Economic Viability of Small-Scale Fisheries: A Transdisciplinary Evaluation Approach

Abstract

Ignorance about small-scale fisheries has prevailed way too long in this water world of ours. Ironically, small-scale fisheries are responsible for feeding vast numbers of people, and, though often theoretically recognized as important, in practice, they are typically marginalized. Instead, large-scale fisheries draw attention and help. While it may be true that there have been a plethora of studies of fisheries and fisheries governance, rarely have researchers looked beyond the questions raised by their own singular disciplines. The amazing, multiyear project entitled, “Too Big To Ignore (TBTI): Global Partnership for Small-Scale Fisheries Research,” funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), has taken steps to remedy our collective ignorance. This book is a synthesis of 6 years of workshops, congresses, and research focused on the potential for taking an inno- vative, transdisciplinary approach to the governance of small-scale fisheries. Case studies reflecting local, national, and global contexts illuminate challenges in gov- ernance, stewardship, food security, alleviation of poverty, livelihoods, human rights, and social justice associated with small-scale fisheries. Importantly, a path forward is laid out to help build capacity for the practical application of the ideals of transdisciplinary governance, research and development.