Fishing often has great value beyond economics alone for many, fishing is a way of life. Not only is fishing culturally important and embedded in management practices of many communities, but fishing also forms a key component of the identity of many fishing peoples. These regulations are enforced by the community and socio-cultural expectations, rather than by external personnel. Many traditional small-scale fisheries self-govern in a manner that protects local resources examples may include limits on who can fish, closed seasons for fishing, or bans on certain types of gear. This value manifests in different ways, such as the uses of catches in traditional ceremonies or important meals, or in local governance. In addition to their critical role in global food security and livelihoods, small-scale fisheries are also socially and culturally important in many regions across the world. Small-scale fisheries are estimated to employ 90% of fisheries workers. Women play an important role in the sector, especially in post-harvest work, such as processing of seafood. While many have an image of small-scale fisheries as archaic, they are in fact a dynamic sector which have adapted to the social and ecological conditions they operate within. Additionally, these fishers are often able to target different species depending on their availability. One common definition includes fishers who operate without boats, or on boats less than 15 meters in length these fishers may not be able to fish far from shore, and may use less-energy intensive gear types. Small-scale fisheries may be defined numerous ways. What are small-scale fisheries? These fisheries are often located in developing countries, although not always: the Ocean Wise recommended, hand-harvested geoduck is one example of a Canadian small-scale fishery. The small-scale fisheries sector is incredibly important to global food security, livelihoods, and the well-being of many fisherfolk. You may be surprised to learn that small-scale fisheries (often referred to as artisanal fisheries) are responsible for nearly half of global seafood catches.

Action by Quinn Anderson