A Decade of progress: Advancing small-scale fisheries in Asia and the Pacific

11 April 2025, Bangkok: Small-scale fisheries (SSF) are the backbone of many coastal and inland communities in Asia, supporting the livelihoods of approximately 46 million people. Women represent 40 percent of those involved in the sector, which contributes nearly half of the region’s total fish catch, with an estimated landed value of USD 53.3 billion.

Beyond economic significance, SSF are essential to food and nutrition security, cultural heritage, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. Yet, the sector continues to face significant challenges—from limited policy and financial support to the increasing impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities.

Ten years of global guidance: SSF Guidelines and regional progress

In 2014, the international community endorsed the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries through the FAO Committee on Fisheries. Known as the SSF Guidelines, they represent the first global instrument focused solely on small-scale fisheries, offering practical guidance rooted in human rights, equity, and sustainability.

Over the past decade, countries in Asia and the Pacific have taken meaningful steps in applying the principles of the Guidelines. However, there remains a critical need to accelerate implementation, ensuring  small-scale fisheries are effectively integrated into national strategies and regional cooperation frameworks.

In March 2025, representatives from 13 Member Nations across the region gathered in Bangkok to reflect on the ten-year anniversary of the SSF Guidelines. The regional workshop, co-organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Centre (SEAFDEC), was aligned with the FAO’s Blue Transformation Roadmap and provided a timely platform to reflect on progress, share lessons, and identify priority actions to advance the Guidelines.

“SSF are not just an economic sector—they are deeply embedded in the region’s food systems and social fabric,” said Angela Lentisco, FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Officer. “To ensure inclusive and sustainable development, it is vital that fishers and their communities are empowered and supported through policy, investment, and participation,” she added.

Discussions underscored the need to strengthen policy integration, promote co-management and customary rights, and enhance climate adaptation measures, including early warning systems. Emphasis was placed on empowering women and youth through inclusive governance and financial support, and on deepening collaboration among governments, civil society, researchers, and fisher organizations.

Participants called for the development or strengthening of National Plans of Action for Small-scale fisheries (NPOA-SSF), with the active participation of fishing communities. There was also growing interest in establishing a regional Center of Excellence for knowledge exchange and innovation.

A regional commitment to inclusive, sustainable fisheries

FAO and its partners remain committed to supporting Member Nations in implementing the SSF Guidelines, providing technical support, facilitating collaboration, and promoting inclusive, community-based governance. It also recognizes the need to support the 2030 Agenda through the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable aquatic food systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

With renewed regional momentum, the next decade offers a critical opportunity to transform small-scale fisheries—ensuring their contributions are fully recognized and sustained for generations to come.