Socioeconomic aspects of artisanal fisheries in Asia

Abstract

The fisheries sector provides a valuable source of food protein and is one of the primary sources of livelihood and employment in Asian countries. However, it is also within the fisheries sector where extreme poverty continues to persist, particularly within the artisanal subsector—a situation considered to be a serious social, economic and political issue. In recent years, there has been a growing concern among governments and international development agencies for the problems of artisanal fishers in Asia. Yet, compared to the agricultural sector, only minimal attention has been given to fisheries. This chapter gives an overview of the socioeconomic aspects of artisanal fisheries in Asia.