Fish provide the world with about 6% of its total protein intake and 16% of its animal protein intake. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that nearly half a billion people in developing countries depend on fish as their primary source of animal protein.

Fish has become the world's most internationally traded food, with some 37% being exported (by volume). Aquaculture is a strong complement to the captured products, with more than 210 fish and aquatic plant species currently under production.

Developed countries account for about 82% of the total value of imported fish products, and fish consumption has increased in the United States and European Union in recent years. Japan, however, was the largest importer of fish and fish products in 2003, accounting for some 18% of the world import value. Besides being the world's fourth-largest exporting country, the United States was the second-largest importer, importing 17% of the global fish total.

In 2003, the E.U. further increased its dependency on imports for its fish supply by 10% since 2000. With imports of U.S. $4.9 billion, Spain was the world's third-largest importer of fish and fish products, followed by France ($3.8 billion), Italy ($3.5 billion), Germany ($2.7 billion), and the United Kingdom ($2.5 billion).

The Future of Food Production