October 16, 2025
Across the world, 600 million small-scale fishers (SSF) and Indigenous Peoples are facing unprecedented threats to their lands, waters, and livelihoods. Their deep connection with their territories — rivers, coasts, and ecosystems — sustains not only their culture and wellbeing but also the food security of billions. For SSF and Indigenous Peoples, territory isn’t just a fishing area — it’s home. It includes the coastal and inland environments essential for fishing, living, processing, celebrating, and caring for families.
Industrial fishing, large-scale aquaculture, and exclusionary policies continue to displace communities and destroy ecosystems. The aggressive expansion of industrial aquaculture is one of the most alarming examples.
Our Policy Brief highlights the urgent need to restore and protect customary tenure and territorial rights within fisheries governance.
Defending these rights isn’t just about sustainable fisheries — it’s about human rights, Food Sovereignty, and the survival of the SSF and Indigenous Peoples who protect our waters.
Read the full Policy Brief to learn more about the challenges and key recommendations.