The economic diversification of small-scale fishers and their contributions to the goals of the 2030 Agenda

Abstract

Small-scale fishing is relevant. However, aspects such as overfishing, the human population growth, the state of the fishing stocks, influence the adoption of economic diversification strategies by fishers. This article investigates how this process evolves, identifying successes and challenges, and its contributions to the SDGs of the 2030 Agenda. A scope review and critical analysis of publications from 2017 to 2022 was carried out. It was found that the diversification process takes place worldwide, regardless of the differences between fleets. Diversification shows two main paths of evolution: in fishing activities and in non-fishing activities according to the heritage of each region, highlighting tourist activities, transportation services, food and aquaculture. Public policy, training and the integration of academic knowledge are identified as elements of success, while market control by wholesalers, quota systems and a weak governance stand out as challenges. Important contributions to food security, poverty reduction and decent jobs are recognized. There is no conclusive evidence of its impacts on healthy ecosystems.