This paper examines trends in fisheries and aquaculture policy in selected countries in Asia. For the countries included in the analysis, policy documents and relevant literature was reviewed and help was sought from fisheries officials/experts in the region, to assess policy status and trends relating to a) the use of development and/or management targets, b) natural resource management issues, c) financial, economic and marketing issues, and d) socio-economic and poverty issues. Some of the specific policy issues examined to see whether they are included in policy documents were: co-management; exploitation of offshore fisheries by local fleets; marine protected areas; subsidies; increases in value-added and exports; poverty reduction; and the use of alternative livelihoods. Individual country information was analysed to generate a regional synthesis of fisheries and aquaculture policy content and direction in the region, and the key drivers for change.