Often ranked among the poorest of the poor, small-scale fishing communities are faced with serious problems, including rapid population growth, migration, overexploitation of resources, lack of alternative sources of employment, displacement due to industrial development and tourism, pollution and environmental degradation. Small-scale fishing communities are highly vulnerable to the impacts of natural catastrophes and the high risks associated with fishing operations.

The FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department is working towards strengthening the capacity of men and women in fishing communities in the promotion and use of sustainable, cost efficient and safe fishing operations and methods, their enhanced participation in fisheries and coastal management and socio-economic development, disaster preparedness and training, extension and information dissemination. These are being done through the development of guidelines and extension materials and the promotion of participatory approaches through their demonstration and pilot testing together with stakeholders.  FAO activities are focused on the following:

• Responsible and efficient small-scale fishing technologies
• Cleaner and better managed harbours and fish landing sites
• Use of socio-economic and demographic indicators in community-based and integrated coastal zone management
• Microfinance and micro-enterprise development
• Strengthening fisher organizations, cooperatives and self-help groups
• Disaster preparedness