The World Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF) Congress brings together people to amplify voices, build connections, and shape solutions for more sustainable small-scale fisheries sustainability.
In its 5th edition this year, the Congress themed “Small-Scale Fisheries for Advancing Just Harmony, Young Futures and Regenerative Wisdom" is a global platform to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships and co-develop practical solutions that support the livelihoods, rights and food security of small-scale fishing communities.
The event involves researchers, practitioners, policymakers, fishers’ organizations, civil society and development partners to advance sustainable, equitable and resilient small-scale fisheries globally.
WorldFish Participation
WorldFish is participating in key sessions throughout the Congress, contributing evidence and innovations that strengthen fisheries governance, nutrition security and inclusive development across aquatic food systems.
Session Panelist
Dr. Alex Tilley, Senior Scientist
Session 3.5: Enhancing Food Sovereignty and Nutritional Security
Date and Time: 28 April 2026, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Venue: Khao Wang 3, Dusit Thani Hua Hin, Thailand
Role: Speaker
WorldFish’s Alex Tilley will present the 'Fisheries Nutrient Profiles' paper, highlighting how small-scale fisheries contribute to food sovereignty and nutritional security through stronger evidence on fisheries-derived nutrition.
Side Meetings with GFW, Minderoo Foundation, Stockholm Resilience Centre
Date and Time: TBD
Prof Edward Allison, Principal Scientist
Panel Session: Social Protection Schemes for Small-Scale Fisheries
Date and Time: 29 April 2026
Venue: Dusit Thani Hua Hin, Thailand
Role: Panelist
The panel session led by the International Institute for Environment and Development and the World Bank focuses on discussions on social protection schemes for small-scale fisheries to examine how social protection systems can better support small-scale fishers and fishing communities, particularly in the face of climate risks, economic shocks and livelihood vulnerability.
Pre-conference meeting
Ahead of the main Congress, Edward Allison will also participate in a full-day pre-conference meeting focused on designing and implementing preferential access zones for small-scale fisheries.
As part of this session, he will deliver a lightning talk on how WorldFish’s PESKAS platform can help fisherfolk monitor and defend their preferential access zones against incursions from large-scale vessels and competing ocean users.
This work highlights how digital fisheries systems can strengthen tenure security, support local governance and improve community-led fisheries management.
For more information on the World SSF Congress, visit: World SSF Congress | Small-scale fisheries