SOFIA 2026 highlights national action as key to advancing Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines

The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) 2026 report highlights growing global efforts to implement the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF Guidelines), emphasizing that national action is critical to translating the international instrument into tangible benefits for local communities.

According to the report, the SSF Guidelines have achieved broad global recognition since their endorsement in 2014, reaffirming their importance as a framework for promoting sustainable fisheries, equitable access to resources, and improved livelihoods for small-scale fishing communities worldwide.

However, SOFIA 2026 notes that implementation challenges remain. The report identifies the lack of enabling policy environments and insufficient institutional support as major barriers preventing the Guidelines from being fully applied at national and local levels.

To address these challenges, FAO has increasingly supported the development and implementation of National Plans of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOAs-SSF). The report highlights these plans as an effective mechanism for adapting the SSF Guidelines to national realities and local contexts, helping countries move from policy commitments to concrete action on the ground. 
This is essential towards securing the long-term sustainability of small-scale fisheries, improving access to resources and opportunities, and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on fisheries for food security and income.

“As we embark on the second decade of implementation of the SSF Guidelines, efforts at the national and local levels are crucial to achieving meaningful, long-term impact on small-scale fisheries and their contribution to sustainable development. The NPOA-SSF process is a long-term commitment that encourages national and local institutions and stakeholders to work hand in hand to achieve realistic objectives and targets, promoting participatory processes, fostering inclusiveness and collaboration, and encouraging strong political will to address issues facing small-scale fisheries” (p.135)

In addition, the report places the SSF Guidelines within FAO's broader Blue Transformation agenda, which seeks to ensure that fisheries management is not only environmentally sustainable but also socially inclusive. In particular, the report stresses the importance of equitable access to resources and services, stronger fisheries governance, and greater recognition of the contribution of small-scale fisheries to food security, poverty reduction and rural development.

SOFIA 2026 also highlights the continued importance of targeted support for small-scale fisheries as part of wider efforts to improve fisheries governance. FAO's work includes technical assistance, policy development, institutional strengthening and support for countries implementing international fisheries agreements and frameworks.

As global fisheries face growing pressures from climate change, resource depletion and competition as well as  socio-economic inequality, the report presents the implementation of the SSF Guidelines and National Plans of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries as critical tools for ensuring that small-scale fishing communities remain at the centre of sustainable and inclusive fisheries development.

SSF Guidelines highlights from SOFIA 2026

• SSF Guidelines continue to enjoy global recognition and adoption.
• Implementation gaps remain due to limited enabling environments and support mechanisms.
• National Plans of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOAs-SSF) are highlighted as a practical mechanism for implementation.
• NPOA-SSF processes help adapt the SSF Guidelines to local and national realities.
• Small-scale fisheries are recognized as essential for livelihoods, food security and poverty reduction.
• Strengthening governance, equitable access to resources and support services remains a priority under FAO's Blue Transformation agenda.

Learn more:

• The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026 – Blue Transformation: turning vision into impact
• SOFIA 2026 In Brief
• SSF Guidelines
• NPOA-SSF