• improve fisheries policies affecting resource allocation and choices about technology; and
• set targets for investments and development to address poverty and increase fish production.

The projections of trends and prospects for the fisheries sector in Asia will provide DMCs and development agencies, including ADB, with a reliable and disaggregated picture of fisheries in the region. The information will enable development agencies to formulate country strategies and options for fisheries development and set development and investment priorities geared towards poverty reduction and food security improvement. The research will further enhance ADB's commitment to support DMCs efforts to provide a reliable and adequate supply of nutritious food at prices affordable to different income groups, especially the low-income group.

This research is in line with ADB's fisheries policy and investment objectives, which emphasize:

• policy support for the development of long-term sustainable fisheries management;
• capacity building for development and resource management;
• creating and strengthening productive capacity, infrastructure, and services; and
• regional cooperation.

The WorldFish Center aims to improve the well-being and livelihood of present and future generations of poor people in developing countries, It is mandated by CGIAR to contribute, among others, to improve policy decisions for fisheries and aquatic resources development and management, particularly to reduce poverty among fishers, and to implement a strategic research program on living aquatic resources. It has an established policy and economic research unit, with qualified specialists. The various databases established by the Center and funded by FAO and ADB (FISH-BASE, REEF-BASE, and TRAWL-BASE) have accumulated much essential information for fisheries policy, technology, and socioeconomic studies. The Center is the only international fisheries research agency based in Asia and has strong linkages with FAO, regional agencies, and national research partners.