The role of artisanal fisheries and aquaculture in sustainable food systems

Artisanal fisheries and aquaculture have substantial roles in sustainable food systems. Unlike industrial fisheries, that operate to maximize commercial profits and economic efficiencies, artisanal fisheries satisfy local needs for healthy food. They also contribute to the maintenance of employments, knowledge systems, traditional institutions, and sociocultural values in the rural areas. Resource management practices for artisanal fisheries have been intensively studied. Dr. Elinor Ostrom, winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2009, described that successful forms of common pool resources have eight governance characteristics, namely, (1) clearly defined boundaries (against free-riders), (2) congruence (benefit distribution), (3) collective-choice arrangements, (4) monitoring, (5) graduated sanctions, (6) conflict-resolution mechanisms, (7) recognition of rights to organize (no IUUs), and (8) nested enterprises (multiple layers). She also explained that the “tragedy of commons” can be avoided where local people engage in resource management under the above conditions. Certain threats, however, exist against artisanal fisheries and aquaculture in the modern society. Depopulation of rural areas become eminent in many areas of the world because residents in rural areas tend to move to city areas. Maintaining small-scale family businesses become difficult due to decreasing labor forces The price of their fishery and aquaculture products are weak due to increased competitions of imported food products. Climate changes may exaggerate volatilities of production outputs. Two countermeasures exist against such threats. One is to enlarge the operation units by investing large scale industrial boats and processing facilities. The other way is to add values of local products while maintaining diversified small-scale traditional productions and processing activities. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) provides support and encouragements for the latter option in fisheries and aquaculture, pointing out that states and all other parties should recognize, respect and protect all forms of legitimate tenure rights enjoyed by small-scale fishing communities. In addition, FAO also has a mechanism to recognize a good practice as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) and this recognition could help local communities to increase profiles for food consumers and green tourists. Further use for these FAO tools are expected to keep the distinct values associated with artisanal fisheries and aquaculture in sustainable food systems.