People depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods

Biodiversity underpins all fishing and aquaculture activities, as well as other species harvested for food and medicines. Over three billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods, and marine fisheries directly or indirectly employ over 200 million people.  Fish continues to be one of the most-traded food commodities worldwide. It is especially important for developing countries, sometimes worth half the total value of their traded commodities.

According to the World Bank, 47% of the 120 million people involved in small-scale fisheries, whether in harvesting, processing or sales, are women. In aquaculture, or fish farming, women comprise over 70% of the workforce. 

Conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal biodiversity, including the use of marine protected areas, is essential to ensure that the world’s oceans, seas and marine resources remain vital for current and future generations. 
 

More information:

Marine and Coastal Biodiversity

Sustainable Fisheries Press Brief

Biodiversity and The 2030 Agenda For Sustainable Development