The big numbers often associated with small-scale fisheries (e.g. of the 120 million people employed in fisheries, 90% are small-scale) suggest that they are ‘too big to ignore.’ It also means that ocean and fisheries sustainability goals (like SDG14) cannot be achieved without careful consideration of this important sector. In addition to their sheer number, the diversity, complexity and dynamics of small-scale fisheries pose numerous challenges for ocean and fisheries governance. Major progress has been made, however, to advance knowledge about small-scale fisheries and to reduce their marginalization. The latter, in particular, is fueled by the adoption of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines). Innovative and concerted efforts are required, however, to realize these ambitious goals. This seminar presents experiences and lessons from a major research initiative, Too Big To Ignore (TBTI): Global Partnership for Small-Scale Fisheries Research, highlighting the unique database on small-scale fisheries, findings from the ‘big question’ research, and the new “Transdisciplinarity in Fisheries’ training course. There will also be a special launching presentation of the new TBTI book on “Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines: Global Implementation”, which reveals what happened when the SSF Guidelines hit the ground in 32 locations round the world.