In this episode of The Work We Do, we speak with Manuel Barange, FAO Assistant Director-General and Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, about the realities behind fisheries, aquaculture and the future of aquatic foods.i
Manuel breaks down the latest findings from The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026, including the growing role of aquatic foods in global nutrition and food security, and discusses sustainability, fisheries management and how scientists measure fish stocks that cannot be directly counted.
He also reflects on his career, from marine biologist and scientific observer at sea to senior leader at FAO, and shares his advice for young professionals entering the sector. Host :Katrin Park Produced by Eduardo De La Chica Copyright: FAO
00:00 Introduction
00:59 Are we running out of fish?
06:13 How fisheries are measured and managed
15:19 Sustainability, overexploitation and fish stocks
21:30 Fighting illegal fishing through the Port State Measures Agreement
31:19 Key findings from The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture
35:06 Aquaculture, Blue Transformation and the future of aquatic foods
48:34 Manuel's career and advice for young professionals
