Fisheries Governance and Livelihoods

Healthy oceans, resilient fisheries, and thriving coastal communities depend on shared responsibility. Everyone who benefits from marine resources has a role to play in sustaining them.

The survival of the seafood industry and the prosperity of fishing livelihoods are inextricably linked. Resilient and well-managed fisheries require meaningful participation and shared responsibility across the seafood system—from fishers and coastal communities to governments, scientists, businesses, and other market actors.

SFP’s Fisheries Governance and Livelihoods division supports efforts to improve fisheries by connecting public sector management with the people and businesses that depend on aquatic resources. We work with partners across the value chain to strengthen governance, support fishing livelihoods, and create the conditions for sustainable resource use.

SFP fosters a model of shared stewardship that brings together science, policy, business, and communities. By helping supply-chain actors and other beneficiaries contribute to stronger fisheries governance, we support long-term resource stability and supply security while advancing healthier oceans and more resilient coastal economies.

fisherman catching fish in net on boat

Collaborative fisheries management

Collaborative fisheries management

Engaging industry and other supply chain actors as active partners in fisheries governance – contributing to sustainable financing, better data, compliance, and implementation. Supporting, not replacing government leadership. 

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Fishing boats in the water and people on the shore, on a beach in Senegal

Support for fishing communities

Support for fishing communities

Supporting fishing communities to strengthen their livelihoods, expand economic opportunities, and participate meaningfully in the governance and stewardship of the ecosystems on which they depend.

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Help us support healthy oceans, resilient fisheries, and thriving coastal communities

Contact SFP to learn more about our Fisheries Governance and Livelihoods work.