FAO

In Reykjavik, African small-scale fisheries advocate their role in sustainable ocean management

In Reykjavik, African small-scale fisheries advocate their role in sustainable ocean management

From 23 to 27 February 2026, during the second session of the FAO Subcommittee on Fisheries Management, 40 NGOs reiterated that sustainable fisheries management cannot be achieved without fully recognising the role of small-scale fisheries communities in resource governance.

Artisanal fisheries in the spotlight at the first FAO Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management

Artisanal fisheries in the spotlight at the first FAO Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management

Back in 2022, African artisanal fishers asked that the implementation of the FAO guidelines on sustainable small scale fisheries be a standing item in the agenda of the new Sub-Committee and insisted it was essential to allow artisanal fisheries organisations to participate actively to its discussions.

“Small scale fishers play a central role for biodiversity conservation – this calls for recognition and support”, FAO is told

“Small scale fishers play a central role for biodiversity conservation – this calls for recognition and support”, FAO is told

14 organisations, representing small scale fishers’ organisations, environment, and development NGOs have issued a joint statement arguing at the occasion of the first meeting of the newly created FAO Sub Committee Fisheries Management, which is held this week online.

COFI 35: “Never has there been such enthusiasm for small-scale fisheries”

COFI 35: “Never has there been such enthusiasm for small-scale fisheries”

The 35th session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries was a milestone in the history of recognition of the contributions of small-scale fisheries to food security, livelihoods, culture and wellbeing.

Fishmeal and fish oil production in West Africa destroys the region’s resources to the benefit of foreign countries

Fishmeal and fish oil production in West Africa destroys the region’s resources to the benefit of foreign countries

A FAO report on the impacts of the fish-based feed industry in sub-Saharan Africa calls for “effective harvesting and post-harvesting practices” to prevent fish from being redirected away from human consumption.

"Small in scale, big in value", IYAFA is officially launched!

"Small in scale, big in value", IYAFA is officially launched!

The official launch ceremony of the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture took place on Friday 19 November, two days before World Fisheries Day, through a webinar in which several speakers provided their visions and expectations for this year.

The EU: “The increased demand for feed for aquaculture should not deprive local communities of nutrition security and livelihoods”

The EU: “The increased demand for feed for aquaculture should not deprive local communities of nutrition security and livelihoods”

In a webinar on transforming aquatic food systems, organized by FAO, the EU and OACPS, participants underscore the important role of sustainable artisanal fisheries value chains for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

COFI34 recap: Increased awareness and space for small-scale fisheries

COFI34 recap: Increased awareness and space for small-scale fisheries

More than 96 members, 39 intergovernmental organisations and 32 observer NGOs, including CFFA and its partner CAOPA, attended this 34th (online) session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries to discuss global fisheries issues.