John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
New research highlights the significant contributions of small-scale fisheries to global economies, diets, and societies. The study, published on January 15 in Nature, reveals that these fisheries account for 40% of the world's total catch. Xavier Basurto from Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability co-led the research while affiliated with Duke University.
The project is part of an ongoing collaboration to provide new evidence on the benefits and impacts of small-scale fisheries. Nicole Franz from the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization initiated this effort, known as the Illuminating Hidden Harvests Initiative. She will join Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions as a research scholar in February 2025.
Basurto emphasizes that "small-scale fishers are key for sustainability" in biologically rich areas. He notes their long-standing presence and integral role in local ecosystems and cultures.
Franz states that approximately "500 million people are at least partially dependent on small-scale fisheries." These fisheries offer employment or serve as a poverty safety net during challenging times. They generate significant economic value—44% of global marine and inland catch worth $77.2 billion annually.
Gender equity is also addressed within this sector. Franz mentions that "an estimated 44.7 million women are engaged along the entire value chain," highlighting emerging organizations like Tanzania Women Fish Workers Association (TAWFA) and African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET).
Efforts to make small-scale fisheries more visible have been ongoing but fragmented until now. Basurto remarks that previous studies provided isolated evidence but lacked a comprehensive global perspective.
Franz notes a shift in policy focus with the endorsement of guidelines by FAO's Committee on Fisheries in 2014, which supports sustainable practices within small-scale fisheries globally.
Looking ahead, Basurto plans to continue addressing challenges related to aquatic environments' social-ecological sustainability through multidisciplinary approaches at institutions like Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.
The study received support from various international agencies including NORAD, SIDA, Oak Foundation, CGIAR, and Resilient Aquatic Food Systems Initiative.
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