Child labour is a great concern in many parts of the world and it is estimated that there are some 215 million child labourers globally. While exact data on child labour in fisheries and aquaculture are scarce, case specific evidence suggests that the numbers could be important. Children engage in a wide variety of activities, both in the actual harvesting and farming of fish, i.e. in capture fishing and aquaculture and in all associated operations: processing, marketing and other post-harvest activities, as well as in upstream industries such as net-making and boat building. Child labour appears to be particularly widespread in the informal small and medium-scale sectors. Tackling child labour is difficult because of its close link to overall poverty and social injustices. Although there is an international policy and legal framework for addressing child labour, many instruments still need to be translated into national legislation and to be implemented in practice. Laws are only effective if they are implemented and enforced, and incentives are required to ensure compliance. Community engagement and buy-in are essential for successful results. More information on children’s work and child labour is needed to raise awareness at all levels. A critical first step towards eliminating child labour is to understand what constitutes hazardous work – not all work performed by children is child labour. Child labour has been defined by the ILO as work that impairs children’s well-being or hinders their education, development and future livelihoods. Concerted efforts are needed to effectively address child labour. This requires the involvement of governments, development partners, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), employers’ and workers’ associations and other socio-professional organizations, and communities. By applying holistic, participatory, integrated and practical approaches, a better life for millions of children can be created.