets with affordable, nutritious food. 

Not all forms of aquaculture are sustainable. We support our partners in developing responsible solutions, for example through 

• integrated aquaculture
• new technical standards and
• promotion of high-demand marine species such as muscles and algae. 

North-South and South-South cooperation arrangements are also putting innovation into practice – for instance with companies that invest in climate-resilient methods or enable digital monitoring. 

If aquaculture and fisheries are to have lasting results, viable frameworks are required. GIZ provides strategic advice to partner countries – from national legislation to local implementation. This is based on international standards such as the FAO’s Ecosystem Approach to Aquaculture (EAA) and Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture (GSA).