Fisheries and Development

Fishing is an important livelihood and source of food for many people in the developing world. Over 90 percent of fisherfolk work in the small-scale sector which produces two-thirds of catches destined for direct human consumption. Fish is often the main source of protein in many people's diets and its contribution to food security is significant. However, as global demand rises, there are increasing pressures on fisheries resources. Fisheries clearly have an important part to play in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals on hunger and poverty. This chapter explores key debates in how fisheries contribute to development and poverty alleviation, focusing mostly on small-scale marine fisheries, drawing attention to some of the emergent themes and policy agendas for fisheries in the context of the Global South.