The Quest for Transdisciplinarity in Small-Scale Fisheries Governance

Abstract

This chapter introduces the contributions and topics raised in this book by authors from around the world. It stresses the relevance of small-scale fisheries for sustainable livelihoods and communities, food security, and poverty eradication, as also emphasized in the ‘Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries’ endorsed by FAO member states in 2014. The chapter advocates the need for an analytical lens and a theoretical approach to small-scale fisheries governance. ‘Interactive governance’ is held up as a useful tool for recognizing the ‘wicked problems’ that are commonly associated with the governance and governability of small-scale fisheries. The chapter lays out an argument for why it is essential to cross the disciplinary boundaries of sciences, and to ground it in the local knowledge and practice of small-scale fisheries stakeholders. Thus, the governance of small-scale fisheries must be founded on transdisciplinary perspectives in order to effectively address the multiple concerns associated with the wellbeing, viability and sustainability of small-scale fisheries and fisheries communities, which are the basic conditions for their ability to fulfill their potentials and contributions to society. The chapter also includes an overview and summary of the book contents.