Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries

in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication

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
14/04/2025
The official SSF Summit 2024 proceedings have now been published and are available in English, French, and Spanish. These comprehensive documents capture the key discussions, case studies, and policy recommendations that emerged from the Summit...
11/04/2025

11 April 2025, Bangkok: Small-scale fisheries (SSF) are the backbone of many coastal and inland communities in Asia, supporting the livelihoods of approximately 46 million people. Women represent 40 percent of those involved in the sector, which contributes nearly half of the region’s total fi...

Recent publications
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

09/04/2025

These Guidelines for insurance value and risk assessment of small fishing vessels have been developed to facilitate the provision of insurance services to the small‑scale fisheries sector worldwide. These guidelines complement the 2015 Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small‑Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines).