International law and small-scale fisheries

What is it about?

In this article, I explore how international law addresses artisanal small-scale fisheries, focusing on the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF Guidelines), adopted in 2014 by members of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). I argue that, despite their non-binding nature, the SSF Guidelines have normative significance and legal force for three main reasons. First, due to the transparent multi-stakeholder process of developing and adopting the guidelines, which strengthened their legitimacy and acceptance. Second, for the normative content of the guidelines' provisions, which reinforce the existing obligations States committed to as parties to in human rights treaties. Third, for the law-making effects of the guidelines, which have influenced the development and adoption of policy and legal instruments at national, regional and international levels of governance.

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Photo by Jed Owen on Unsplash

Photo by Jed Owen on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research clarifies the normative significance and legal force in international law of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF Guidelines). It promotes the continuous expansion of the global safety net which covers all international legal instruments relevant in supporting the recognition, protection and promotion of small-scale fishers and their communities.

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