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Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries

in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication

FAO partners with Saint Mary’s University to develop new e-learning course linking stewardship and equitable access in small-scale fisheries

©FAO

20/10/2026

FAO is developing a new e-learning course that brings together two closely interconnected priorities for sustainable small-scale fisheries: environmental stewardship and equitable access to resources and services. Expected to be released in early 2027, the course is being developed under the “Enhancing equitable, climate-resilient and sustainable small-scale fisheries through the SSF Guidelines implementation” project funded by Sweden and is anchored in the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines). 

The course builds on two publications: Environmental stewardship by small-scale fisheries and the upcoming Assessing and improving multiple types of access in small-scale fisheries. By bringing these themes together, the elearning aims to explore how securing the rights of small-scale fishers and strengthening their capacity to contribute to the stewardship of aquatic ecosystems are mutually reinforcing priorities.  

“Small-scale fishers, fishworkers and their communities depend on aquatic resources for their livelihoods, food security and well-being. They are also important contributors to safeguarding these resources and the environments on which they depend” – Explains Tony Charles, professor at Saint Mary’s University. “That is why it is so important to simultaneously recognize their rights, secure equitable access to resources, and support their stewardship actions. All these are essential to sustainable small-scale fisheries”, he complements.  

Through the lessons and scenarios presented, learners will examine how these different dimensions interact, where they create opportunities for synergies, and where tensions or conflicts may arise. This broader perspective recognizes that equitable access extends beyond access to fishery resources alone: it also depends on access to markets, social protection and other conditions and services that enable small-scale producers to exercise their rights, sustain their livelihoods and participate in responsible resource management. 

“The course will emphasize a central principle of the SSF Guidelines: addressing both the rights of small-scale fishing communities and their contributions to responsible stewardship should go together. Equitable access and environmental sustainability are not competing objectives; when supported by appropriate policies and enabling conditions, they can and should reinforce one another” – adds Giulia Gorelli, FAO project coordinator.  

By combining technical knowledge, practical approaches and lessons from different contexts, the course will provide a learning resource for policymakers, practitioners and other stakeholders working to advance sustainable, equitable and resilient small-scale fisheries. Once finalized, it will be made available through FAO’s elearning platform, supporting capacity development and wider understanding of the connections between equitable access, environmental stewardship and the long-term sustainability of small-scale fisheries. 

 

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