National fisheries statistics supplied to the United Nations are considered official data by decision-makers; however, these data are known to underestimate actual catches and the associated importance of marine resources to people. This result has implications for effective policy, economic development, sustainability, and negotiation of foreign fishing access agreements. Developed countries, which benefit most from access agreements, often view developing countries simply as food baskets, from which they satisfy their increasing demand for seafood. Developing countries are consequently left with emptying seas and few possibilities for sustainable development. Therefore, the widespread nature of catch underreporting brings issues of food security and human rights to the forefront, which must be addressed globally. The panel will present how scientific knowledge and data on actual catches are not readily available to local stakeholders, communities, nongovernmental organizations, or even governments and, therefore, how reconstructing total catches provides crucial and previously unavailable information to stakeholders. Such information forms baselines for documenting impacts on marine ecosystems and addressing issues of food security. The panel will present the diversity of situations and implications for ecosystem-based management, food security, economic development, and policy-making using examples ranging from highly developed countries to the poorest developing countries.