FAO contributes to the global research dialogue on social dimensions, food security, and gender in sustainable fisheries at IIFET 2026
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FAO experts highlighted the importance of social inclusion, equitable access, small-scale fisheries stewardship, gender equality, and food security and nutrition in fisheries during the 2026 Conference of the International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade (IIFET), held in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, from 17 to 21 August 2026. The conference brought together researchers, practitioners and policymakers from around the world under the theme“Global Dialogue for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture.”
FAO contributed to the conference through presentations and special sessions addressing key priorities under the Organization’s Blue Transformation agenda focusing on small-scale fisheries. Discussions focused on how fisheries and aquatic foods can contribute to food security and nutrition, advance gender equality, and strengthen the governance of small-scale fisheries through integration of social dimensions and attention to access and stewardship.
These themes align closely with the FAO Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF Guidelines), which set out a human rights-based approach to governance, tenure, gender equality, and food security and nutrition in the sector.
A special session on Advancing Gender Equality and Women’s Economic Prosperity in Aquatic Food Systems, co-organised by Jennifer Gee, Fishery Officer, FAO and Silva Larson,University of Sunshine Coast, Australia, explored ways to strengthen the role and recognition of women across aquatic food value chains. The session was positioned as a contribution to the development of a Call to Action for the International Year of the Woman Farmer and emphasized the importance of building more inclusive and economically viable aquatic food systems. FAO presented work on developing gender-responsive approaches to measuring employment and economic returns in fisheries and aquaculture value chains, drawing on evidence from across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. The session’s findings represent a contribution to the IYWF Call to Action process.
Another FAO special session, co-organised together with Professor Tony Charles of St. Mary’s University, Canada, recipient of the 2026 IIFET Distinguished Service Award, and Lena Westlund, International Fisheries Analyst, examined the nexus between access and stewardship in small-scale fisheries, highlighting how secure and equitable access to resources, markets, information, finance, social protection and decision-making can support responsible stewardship of fisheries resources. The session drew on emerging findings from FAO’s work on the social dimensions of small-scale fisheries governance and management and contributed to ongoing FAO initiatives on access and stewardship, including the development of new training materials. Discussions reinforced that sustainable fisheries require rights and responsibilities to be mutually reinforcing, supported by participation, transparency and accountability in decision-making .
Molly Ahern, Fishery Officer, FAO also presented research on the contribution of aquatic foods to nutrition and food security. One presentation highlighted findings from a systematic review of aquatic foods in school meal programmes, identifying significant evidence gaps, including livelihood/economic outcomes for aquatic food producers and opportunities for further research. A second presentation examined how sustainable aquatic foods can contribute to poverty eradication and food security, drawing on examples from multiple countries where fisheries and aquaculture support local livelihoods, nutrition outcomes and reduced food loss and waste.
The conference provided an important opportunity for exchange with researchers and practitioners from around the world. Discussions generated strong interest in topics including social dimensions, gender-responsive data and analysis, nutrition-sensitive fisheries policies, and the role of small-scale fisheries in sustainable development. Participants also highlighted the need to strengthen opportunities for engagement by researchers and practitioners from developing countries, particularly in social and gender-related fields.
With nearly 500 papers submitted and participants attending from across the globe, IIFET 2026 reaffirmed the value of interdisciplinary dialogue in addressing the complex challenges facing fisheries and aquaculture. FAO’s contributions demonstrated how evidence-based approaches that integrate social, economic and environmental dimensions can support more equitable, resilient and sustainable aquatic food systems and small-scale fisheries.
The International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade (IIFET) is a global network of more than 700 members from over 65 countries dedicated to advancing the application of economics and related disciplines to fisheries, aquaculture and seafood systems.
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