Small-scale fishers hold the key to food security and climate resilience

Small-scale fisheries (SSFs) are the backbone of coastal and inland communities worldwide, contributing at least 40% of the world’s total fish catch and providing essential nutrients to 2.3bn people living near coasts and inland waters. Yet, despite their importance, they face systemic challenges, limited market access, neglect in provision of social services, exclusion from policy decisions, growing climate-related pressures and, increasingly, physical displacement from an increasingly crowded and industrialised coastal zone. 

Direct-to-consumer (D2C) models have helped fishers gain better market control in some developed economies. However, for SSFs in developing countries, market access will not be the primary determinant of their survival and flourishing. Moreover, these models remain out of reach due to infrastructural gaps, weak regulations and logistical hurdles. Instead of viewing SSFs solely through a market-access lens, we need to both recognise and address the pressures they face (FAO, 2015), and recognise their broader role as a nature-based solution (NbS), one that enhances food security, strengthens climate resilience and supports sustainable livelihoods.

Unlike large commercial fleets with sophisticated supply chains, most SSFs in developing nations struggle with basic infrastructure—cold storage, reliable transport and fair market prices. Many artisanal fishers are forced to rely on intermediaries who control pricing and access to buyers, leaving fishing communities economically vulnerable and trapped in cycles of poverty.

Climate change further compounds these challenges. Rising ocean temperatures, extreme weather events and declining fish stocks threaten their way of life. Without institutional support, SSFs remain an untapped force in global food security, despite their potential to provide nutrition and climate-adaptation solutions.

We need a shift in perspective that sees small-scale fishers as both important players in food markets and stewards of marine and freshwater ecosystems. When empowered, SSFs can lead the way in sustainable fisheries management and biodiversity conservation, while ensuring food security for their communities (Allison et al., 2012).

Their deep-rooted traditional knowledge and innovative governance models make them a powerful nature-based solution to address pressing global challenges. Compared with industrial fishing, SSFs have a much lower carbon footprint. Studies show that small-scale fisheries produce significantly fewer emissions per unit of seafood than large commercial fleets, thanks to their reliance on passive, low-energy fishing techniques (Hilborn, 2023). SSFs can help restore fish stocks, protect biodiversity and build climate resilience, by promoting community-led fisheries management, marine protected areas and co-management arrangements. Global seafood markets often determine the price of fish, but prioritising local and regional consumption can help reduce dependence on volatile supply chains. Many developing countries export high-value aquatic food while importing highly processed, lower-quality, less nutritious food products. This paradox leaves vulnerable populations—especially women and children—without access to the nutrient-rich fish they need. By strengthening domestic blue-food systems, we can ensure that locally caught fish reach the people who need it most (Tigchelaar et al., 2022).

Despite their importance, SSFs are often absent from national and international food security and climate policies. Integrating them into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), blue-economy strategies and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) would elevate their role in environmental protection and unlock much-needed financial and political support. Countries like Senegal, the Philippines and the Solomon Islands have shown how co-management between governments and fishing co-operatives leads to fairer resource distribution and long-term sustainability (Garaway and Arthur, 2004 and Senghor et al., 2023; Cohen et al,. 2015). Co-management in Senegal, through Local Artisanal Fisheries Councils (CLPAs), and in the Philippines, via Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (FARMCs), has enhanced fisheries sustainability and equitable resource distribution by integrating local communities into governance. Similarly, in the Solomon Islands, co-management arrangements have empowered rural communities and fishing associations to collaborate with government agencies, resulting in more adaptive, inclusive, and ecologically sustainable fisheries governance.

Unlocking the full potential of small-scale fisheries as a nature-based solution requires investment, policy reform, and a fundamental shift in how SSFs are valued. Governments must invest in local infrastructure—cold storage, transportation and processing facilities—to reduce post-harvest losses and boost food security.

At the same time, policies must recognise SSFs as vital contributors to climate resilience and food systems. Incorporating SSFs in climate-adaptation funding, food-security initiatives and blue-economy frameworks can help secure financial and political support.

Strengthening community-led fisheries management is essential. Recognising and incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into fisheries governance leads to more sustainable outcomes, ensuring fishers remain stewards of their ecosystems.

Securing preferential-access zones for SSF is just as vital. Governments must ensure access to fishery resources by enforcing ownership tenure and property rights.

Strengthening regional seafood markets can reduce economic vulnerabilities and improve nutrition security. Building strong intra-regional trade in Africa, Asia and Latin America will help communities rely less on volatile export markets.

Finally, providing financial and technical support for sustainable, low-impact fishing methods can ensure long-term fish-stock health while securing livelihoods.

The focus for SSFs should be on leveraging their role as nature-based solutions, enhancing food security, protecting biodiversity and building climate resilience. With the right investment, policies and recognition, SSFs can move from being vulnerable actors to being key drivers of sustainable blue-food systems that benefit both people and the planet.

Views or opinions expressed are those of the author and any individuals cited, and do not necessarily reflect those of Economist Impact or any other member of The Economist Group.