Report

Sustainable seafood and small-scale fisheries: improving retail procurement

This report from UK think tank the IIED looks at how retailers can make positive contributions to healthier oceans and sustainable fisheries.

Sustainable Development Goal 14.b calls for providing ‘access for small-scale fishers to marine resources and markets’ by 2030. Small-scale fisheries directly support approximately 7% of the global population and make up 47% of the value generated by the seafood industry. International seafood markets and big retail chains are increasingly important for small-scale fisheries, providing these fisheries with opportunities that can contribute to long-term socioeconomic stability. Through seafood sourcing policies that explicitly commit to supporting small-scale fishers, retailers can make positive contributions to healthier oceans, sustainable fisheries and the well-being of coastal communities. This report explores retailers’ procurement of small-scale fisheries’ produce, the challenges faced and the opportunities available.