Fisheries have been important parts of human life and food production throughout history. Fisheries have become a part of human cultures and mythologies, providing a community identity and a subject for artists throughout the ages. Partially, this is because fisheries are irretrievably wrapped up in humanity's perpetual fascination with the sea, and partially, because they have been a major source of food and income for many communities throughout the ages.

One of the world's longest lasting trade histories is the trade of dry cod from the Lofoten area to the southern parts of Europe, Italy, Spain and Portugal. The cod trading started during the viking period or before, has been going on for more than 1000 years and is still important.

 

 

Fisheries in the present day

Today, fisheries are estimated to provide 16% of the world population's protein, and that figure is considerably elevated in some developing nations and in regions that depend heavily on the sea. Fisheries are a huge global business and provide income for millions of people. Fisheries have been and continue to be culturally important for many communities as well.

According to The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2002 (published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), in 2000, total world capture fisheries production was 86 million tons.

 

Methods

Fishing methods vary according to the region, the species being fished for, and the amount of income and technology available to the fisher. A fishery can consist of one man with a small boat hand-casting nets, to a huge fleet of trawlers processing tons of fish per day. Some common commercial techniques today are trawling, seining, driftnetting, handlining, longlining, gillnetting, and diving.

 

Fisheries and communities

For some communities, both currently and historically, fisheries provide not only a source of food and work but also a community and cultural identity.

This shows up in art, literature, and traditions. These communities are generally those that have been historically dependent on fishing as a source of income and food. 

 

 

Important global fisheries

There are large and important fisheries worldwide for various species of fish, mollusks and crustaceans. However, a very small number of species support the majority of the world's fisheries. Some of these species are herring, cod, anchovy, tuna, flounder, mullet, squid, shrimp, salmon, crab, lobster, oyster and scallops. All except these last four provided a worldwide catch of well over a million tonnes in 1999, with herring and sardines together providing a catch of over 22 million metric tons in 1999. Many other species as well are fished in smaller numbers, both locally and globally.