This document was prepared for the twenty-eighth session of the Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission (APFIC), which was held in Chang Mai, Thailand from 3 to 5 August 2004. With this session, APFIC has assumed a new role as a "regional consultative forum", embarking on a new chapter in its endeavour to respond effectively to the changing requirements in the fisheries and aquaculture sector in the region. In support of the work of the Forum, APFIC is committed to improving the quality of information on the status and trends of fisheries and aquaculture in the region and to regularly reviewing and analysing the information. This document is aimed at informing APFIC member States of the current status and potential of fisheries and aquaculture in the Asia-Pacific region as well as the emerging issues facing the sector.
