Safe Space for Small-Scale Fisheries in Blue Economy Transformations

By Jewel Das, Md. Ruyel Miah, Mohammad Mahmudul Islam, Prateep Kumar Nayak & Marion Glaser

The blue economy or ocean-based economy encompasses a wide range of activities along the coast and in the sea. It involves innovative research and large commercial investments, considering the ocean as a “development space” or new “economic frontier.” Countries are adopting the blue economy concept and investing more in ocean-based sectors, putting additional pressure on both marine and terrestrial ecosystems, including local communities. The development of the blue economy raises concerns about protecting coastal and marine ecosystems, as well as the livelihoods of small-scale fishing communities. There is a noticeable disparity between international blue economy discussions and national-level planning and execution. This chapter systematizes and discusses the strategies for creating safe spaces for small-scale fisheries in the blue economy transformation to guide social-ecological systems toward sustainable pathways. As small-scale fishers are an integral part of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, this analysis examines the legal and policy frameworks, centrally including the FAO Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines, in relation to a specific national blue economy initiative. The case of Bangladesh is considered in light of the blue economy development in its coastal regions. This chapter unpacks frameworks, steps, and approaches in the transition toward sustainable human–nature interactions in blue economy development, with equity as a central objective.