FAO matrix for the characterization of fishing activities

There is increasing interest in trying to characterize small-scale and large-scale fisheries for a variety of reasons, spanning across governance (policy, legislation, access and tenure), economic (taxation, subsidies, special preference) and management (regulation, gears, zoning) considerations. At the global level, the endorsement of the FAO Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines)[1] is part of an ongoing process to recognize small-scale fisheries as an identifiable segment of fisheries that is important enough to warrant special consideration. Several regional instruments, policies and strategies also refer to the small-scale fisheries sector.

In reality, there is no one, simple cut-off for distinguishing between small-scale or large-scale fishing activity and therefore advancing a universal definition is not considered appropriate. Nonetheless, characterizing the scale of fishing activity is often useful, and even necessary, for informing fisheries management, policies, research and governance. Thus, there is a need for methods that assess scale without imposing a narrow definition and, in line with the SSF Guidelines, also allow for a participatory characterization process[2].

The matrix presented here provides one such approach, which covers all activities up to first landing. The matrix aims to support fisheries management, policy and research where there is a need to characterize different types of fishing activities within a fishery, and when it is desirable to aggregate or segregate fishing units in a transparent and objective manner.

[1] http://www.fao.org/fishery/ssf/guidelines/en (FAO Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication)

[2] “These Guidelines recognize the great diversity of small-scale fisheries and that there is no single, agreed definition of the subsector. Accordingly, the Guidelines do not prescribe a standard definition of small-scale fisheries nor do they prescribe how the Guidelines should be applied in a national context. These Guidelines are especially relevant to subsistence small-scale fisheries and vulnerable fisheries people. To ensure transparency and accountability in the application of the Guidelines, it is important to ascertain which activities and operators are considered small-scale, and to identify vulnerable and marginalized groups needing greater attention. This should be undertaken at a regional, subregional or national level and according to the particular context in which they are to be applied. States should ensure that such identification and application are guided by meaningful and substantive participatory, consultative, multilevel and objective-oriented processes so that the voices of both men and women are heard. All parties should support and participate, as appropriate and relevant, in such processes.” (Par 2.4. p.1-2, Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication, FAO 2015)"