The EEA requested this study as part of their preparation of their periodic State of the Environment Report for 2010. (SoER 2010). Within the SoER the marine theme has a number of highlighted topics amongst which is fisheries and aquaculture. As a contribution to the SoER 2010 the EEA requested a report assessing the drivers associated with one key issue, overfishing. Specifically, the report determines the extent to which one of the drivers - demand within the EU - either directly, through fishing, or indirectly, through the need for meal for aquaculture, is contributing to the pressure for overfishing both inside and outside Community waters.