The Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) are the first international instrument dedicated entirely to the immensely important small-scale fisheries sector. They are the result of a long and intensive global bottom-up consultative process.
What makes the SSF Guidelines stand out is that they go beyond fisheries and highlight the rights of fishers and fish workers. In sum, they are about people, not just about fish. The SSF Guidelines are aimed at all actors striving to secure sustainable small-scale fisheries, to end hunger and poverty and strengthen human rights. They are a tool to guide dialogue, policy processes, and action at all levels, from local communities to global fora.
Get to know the SSF Guidelines
The principles in the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) address policies, strategies and legal frameworks concerning small-scale fisheries, but also other matters affecting lives and livelihood in fishing communities. They have a clear human rights-based approach, and they put people, rather than fish, in focus. The SSF Guidelines are global in scope, and they guide dialogue, policy processes and actions at national, regional and international level.
Latest news

The United Republic of Tanzania showcases SSF Guidelines in action at UNOC3
29/07/2025

Highlighting small-scale fisheries at MARE Conference 2025: Advancing the SSF Guidelines in research and action
25/07/2025
Recent publications

Solar energy and the cold chain. A guide for small-scale fisheries interventions
01/07/2025
The publication provides a layman's guide to the use of solar energy for cold chain purposes in small-scale fisheries. It provides general guidance for field-level operatives and decision-makers on the choices, benefits and challenges related to solar energy use and uptake in small-scale fisheries. It provides technical specifications to aid procurement of equipment...

Guidelines for the seaworthiness and safety inspection of small fishing vessels
10/04/2025
These guidelines for the seaworthiness and safety inspections of small fishing vessels have been developed to contribute to the prevention of accidents with small fishing vessels; reduce damage and loss in small-scale fisheries; and make commercial fishing a safer profession. The objectives of these guidelines are to facilitate the supply of insurance services for small fishing vessels worldwide, with an emphasis on


Other relevant instruments
- FAO's Blue Transformation
- The Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries
- The Voluntary Guidelines to support the progressive realization of the right to adequate food (the Right to Food Guidelines)
- The CFS Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (the RAI Principles)
- The Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests (the Voluntary Guidelines on Tenure)
- The UN Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas
- The UN Sustainable Development Goals (the SDGs)