Advancing Research and Policy Engagement to Mitigate Pollution Threats to Small-Scale Fisheries for Sustainable Food Security

Small-scale fisheries (SSFs) are essential for global food security, especially in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMIs), where they are a primary source of protein and essential micronutrients for millions of people. SSFs contribute half of fishery catch globally, but in least developed countries over 80% of catch originates from SSFs, making them a critical food source in regions where other protein sources are scarce or unaffordable. However, ocean pollution—from chemicals, plastics, and other contaminants—poses an increasingly urgent threat to these fisheries and the health of communities that rely on them. Pollution exposure disproportionately impacts women and children in SSF communities, particularly in Southeast Asia, where productive fisheries and high fish consumption intersect with rapidly increasing industrial and agricultural pollution.

Drawing on a scoping review of the literature and rapid expert insights from stakeholders engaged in SSFs across international, regional, academic, and civil society sectors, this study highlights both the magnitude and complexity of ocean pollution impacts on SSFs, with a particular focus on the intersection of high pollution levels and food security dependency in coastal communities of LLMIs. For instance, while there is broad awareness of ocean pollution among wider SSF stakeholders and extensive evidence of ocean pollution and its toxicity, specific localized data on pollution in SSFs and pollution impacts on public health of SSF communities remain sparse. Out of nearly 2,500 articles on ocean pollution and health, only 104 included considerations specific to SSF communities, and only 11% of recent research focused on LLMIs. This lack of data constrains the capacity of SSF stakeholders to perceive pollution risks accurately, advocate for necessary pollution control measures and affect policy engagement

This study outlines research and engagement priorities to fill these gaps, calling for transdisciplinary approaches to measure and address pollution in SSF communities. Key recommendations include conducting comprehensive assessments of pollution in coastal SSFs, generating data on contaminant levels in marine species relevant to SSFs, and assessing dietary exposure risks for SSF communities, particularly among high-risk groups like women and children. These data are essential for pollution control agencies to establish the economic and health costs of pollution. Empowering SSF communities with this knowledge can enhance their participation in policy discussions and enable them to advocate for measures to mitigate pollution sources. Finally, increased collaborations among SSF stakeholders, pollution control agencies, and civil society organizations are essential to raise the visibility of SSF pollution impacts in policy arenas, particularly in Southeast Asia, where high fish consumption and pollution pose critical risks to food security and public health.