Small scale fisheries are fisheries where fishers and allied workers are directly engaged in work mainly for subsistence as against for commercial purpose.
Small-Scale Fisheries: Global Definition, Local Designation
The definition of small-scale fisheries is global. Everywhere on this planet small-scale fisheries may be identified by the above definition. But the capacity and technology usage of the fishers and allied workers engaged in small-scale fisheries is contextual, which may vary from area to area. Thus, small-scale fisheries are defined globally, but designated locally.
Three Distinctive Characteristics of Small-scale Fisheries
Small Scale Fisheries is more Sustainable –
To be sustainable, utilisation of natural resources has to match their regeneration. Slow in extraction and non-aggressive in nature, small scale fisheries are most suitable for this principle.
Small Scale Fisheries is more Traditional –
Small scale fisheries have grown through ages. The age-old process of coping with the local or regional ecosystems, including the nature of water and fish resources, has bestowed small scale fisheries with traditional knowledge of sustainable fishing and shaped their boats and gears.
Small Scale Fisheries is more Equitable –
Small scale fisheries with its small ownerships and large partnerships distribute the income earned through fishing in a scale incomparably larger to mechanised or large-scale fisheries.
Small-Scale Fishworkers
Spread over both the marine and inland fisheries, the major categories of small-scale fish workers are Fishers, Fish Farmers, Fish Vendors and Fish Sorters and Dryers. There are also ancillary workers like Net or Boat Makers and Repairers.
