FISH INFOnetwork

Background

Since the late 1970s, the FISH INFOnetwork has been supplying timely, accurate and unbiased information on international fish markets and fish trade to FAO member countries, governmental agencies, universities, research institutions, private companies and individuals.

Regional services

The network is coordinated by GLOBEFISH at FAO headquarters in Rome with regional services covering specific geographic areas: INFOPESCA in Latin America and the Caribbean, INFOFISH in Asia and the Pacific Region, INFOPECHE in Africa, INFOSAMAK in the Arab Region, EASTFISH/EUROFISH in East and Central Europe and INFOYU in China.

The regional services offer a number of publications on markets, prices and industry developments. They also undertake studies on behalf of member governments and for the fishery industry. Another important aspect of their work is the organisation of international conferences on commodities such as shrimp, tuna, salmon, tilapia and small pelagics.

Recent developments

In line with developments in international fish trade, the FISH INFOnetwork responds by adapting to the needs of its client base among members and industry. In 2002, a new INFOPECHE sub-office was set up in Namibia to better service the SADC region. Likewise in 2002, EUROFISH, the new Intergovernmental organisation took over the functions of EASTFISH in June 2003, was established in Copenhagen and INFOSAMAK completed its first anniversary as fully operational after its relocation to Casablanca. INFOYU has also seen an increase in its functions and now assists as a secretariat for China's WTO Expert Committee on Fisheries. INFOPESCA, Infosamak and INFOFISH organised major conferences in 2002 in their regions and continued their important project work on value added fishery products.

GLOBEFISH

GLOBEFISH is an integral part of FISH INFOnetwork and contains the GLOBEFISH Databank at its core. Besides performing a co-ordinating role in the FISH INFOnetwork activities, GLOBEFISH is the FAO unit responsible for analysis and information on international fish trade. GLOBEFISH produces a number of publications including fish price reports (European Fish Price Report), market studies (GLOBEFISH Research Programme) and trend analyses (GLOBEFISH Highlights and Commodity updates). FAO and GLOBEFISH Partners jointly finance GLOBEFISH.