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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 and it helps to underscore the critical role healthy fisheries play in food security and livelihoods worldwide.  

For Canadians, 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 & seafood market recorded revenues of over $250 billion in 2025. (global newswire.2026)
• 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
• 35% to 38% of assessed marine fish stocks are currently harvested at biologically unsustainable (overfished) levels. (FAO. 2025).

• 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.
• According to the UN, strict managements works where it is applieed. Major species groups like tuna have seen strong recoveries, with roughly 87% of major tuna stocks sustainably fished. (FAO 2025)
• 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