Challenges for implementation of the FAO’s Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Small-scale Fisheries. A case study of Small-Scale fisheries governance in India

Abstract

For years, small-scale fisheries were marginalized until this sector gained international recognition after the FAO's voluntary guidelines for securing SSFs were endorsed in 2014. Since then, there has been active research, especially in developing countries, to implement these guidelines. Small-scale fisheries that are diverse, complex, and dynamic are challenging to govern and require a transformed governance system to govern and implement the guidelines. This study builds upon the interactive governance theory to look for gaps in both the system-to-be governed and the governing system in Indian Fisheries. System- to- be- governed and the governing system characteristics are analyzed on diversity, complexity, dynamic, and scale. Thus, by this analysis, obstacles are identified in both the systems, which suggests reforms in the Indian governing system to secure small-scale fisheries as per the goal of FAO voluntary guidelines. Overall, the study indicates that the Indian small-scale fisheries are difficult to be governed and how strengthening the governance system in the Hierarchal mode can benefit SSFs in India. Keywords: Small-scale Fisheries, FAO Voluntary Guidelines, Interactive Governance.