Abstract

Small-scale fisheries are essential to global food security and the livelihoods of millions, particularly in coastal and rural communities. However, these fisheries face numerous challenges that threaten their sustainability and the stability of aquatic food networks. This abstract examines the various impacts on small-scale fisheries, focusing on economic, environmental, and social factors that disrupt their operations and affect broader food systems. Key challenges include overfishing, climate change, habitat degradation, and market access limitations, all of which have been exacerbated by recent global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The study explores the ripple effects of these challenges on the aquatic food networks, including supply chain disruptions, decreased fishery productivity, and heightened vulnerability of dependent communities. By analyzing case studies and current research, this work highlights the adaptive strategies employed by small-scale fishers to navigate these challenges, such as diversifying income sources, adopting sustainable practices, and leveraging local knowledge. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to support small-scale fisheries, enhance their resilience, and secure the sustainability of aquatic food networks. Strengthening policy frameworks, improving market access, and promoting sustainable practices are essential for ensuring that small-scale fisheries continue to contribute to food security and economic stability in the face of ongoing and future challenges.