The term fishing may be applied to catching aquatic animals such as different types of shellfish, squid, octopus, turtles, frogs, and some edible marine invertebrates. Fishing is not usually applied to catching aquatic mammals such as whales, where the term "whaling" is more appropriate, or to commercial fish farming. Fishing techniques include netting, trapping, angling and hand gathering.

In addition to providing food through harvesting fish, modern fishing is both a recreational and professional sport.

According to FAO statistics, the total number of fishermen and fish-farmers is estimated to be 38 million. Fisheries provide direct and indirect employment to an estimated 200 million people worldwide. The average person on Earth consumes about 14 kg of fish a year