 Our ocean, lakes and rivers are more than just beautiful landscapes to protect. They make a critical contribution to our daily lives. Fisheries and aquaculture provide food, jobs, incomes and livelihoods for millions of people. An aquatic food systems are key to our future food security. Today, global fisheries and aquaculture production is at a record high. In 2020, 178 million tons of aquatic animals and 36 million tons of algae were produced. Aquatic animal production was 41% higher than the average in 2000. 36 million tons of aquatic algae were found, a new record for an emerging food source. Aquatic food systems sustain the lives and livelihoods of millions. 58.5 million people are employed in the primary sector of fisheries and aquaculture production. 21% of these are women, rising to 50% when consider those employed in the entire aquatic value chain. It is estimated that 600 million livelihoods depend fully or partially on the sector. Consumption of aquatic foods has increased significantly and will continue to rise. Of the 178 million tons of aquatic animal production, 157 million tons were used for direct human consumption. Global consumption of aquatic food has risen from an average 9.9 kilograms per capita in the 1960s to 20.2 kilograms in 2020. China, Norway, Vietnam, Chile and India are now the world's top exporters of aquatic foods. Fishery resources are under pressure, but there are encouraging signs. The percentage of fish stocks sustainably fished was 1.2 lower than in 2017, but 82.5% of all 2019 landings were fished sustainably. And two-thirds of the stocks of the 10 most fished species, including several tuna species were fished sustainably. Aquatic food production is forecast to grow another 15% by 2030. Aquatic food systems are under growing pressure, but we can ensure they are sustainable, resilient, inclusive and equitable. We need a blue transformation, a vision that will make food security and environmental sustainability a reality by harnessing science-based solution and innovation, promoting dialogue and policies that support sustainable production, building the partnerships and commitments that can ensure aquatic food systems are transformed into a sustainable future. For people, for the environment, a blue transformation for the future has to begin today.