Developing innovations and standards

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.

Aquaculture and fisheries

Aquatic foods secure livelihoods and food supplies worldwide. We support fisheries and aquaculture as part of sustainable agricultural and food systems – to promote nutrition and the climate.

How GIZ strengthens fisheries and aquaculture
Our approaches to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture

Fish and other aquatic foods are vitally important for many people – as nutrient-rich food and as a source of income. However, overfishing, illegal practices, climate change and pollution are jeopardising these essential natural resources. At the same time, there is growing demand for sustainable foods and fair jobs.

Figures at a glance

													500 
													million

people worldwide earn a living from fisheries and aquaculture.

													22 
													billion USD

is channelled into fisheries subsidies each year – sometimes with negative consequences.

													13
													countries

are already implementing the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI).

How GIZ strengthens fisheries and aquaculture

We support the transition to sustainable aquatic food systems. Together with governments, businesses, the scientific and academic community and civil society, we create the conditions for:

sustainable use of resources

fair market structures

climate-resilient value creation

transparent management

Our approaches to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture

We work to make fisheries and aquaculture sustainable – by promoting better protection of fish stocks, fair structures and the sustainable use of resources. We thus support food supplies, incomes and development – now and in the future.

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).

Insights

Topic

15.10.2026

'Biodiversity protection is also crisis prevention'

Interviewed in the run-up to the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 17) in Armenia, GIZ Director General Elke Siehl and Director of Division Alexander Haack explain why human existence depends on the biodiversity on Earth, how we are protecting the basis of our livelihoods around the world, and who is driving improvements.