The 4th World Small-Scale Fisheries Congress (4WSFC) is a transdisciplinary forum for anyone interested in small-scale fisheries to participate in an interactive discussion about the world's small-scale fisheries. The purpose of the congress is to facilitate knowledge exchange, foster collaboration, and mobilize support for the viability and sustainability of small-scale fisheries. Considering the Covid-19 global pandemic, and recognizing the need to strengthen regional networks and organizations, the 4WSFC will take place in five regions of the world.

The 4WSFC coincides with the International Year for Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture (IYAFA 2022), declared by the United Nations to recognize the contributions of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture to livelihoods, food and nutritional security, emphasizing the necessity for everyone to take actions to support the sector. The regional congresses are organized to celebrate IYAFA 2022, as well as to build research and governance capacity, and to strengthen local and regional organizations and networks, in order to support the implementation of the ‘Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication’ (SSF Guidelines).

Further, to contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 ‘Life Below Water,’ the regional congresses aim to highlight the fundamental role that small-scale fisheries play in achieving all SDGs, since they are closely connected to ‘Life Above Water.’ Finally, given the heightened interest around Blue Growth and Blue Economy initiatives, the regional congresses provide a platform to discuss how the rights, access and wellbeing of small-scale fisheries might be affected by these initiatives, as well as offer an opportunity to discuss what we can do collective to achieve Blue Justice for Small-Scale Fisheries. 

The 4WSFC Series are organized by volunteers, with support from contributing partners. Individuals interested in attending the congress in-person will need to cover their own costs (travels and meals), as well as pay a nominal registration fee. Anyone attending virtually will not need to pay to participate but will still need to register. Some congress sessions will be streamed live, presented virtually, or video-recorded, and will be available to all registered participants free of charge.

The first congress in the series is the 4WSFC Asia-Pacific, which will be held in Shizuoka City, Japan, on May 10-13, 2022.

For questions and comments email 4wsfcongress@gmail.com.