Fisheries
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12348/3
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- The ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF) has been widely promoted as a framework for fisheries management, integrating ecological, social and governance dimensions. This publication compiles ten case studies of diverse fisheries from South and Southeast Asia to showcase ongoing efforts to manage fisheries under EAF principles and synthesize lessons learned from its implementation in the region. The findings highlight several key factors driving the transition to EAF, including ecological crises such as stock depletion and habitat loss, socioeconomic challenges like declining fisher incomes, and governance reforms promoting co-management and stakeholder participation. Enabling conditions – such as strong community leadership, regional policy support, and financial incentives – have facilitated EAF adoption. However, persistent barriers – such as weak enforcement, limited scientific data, and socioeconomic pressures – continue to hinder long-term sustainability. EAF implementation faces compounding challenges, particularly in socioeconomically depressed, resource-dependent communities, where environmental and economic vulnerabilities create self-reinforcing cycles. While EAF adoption has grown globally, its partial success often stems from localized, species-specific efforts that fail to address broader ecological complexities and cross-scale environmental stressors. Sustainable financing remains a critical barrier to full implementation. For long-term success, EAF must be embedded within a comprehensive, multi-scale governance framework that aligns ecological sustainability with socioeconomic resilience.
- Timor-Leste, a country of 1.3 million people in Southeast Asia’s Coral Triangle, has made significant progress towards development objectives since its independence in 2002. The fisheries sector is almost exclusively small-scale and informal and has been prioritized as an effective contributor to improving the diets of inland communities and tackling chronic malnutrition. As a geologically young island, Timor-Leste’s bathymetry is extreme, restricting reefs to a thin fringing area, which poses sustainability challenges to the expansion of the sector predominantly focused on reef fishing. However, key technological and policy innovations are building the foundations for an ecosystem approach to fisheries, including a near-real-time monitoring system for small-scale fisheries (called “Peskas”), a draft National Fisheries Strategy (2018), a revised fisheries law, co-management guidelines, and research on nearshore fish aggregating devices. Successes are drawn from strong external agencies partnering with government, and self- mobilized communities and individuals promoting quasi-customary forms of communal management like tara bandu. However, challenges and obstacles persist, with limited governance and technical capacity and the lack of effective institutional frameworks being the primary hinderances to implementation of an effective ecosystem approach to fisheries.
- The proposed research protocol aims to evaluate the effects of digital information on behavior change in small-scale reef fisheries. The study addresses the challenges of sustainable fisheries management, particularly in environments where collective action is necessary but difficult to achieve due to diverse stakeholder behaviors and preferences. Utilizing the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice framework, the study will implement and test the WorldFish Peskas digital monitoring system across various Beach Management Units (BMUs) in Kenya. The experimental design includes five intervention levels, ranging from a control group with minimal information feedback to treatments providing increasingly localized and disaggregated. These interventions will be assessed using a Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI) approach. The study will test three heuristic models of human behavior: the information deficit model, the self-interested actor model, and the neighborhood interested actor model. These models will guide the interpretation of outcomes, which include changes in fishing practices, governance participation, and socio-economic benefits. The research will run over a 2-year period, with data collection on variables such as fishing patterns, compliance with regulations, and community well-being. Ultimately, this study seeks to inform policy on the effectiveness of digital tools in promoting sustainable fishing practices and improving livelihoods in coastal communities. The findings will provide governments and conservation organizations with a communication framework to better balance ecological sustainability with community needs.
- This brief explains how WorldFish and KGA combine fisheries and agriculture expertise to promote sustainable diets, Indigenous food practices, and climate-resilient island food systems through joint training and knowledge sharing. The partnership empowers rural communities— especially women and youth—through hands-on training and advocacy, leading to improved farming practices, stronger local food security, and culturally grounded food sovereignty.
- This video showcases priority areas for co-creation of sustainable solutions in Mandla.
- This report presents the outcomes of the DCAS+ innovation under Scaling for Impact program, implemented from June to December 2025 in Prey Veng and Kampong Thom provinces, Cambodia, in partnership with Greenovator. The project aimed to strengthen the resilience of Cambodia’s freshwater fisheries against climate change by redeploying and enhancing the Mekong Farm Agri Mobile App to deliver localized climate advisories and decision-support tools for District Technical Working Groups (DTWGs) and Community Fish Refuge (CFR) members. The Mekong Farm App was upgraded to include real-time weather data, forecast alerts, and digitized mitigation plans (S4I), enabling communities to access localized climate risk information instantly. Six training sessions improved digital literacy and climate-informed decision-making among 69 participants (16% women), fostering inclusive engagement. The app recorded 2,300 downloads and 751 active weekly users, with strong engagement in weather alert features for farm and fisheries planning. Two digital groups were established, connecting 135 members for real-time discussion and reporting on climate impacts and fisheries activities.
- Mexico’s rich marine and freshwater ecosystems support diverse and culturally significant blue food systems. In 2019, the fisheries and aquaculture sector supported nearly 297,000 direct jobs, mainly in capture fisheries. Mexico is a net exporter of blue foods, generating US$1.4 billion in export earnings. Mexicans consume nearly 13.8 kg of blue foods per person annually, below the 2022 global average of 20.2 kg per year. Recognizing their broad contributions, the Mexican government has stated that fisheries and aquaculture are priorities, with efforts to strengthen regulations, increase seafood consumption to reduce malnutrition and obesity, and support ecosystem restoration. Fully realizing the potential of blue foods will also require addressing overfishing and planning for climate threats such as warmer waters, deoxygenation, and stronger storms. This brief is part of a series assessing how blue foods can support national climate goals by combining country-specific data on production, trade, consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and climate risks to identify opportunities for mitigation and adaptation. It is intended for decision-makers developing national climate strategies in Mexico and similar contexts, as well as funders and implementing partners targeting blue foods in climate initiatives.
- Indonesia’s coastal and marine ecosystems support one of the world’s largest fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Blue foods supply an average of 41 kg of fish per person annually, providing essential micronutrients to millions of Indonesians. They also support the livelihoods of millions, generate billions in export earnings, and contributed nearly 2.8% to national GDP in 2020. Recognizing these benefits, Indonesia has elevated blue foods in its medium- and long-term development plans and the Indonesia Blue Economy Roadmap, which aims to grow the sector while protecting ecosystems and promoting community well-being. Realizing the full potential of blue foods will also require addressing overfishing and planning for climate threats such as warmer waters, rising seas, and stronger storms. This brief is part of a series assessing how blue foods can support national climate goals by combining country-specific data on production, trade, consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and climate risks to identify opportunities for mitigation and adaptation. It is intended for decision-makers developing national climate strategies in Indonesia and similar contexts, as well as funders and implementing partners targeting blue foods in climate initiatives.
- Ghana’s rich marine and freshwater ecosystems support fisheries that are important for both exports and local consumption. While aquaculture production is currently relatively small, it is growing rapidly, supported by policies and strategies such as the Ghana National Aquaculture Development Plan and the recently passed Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, which aim to sustainably grow the sector and enhance the income generated from it. Blue foods are central to national food security, accounting for 60% of animal protein consumed in Ghana, and roughly 10% of the population is employed by the industry. Ghanaians consume 24 kg of blue foods per person per year, above the 2022 global average of 20.2 kg, with small pelagics making up the bulk of diets. In recent years, marine capture fisheries have been under strain from overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Small-scale fisheries increasingly struggle to compete with overcapitalized industrial fleets, many of them foreign-owned. Realizing the full potential of Ghana’s blue foods will require improvements to the management and regulation of fisheries and coastal resources and greater resilience in the face of climate threats such as warmer waters, deoxygenation, and stronger storms. This brief is part of a series assessing how blue foods can support national climate goals by combining country-specific data on production, trade, consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and climate risks to identify opportunities for mitigation and adaptation. It is intended for decision-makers developing national climate strategies in Ghana and similar contexts, as well as funders and implementing partners targeting blue foods in climate initiatives.
- Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) are reliant on aquatic resources for food and nutrition security, income, livelihoods, cultural practices, economic development, and government revenue. Fisheries and aquaculture are particularly important in these large ocean states, making it essential to understand how climate change will affect oceanic, coastal and freshwater resources. This can then inform effective management measures and policies that minimize risks and sustain benefits for communities and governments.
- In the Pacific Islands region, aquatic ecosystems (ocean, rivers and lakes) are integral to people’s culture and well-being, with fisheries and aquaculture making vital contributions to food and nutrition security, livelihoods, economic development, and government revenue. However, growing human populations and an increasing demand for resources, is resulting in land-based pollution and coastal development, unsustainable fisheries practices (including illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing), as well as expanding global trade and value chains, all of which represent significant pressures and drive change in the region. In addition, climate change – through increases in ocean temperature, ocean acidification, sea-level rise, and declines in dissolved oxygen – is an increasingly present and significant threat to ecosystems. These changes are already having, and will continue to have, profound effects on the structure and function of coastal, oceanic and freshwater ecosystems, as well as impacts on their component finfish and invertebrate species and the fisheries and aquaculture they support. These impacts will have consequences for the communities and economies that depend on them for food and nutrition security, livelihoods and revenue.
- An outline of five archetypes of small-scale fisheries derived from a global dataset shows common patterns in their production strategies and contributions to sustainable development outcomes. This categorization can help resolve complexity to support their integration into decision-making and policy.
- From 24–29 August 2025, the CGIAR Initiative on Scaling for Impact (S4I) organized capacity-building program focused on strengthening Community Fish Refuge (CFR) management in Prey Veng and Kampong Thom provinces. This training was designed to enhance community-led fisheries governance, improve the ecological management of rice-field fisheries systems, and reinforce coordination between key institutions, including the Fisheries Administration (FiA), District Agriculture Offices, and local community bodies. The program responded to the growing need for stronger community capacity in managing shared aquatic resources, especially as climate variability increasingly affects water availability, fish abundance, and local livelihoods. By equipping CFR committees with practical skills and technical knowledge, the initiative aimed to support more resilient, productive, and well-governed rice-field fisheries landscapes. Two main training events were conducted on 25, 26, and 28 August 2025, hosted at Theay Community Hall and the Taung Krasang Water User Community Hall. These sessions brought together CFR committee members, commune authorities, village representatives, and technical officers who play central roles in aquatic resource management. A total of 59 participants attended the training, including 33 participants in Prey Veng (5 women) and 26 participants in Kampong Thom (7 women), providing a diverse group of local actors committed to strengthening CFR management in their communities.
- This report documents training on DCAS to support Community Fish Refuges (CFRs) and Community Fisheries (CFis) in Cambodia by providing skills to use digital tools for climate-advisory decision-making. Specific objectives include to equip DTWG members and CFR committees with the ability to access and use localized climate information, to strengthen adaptive decision-making capacities of small-scale fishers and farming households, to enhance technical advisory skills for climate-smart management of fisheries, and to align community-level climate advisory practices with broader bilateral projects such as MACP-II to safeguard aquatic biodiversity and rural livelihoods. Specific outputs include 69 participants (including 11 females) trained from DTWGs and CFR committees, improved access to localized climate information for 10 CFRs across Ba Phnom district (Prey Veng province) and San Tuk district (Kampong Thom province), strengthened adaptive capacity of small-scale fishers and farming households, enhanced technical advisory capacity and alignment with ongoing projects to support sustainable fisheries management.
- Cambodia’s freshwater fisheries play a critical role in ensuring national food security and supporting rural livelihoods. However, these systems are increasingly exposed to climate-related risks, including unpredictable rainfall patterns, floods, and prolonged droughts. Such challenges threaten not only fishery productivity but also the resilience of communities that depend on these resources. To address these vulnerabilities, innovative digital solutions have been introduced under the AoW2-S4I project. In 2024, a Digital Climate Advisory System (DCAS) was piloted in Kampong Thom, demonstrating the potential of real-time climate data to strengthen Community Fish Refuge (CFR) management and enhance adaptive capacity. Building on the success of this pilot, the program is scaling up the innovation to support District Technical Working Group (DTWG) engagement, coordination, and knowledge exchange on CFRs, Community Fisheries (CFis), and Farmer Water User Groups (FWUGs) in Prey Veng and Kampong Thom. This expansion leverages a mobile application developed in partnership with the private sector, designed to facilitate timely access to climate advisory services and improve decision-making at local levels. Cambodia’s rice-fish farming systems, which integrate aquaculture and crop production, are also highly vulnerable to climate shocks. Strengthening local capacities to anticipate and respond to these challenges is essential for sustainable and inclusive agricultural development. Digital tools developed under the AoW2-S4I project aim to enhance coordination and knowledge sharing among key stakeholders, including CFis, CFRs, FWUGs, and rice-fish system actors. These tools provide advisory content on flood and drought mitigation, tailored to the local context and designed to be actionable for both community members and technical teams. This report documents the consultation process undertaken to validate and refine the advisory content within the mobile application. The consultation seeks to ensure that the information provided is relevant, practical, and aligned with the needs of local communities and technical stakeholders. By integrating feedback from these consultations, the program aims to strengthen the effectiveness of digital climate advisory services and contribute to building resilient freshwater fisheries and rice-fish farming systems in Cambodia.
- In October 2024, WorldFish and the Environmental Management and Economic Development Organization (EMEDO) co-hosted a workshop to document lessons learned from the implementation of HER+ in the fisheries sector in Muleba District. During that workshop, participants identified three main constraints that undermine women’s economic resilience to the impacts of climate change in the fisheries sector: (1) persistent gender-based violence (GBV), (2) lack of access to financial services and (3) the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions and decision-making that directly affect their livelihoods. However, this report focuses primarily on discussions of GBV and dialogues on masculinity, as well as training on digital information and communication technology (ICT).
- This manual was developed to support the work carried out under the CGIAR Research Initiative on Harnessing Gender and Social Equality for Resilience in Agrifood Systems (HER+) in the sheries sector of Tanzania’s Muleba District in Kagera Region. The work was implemented by WorldFish, the Environmental Management and Economic Development Organization (EMEDO) and the Tanzania Women Fish Workers Association (TAWFA), which is the Tanzanian chapter of the African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFishNet). HER+ focuses on strengthening gender equality and social inclusion while also building climate resilience across agrifood systems in the Global South. Although the manual was developed for a specific purpose and project, it can be also used by others working in the fisheries sector or other agricultural sectors in communities and countries facing similar gender challenges to those in Tanzania. Using a participatory learning methodology that fosters dialogue and reflection, this manual aims to help those working in the fisheries sector promote gender equality, prevent GBV and strengthen inclusive leadership and community participation.
- WorldFish and EMEDO hosted a community dialogue event in Murumo in Mazinga Ward, Muleba District, Kagera Region. The activity was part of a broader gender-transformative initiative aimed at promoting gender equality, ethical and genderresponsive leadership, and violence-free fisheries. The event used the power of community theater and storytelling to achieve the following: • Raise awareness about GBV (sexual violence/harassment, economic abuse, physical violence) in the fisheries context. • Promote healthy leadership models rooted in empathy, respect and inclusion. • Showcase women’s roles as decision-makers and agents of change. • Empower local women and youths to speak out and lead change. • Strengthen solidarity among men, women, young people and traditional leaders in order to achieve transformative change.
- This report focuses primarily on gender dialogues regarding women in leadership positions and gender-responsive leadership in the fisheries sector. These session included both men and women fishers, boat owners, members of beach management committees (BMCs), community leaders from various religious committees, and young people. The overall objective was to raise awareness about gender biases in leadership. The leadership dialogues also aimed to promote a more inclusive environment for women in leadership in the fisheries sector in Tanzania, build women’s confidence in assuming leadership roles and offer them networking opportunities.
- Blue foods are aquatic resources such as finfish, shellfish, seaweed and other aquatic plants that are captured or cultured in marine, estuarine, and freshwater ecosystems. Throughout the Pacific Islands region, blue foods are a critical part of coastal food system. They underpin local nutrition security and livelihoods, contribute substantially to the economies of Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs), and are integral to the cultural fabric and well-being of local communities. Wild-capture fisheries throughout the region mostly operate within oceanic and nearshore coastal ecosystems. Coastal fisheries, including subsistence and commercial fisheries, capture more than 1,000 fish and invertebrate species using a wide diversity of gear types, with most catches destined for home consumption or local trade (Welch et al. 2025, Chapter 3, this volume). Coastal fisheries are vital to the food and nutrition security of communities, and are an important employer across the region. Oceanic fisheries involve mostly industrial fleets that target four tuna species (skipjack, yellowfin, bigeye and South Pacific albacore). They are critical to the global tuna supply chain, with the western and central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) contributing ~60% of global tuna catches (Lehodey et al. 2025, Chapter 4, this volume). Most tuna catches are caught in the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of the region’s 22 PICTs. Revenue from oceanic fisheries, including from direct sales and licensing agreements with foreign fleets, underpin government budgets and fund essential public services, contributing 0.6–10.0% of the gross domestic product (GDP) of PICTs and accounting for USD 820 million in exports across the region.