Blue food sovereignty and small-scale fisheries comanagement in Samoa

Keywords: food justice, fisheries management, Pacific Islands, food security, food sovereignty
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

“Blue” (aquatic) food systems have a vital role in providing nutrition, livelihoods, and food security for coastal communities, but addressing and evaluating issues of equity and social resilience continues to challenge small-scale fisheries management. We use a food sovereignty lens to examine how marine aquaculture and comanagement approaches that integrate traditional institutions can support food sovereignty for more equitable blue food systems. Interviews with stakeholders in eleven fishing communities in Samoa indicate that several benefits associated with food sovereignty are derived from comanaged village fish reserves. Reserves support biodiversity health and are a source of culturally-valued seafoods that build food security, social capital, and sustainable livelihood opportunities for women. Local values, food systems, providers, and consumers are centered, though traditional hierarchies present challenges for equitable decision-making. Our findings demonstrate how incorporating a food sovereignty lens into the operation and evaluation of fisheries comanagement can aid in addressing equity and resilience.