Reducing fisherfolk's vulnerability leads to responsible fisheries. Policies to support livelihoods and resources management

The aim of this policy brief is to: Highlight the different ways in which small scale fisheries currently contribute to poverty alleviation and food security, with a focus on West Africa Propose that decreasing people’s vulnerability and marginalization are key ways of reducing poverty among fishing-dependent people without putting additional pressure on fully- or over- exploited fishery resources Show that diminishing fisherfolk's vulnerability and marginalization will incre ase their incentives and capacity to participate in resource management Emphasize that reducing fisherfolk's vulnerability and supporting their social inclusion will help to enhance the flow of benefits from fisheries and increase the sector's contribution to pro-poor economic growth at local, national and regional levels Outline response strategies and recommendations for national governments, donor and international organizations, and policy-makers in fisheries