Geographical information systems (GIS) are information systems that can store, analyze, and graphically represent complex and diverse data with spatial attributes. Considering that GIS are rapidly emerging as the analytical tool of choice for investigating spatially referenced fish population dynamics and assisting in their management, it was deemed appropriate to review the state of research within this field and provide examples of current applications. Areas of research that we investigated included databases, visualization and mapping, fisheries oceanography and ecosystems, georeferenced fish population dynamics and assessment, space- based fisheries management, and software. The enhanced analytical functionality offered by GIS, coupled with their optimized visualization capabilities, facilitates the investigation of the complex spatiotemporal dynamics associated with fish, fisheries, and their ecosystems. This paper reviews current GIS research and its application to spatially oriented fisheries management, and illustrates the necessity of carefully evaluating and selecting appropriate GIS approaches for different fishery resource scenarios.