Aquatic resources are important for livelihood and consumption. Fish, including finfish, crustaceans, mollusks and seaweeds, are the fifth most important agricultural commodity. Developing countries catch and produce 52 million tons annually, over half of the world production. At least 50 million persons are involved in small-scale fisheries. There have been substantial increases in fisheries catches (35%) and aquaculture (100%) in the past decade. This, however, is misleading as it reflects exploitation of new stocks, heavy fishing pressure on previously fished stocks and a large increase in aquaculture in one country, China. A close examination reveals the most developing-country fisheries have levelled off or are declining. Their sustainability is threatened by overfishing, destructive fishing practices and land-based pollution. In aquaculture, major increases have occurred nowhere other than China. In spite of these issues, there has been only limited international research effort directed to aquatic resources.