This fourth study in the FAO Ethics Series addresses the ethical issues broadly raised by FAO in food and agriculture, narrowing its focus to fisheries. The discussion outlines the main ethical issues in fisheries and the moral imperatives to which they give rise and considers the role and scope of ethics in the management of the sector. Particular reference is made to the institutional foundations of fisheries policies as reflected in the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. Concrete examples and case studies support or illustrate the themes presented. An introduction to a holistic ethical approach to fisheries, Ethical issues in fisheries pays special attention to the effects of fisheries management and social policy upon people's living conditions.