Abstract

Fisheries support the livelihoods of about 560 million people, approximately 8% of the world’s population, and their number is growing. Of about 34 million active fishers, more than 90% are small-scale. Yet, these fisheries have been largely marginalized, ignored or dismissed as relics of the past. In many countries, this marginalization is shown by inadequate financial, institutional, and scientific support for small-scale fisheries, and an under-representation of the concerns of people working in this sector in policy discussions. ‘Too Big to Ignore’ is a new research network and knowledge mobilization partnership established to rectify the marginalization of small-scale fisheries in national and international policies, and to develop research and governance capacity to address global fisheries challenges. Through collaborative efforts, we will conduct research to address issues, concerns and challenges facing small-scale fisheries and will facilitate dialogue about policy and governance system that need to be designed to reflect the important contribution that small-scale fishing sector is making to the society and with the interest of small-scale fishing people in mind.

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