The FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries provides a policy framework for sustainable fisheries management. Decision and policy makers as well as resource managers and users all need diverse information to implement the Code in their varied communities. They are challenged to understand the breadth of the information and to access it effectively. These challenges are faced by all but are particularly acute in developing countries. In the spring of 2004, we investigated what information was needed to support implementation of the Code and how it can be accessed by all. To address the former, we surveyed staff in the FAO Fisheries Department on their information needs, did a citation analysis of selected Code-related publications and interviewed key users in developing countries. We then explored the information landscape in Africa and Southeast Asia to summarize the access challenges. From our work, we propose a framework for IAMSLIC to improve the sharing of fisheries and aquaculture information needed to support the implementation of the Code. This includes guidelines for the improved capture, preservation and access to digital information. Libraries can play a key role in the future of sustainable fisheries.