The TBTI network and partnership activities are coordinated by Dr. Ratana Chuenpagdee, Canada Research Chair in Natural Resource Sustainability and Community Development, Memorial University. Network members are conducting global and comparative analyses, as well as in- depth analysis of SSF in the context of local complexity and dynamics, along with a thorough examination of governance challenges, to inform careful consideration of this fishing sector in local, regional and global policy arenas. They do so through three key activities:
- developing a comprehensive information system to systematically characterize SSF, which enables global and comparative analysis of small-scale fisheries’ contributions to economic development, environmental sustainability, and community resilience;
- conducting research to examine key issues concerning SSF, such as those related to their economic viability and vulnerability to anthropogenic global change processes, their social and cultural importance, the roles they play in conservation and environmental stewardship, displacement and livelihood threats due to other competing interests, and appropriate governance systems and mechanisms;
- synthesizing and mobilizing knowledge for policy discussion and capacity building in and for SSF.
Given that the the TBTI partnership covers the majority of the world’s small-scale fishing areas, it will have a truly global impact on research and policy development for sustainable small-scale fisheries and community wellbeing.
