Importance of Small-Scale Fisheries
A recent study published in Nature sheds light on the often-overlooked importance of small-scale fisheries in the global fish production landscape.
These fisheries are crucial not only for combating hunger and malnutrition but also for supporting the livelihoods of millions around the world.
A diverse group of international scientists undertook this research, marking the first thorough attempt to quantify the impact of both marine and freshwater small-scale fisheries on global food security and socioeconomic stability.
Small-scale fisheries typically involve communities or households, especially in developing nations, utilizing simpler, more labor-intensive methods for fishing, either for food or income.
Despite their significance, these fisheries have been largely sidelined in discussions around resource management and food systems.
For example, census data often groups small-scale fishers with agricultural workers, which diminishes recognition of their unique roles and contributions.
Key Findings of the Study
The study’s co-lead authors pointed out a critical gap in understanding the millions of people who depend on these fisheries.
They warned that neglecting this sector poses risks not only for the fishers themselves but also for the broader ecosystem and societies they inhabit.
The researchers discovered that nearly half of the global fish catch originates from small-scale fisheries, which play an essential part in addressing the food security needs of billions.
Back in 2017, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) teamed up with Duke University’s Nicholas School and WorldFish to delve into the significance of small-scale fisheries as part of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Agenda.
This collaboration gave rise to the Illuminating Hidden Harvests Initiative (IHH), which set the stage for the current study.
The research team set out to investigate who is engaged in the production of aquatic foods, the techniques they utilize, and the markets they serve.
This endeavor required a vast and varied group of experts from multiple fields, including fisheries science, nutrition, governance, and economics.
Implications for Policy and Management
Encompassing contributions from over 800 individuals across the globe, the study relied on extensive data drawn from numerous case studies, surveys, and existing databases.
Their findings reveal that small-scale fisheries are vital not only for sustaining food supplies but also for meeting Sustainable Development Goals that target hunger reduction and poverty alleviation, all while addressing the impacts of climate change.
Notably, the study highlighted that small-scale fisheries provide about 20% of essential nutrients—such as vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids—to roughly 2.3 billion individuals living near coastlines or major bodies of water.
This means that around one in four people depends on small-scale fisheries for key nutritional needs.
Moreover, nearly 500 million people—approximately one in twelve worldwide—partially support their livelihoods through small-scale fishing.
It’s particularly noteworthy that nearly half of this group consists of women, who play indispensable roles in various aspects of fishing, including preparation and processing.
However, their contributions often receive little recognition within fisheries research.
The study further established that small-scale fisheries are accountable for at least 40% of the global fish catch and contribute 44% of the overall economic value generated by the fisheries sector.
Notably, small-scale fisheries in Africa are significant drivers of both catch and nutrition, while those in Oceania are essential for local livelihoods.
The findings from Oceania demonstrate the critical role of small-scale fisheries in regions characterized by limited economic opportunities, underscoring the importance of effective governance and management practices to sustain this essential sector.
Despite their vital role, many small-scale fishers lack adequate decision-making power regarding their fisheries.
The research revealed that approximately two-thirds of the catch in 51 surveyed nations is harvested by fishers lacking formal rights in resource management.
This reality leaves them vulnerable to competition and exclusionary practices.
The absence of agency poses risks to their ability to sustainably manage the resources they depend on.
The researchers noted that many fishers hail from communities with strong, historical connections to aquatic ecosystems.
Insufficient local or national support can exacerbate problems like overfishing and resource depletion.
The outcomes of this study serve as a crucial reminder for policymakers to take the significance of small-scale fisheries seriously and to adopt measures that support and empower this sector.
The research draws clear connections between small-scale fisheries and key policy areas, including climate change, governance, resource management, conservation, gender equity, and nutrition.
By illuminating these relationships, the study aims to offer a pathway to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of small-scale fisheries initiatives worldwide.
Source: ScienceDaily