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World Fisheries Day was established in 1997 to draw attention to overfishing, habitat destruction and other serious threats to the sustainability of our marine and freshwater resources. It encourages us to reflect on the ever-increasing challenge of sustaining our fish stocks in light of continued overfishing, water pollution and climate change. This year, attention will be given to “thinking big about small scale fisheries”.

World Fisheries Day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of fishing, fishers and our coastal communities. Through participation in classroom activities, young people can be encouraged to help make a difference in the health of our aquatic ecosystems and the future of all those employed in the fishing industry.

Why Care about Fisheries?

• The human population consumes over 100 million metric tons of fish annually (gov.za 2025
• More than 25% of the world’s dietary protein is provided by fish. (gov.za 2025)
• Fisheries are a primary source of animal protein for billions of people, particularly in developing countries. (CEC 2024)
• Each year the Canadian fishery lands close to a million metric tons of fish valued in excess of 4 billion dollars. (Fisheries & Oceans Canada 2022)
• The global fish market is valued at over 180 billion dollars (statista.com 2022)
• Fisheries and aquaculture employ more than 60 million individuals worldwide. (FA0 2022)
• Fishing is one of the world’s most dangerous professions. It often lacks adequate labour regulation, and vessels have been associated with forced labour, trafficking, and other abuses of workers.(FAO 2021)
• The current state of the global fishery continues to be challenged by overfishing and habitat degradation brought on by pollution and climate change. Some estimates suggest that over 30% of fish stocks have collapsed. (FA0 2020)
• The largest Northern Cod fishery in the world was located off the coast of Newfoundland. This engine of the Newfoundland economy collapsed in the early 1990’s due to overfishing and poor fisheries management. Thirty years later Newfoundland’s commercial cod fishery remains closed.
• In 2021, the fraction of marine fishery stocks within biologically sustainable levels was estimated at 62.3 %. (FAO 2022)
• All natural fish stocks today contain at least trace amounts of mercury.

Resources 4 Rethinking encourages students and teachers to participate in World Fisheries Day. Top R4R Picks will connect you to some excellent resources to support these efforts.

Click here for more information about World Fisheries Day