Welcome to the 5th World SSF Congress
April 27-May 1, 2026
Bangkok, Thailand
WELCOME
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Small-Scale Fisheries for Advancing Just Harmony, Young Futures and Regenerative Wisdom
Background
With all that is happening around the world these days, we have many reasons to be concerned about the future. Progress has been made in many fronts, but there are also some steps backward. In small-scale fisheries, the 10th anniversary of the SSF Guidelines this year is something to celebrate. Yet, when looking around, it is disheartening that only a handful of countries is implementing them. At the same time, what has been gaining traction is the importance of small-scale fisheries in several venues and forums, including at the COFI meeting in Rome in July 2024, when many member states made reference to them, recognizing their contribution, and the need to protect their rights to fishing livelihoods and to help secure their access to resources and markets. What is not evident enough is the commitment from governments to put in place the policies and institutions that support sustainable small-scale fisheries.
Why such a gap exists between ideology and practice?
Perhaps there is a mismatch in the way we think of small-scale fisheries and the idea of growth and development in fisheries and ocean?
Perhaps there is a disconnect in how we discuss food and nutrition security and the imminent role that small-scale fisheries play in fulfilling this goal.
Perhaps there is a lack of imagination about how small-scale fisheries can offer solutions to many of the global concerns, like overfishing and overcapacity.
Perhaps there is too much pressure from more powerful actors, like large-scale industrial fisheries and aquaculture, influencing fisheries decision-making.
Perhaps there is a lack of integration of wisdom from small-scale fisheries people in policymaking.
Perhaps there has not been sufficient opportunity for youth to share their vision and the future they want.
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The 5th World SSF Congress will provide a platform to discuss these issues and co-develop solutions and actions for the future of small-scale fisheries, through three main themes: Just Harmony, Young Futures and Regenerative Wisdom.
Just harmony
TBTI community has long argued that small-scale fisheries can contribute to several SDGs, including SDG 16: “Peace, Justice and Strong Institution”. Now is the time to provide evidence, looking especially at how small-scale fisheries can help address tension, resolve conflicts, and bring harmony to coastal and ocean space. Small-scale fisheries make important contribution to the society, but it is not always possible for them to co-exist with other ocean users, given the existing policies and regulations. Just Harmony emphasizes the need to look at equity and justice as key principles for fisheries governance. Harmony should not be thought of as reaching agreement or consensus at any cause. Rather, it is about being respectful of each other, and of the differences, and working together to sort out how to deal with the ‘best’ option that does not seem to be ‘just’, at least not from the perspective of small-scale fisheries.
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Young Futures
There’s no denying that young people are the future, but for the most part, they have been mostly left out of the conversation about what they want the future to look like. It is not clear, for instance, the extent to which ‘youth voices’ are incorporated in the ‘Future We Want’ document, which was the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in 2012, and which led to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) being promoted nowadays. One can argue that concerns about youth are being addressed in all goals, given that pursuing these goals would no doubt benefit not only the current but also future generations. Yet, one may wonder what the ‘future’ may look like if youth were the ones crafting it. The Young Futures theme explores youth thoughts and ideas about the future of the ocean, the fisheries, the coast, the communities and the society that they are part of. The future of fisheries according to youth is likely to be different from the present one.
Regenerative Wisdom
Regenerative food system – a practice that focuses on restoring ecosystem and positive growth, prioritizing long-term viability of food production – is gaining popularity as a win-win way forward. Given the importance of fish as food, the concept is highly relevant to fisheries, emphasizing the need for best fishing and aquaculture practices, to achieve food security without harming resources, habitats and the aquatic ecosystem. There’s certainly a lot of knowledge and experience in fisheries, especially those with a long tradition and strong ties to communities and ecosystems. Regenerative food system is rooted in the ‘wisdom’ that these fishers have, not only about the fishing practices, but also the stewardship of the resources and the care for the ecosystem. Thinking about ‘Regenerative Wisdom’ in fisheries is a way to recognize the power of small-scale fisheries’ knowledge and wisdom in safeguarding resources and sustaining fishing culture and tradition. It is not only renewable energy that can give the planet clean power. Small-scale fishers do the same, in generating wholesome, climate-friendly food for local communities, and power the planet.
Welcome to the 5th SSF Congress
April 27-May 1, 2026
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand
Small-Scale Fisheries for Advancing Just Harmony, Young Futures and Regenerative Wisdom.
Save the date!
The 5th small-scale fisheries congress is a dedicated platform for researchers, scientists, and industry professionals to come together and discuss the latest advancements, challenges, and opportunities in the field of fisheries research. This is a great space to delve into the critical issues impacting small-scale fisheries, explore innovative solutions, and foster collaboration among experts and stakeholders. Join us in shaping the future of sustainable fisheries management and conservation efforts. We are committed to providing a valuable experience for all participants, with insightful sessions, networking opportunities, and access to the latest research findings. Stay tuned for updates on keynote speakers, session topics, and registration details. Your participation is crucial in driving positive change and progress in the realm of small-scale fisheries. Together, let's make a difference in the world of fisheries research!
Conference note
With all that is happening around the world these days, we have many reasons to be concerned about the future. Progress has been made in many fronts, but there are also some steps backward. In small-scale fisheries, the 10th anniversary of the SSF Guidelines this year is something to celebrate. Yet, when looking around, it is disheartening that only a handful of countries is implementing them. At the same time, what has been gaining traction is the importance of small-scale fisheries in several venues and forums, including at the COFI meeting in Rome in July 2024, when many member states made reference to them, recognizing their contribution, and the need to protect their rights to fishing livelihoods and to help secure their access to resources and markets. What is not evident enough is the commitment from governments to put in place the policies and institutions that support sustainable small-scale fisheries.
Why such a gap exists between ideology and practice? Perhaps there is a mismatch in the way we think of small-scale fisheries and the idea of growth and development (in fisheries and ocean)? Perhaps there is a disconnect in how we discuss food security and the imminent role that small-scale fisheries play in fulfilling this goal? Perhaps there is a lack of imagination about how small-scale fisheries can offer solutions to many of the global concerns, like overfishing and overcapacity? Perhaps there is too much pressure from more powerful actors, like large-scale industrial fisheries and aquaculture, influencing fisheries decision-making?
The 5th World SSF Congress will provide a platform towards finding solutions for these pressing issues. It will do so through the exploration of the three main congress themes: Just Harmony, Young Futures and Regenerative Wisdom.
Key Themes
Just harmony
The mission of the 5th Small-Scale Fisheries Research Conference is to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to address the challenges and opportunities in small-scale fisheries management and sustainability.
Young futures
Our vision is to create a platform where experts and stakeholders can engage in meaningful discussions, develop innovative solutions, and promote inclusive and sustainable practices for the benefit of small-scale fishing communities and the marine environment.
Regenerative wisdom
Our vision is to create a platform where experts and stakeholders can engage in meaningful discussions, develop innovative solutions, and promote inclusive and sustainable practices for the benefit of small-scale fishing communities and the marine environment.
TBTI community has long argued that small-scale fisheries can contribute to the goal of “Peace, Justice and Strong Institution” (SFG 16). Now is the time to provide more evidence, looking especially at how small-scale fisheries can help restore or bring harmony to coastal and ocean space, noting however that this is not an opt out to do nothing and stay in the status quo. Harmony should not be thought of as reaching agreement or consensus at any cause. Rather, it is about being respectful of each other, and of the differences, and working together to sort out how to deal with the ‘best’ option that does not seem to be ‘just’, at least not from the perspective of small-scale fisheries.
Just Harmony can become learning moments for all, like learning to live together, despite our differences. Just Harmony is a process, not some endpoint equilibrium. In a dynamic sector like small-scale fisheries, things are always in flux. Harmonization towards justice for small-scale fisheries is one of many interactions in the governance discourse that requires careful attention.
There’s no denying that young people are the future, but for the most part, they have been left out of the conversation about what they want the future to look like. It is not clear, for instance, the extent to which ‘youth voices’ are incorporated in the ‘Future We Want’ document, which was the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in 2012, and which led to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) being promoted nowadays. One can argue that concerns about youth are being addressed in all goals, given that pursuing these goals would no doubt benefit not only the current but future generations too. Yet, one may wonder what the ‘future’ may look like if youth were the ones crafting it.
The Young Futures theme explores youth thoughts and ideas about the future of the ocean, the fisheries, the coast, the communities and the society that they are part of.
Regenerative food system – a practice that focuses on restoring ecosystem and positive growth, prioritizing long-term viability of food production – is gaining popularity as a win-win way forward. Given the importance of fish as food, the concept is highly relevant to fisheries, emphasizing the need for best fishing and aquaculture practices, to achieve food security without harming resources, habitats and the aquatic ecosystem. There’s certainly a lot of knowledge and experience in fisheries, especially those with a long tradition and strong ties to communities. Regenerative food system is rooted in the ‘wisdom’ that these fishers have, not only about the fishing practices, but also the stewardship of the resources and the care for the ecosystem.
Thinking about ‘Regenerative Wisdom’ in fisheries is a way to recognize the power of small-scale fisheries’ knowledge and wisdom in safeguarding resources and sustaining fishing culture and tradition. It is not only renewable energy that can give the planet clean power. Small-scale fishers do the same, in generating wholesome, climate-friendly food for local communities, and power the planet.
Conference Mission
The mission of the 5th Small-Scale Fisheries Research Conference is to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to address the challenges and opportunities in small-scale fisheries management and sustainability.
Conference Vision
Our vision is to create a platform where experts and stakeholders can engage in meaningful discussions, develop innovative solutions, and promote inclusive and sustainable practices for the benefit of small-scale fishing communities and the marine environment.
Just Harmony
Young Futures
Regenerative Wisdom
