The transdisciplinary approach argues that the problems and priorities in fisheries and ocean governance, especially when concerning small-scale fisheries, require a broadening of perspectives that cut across academic disciplines, bridge division between scientific and local knowledge, and bring about innovation in teaching and learning. The transdisciplinary perspective is particularly important when dealing with the ‘wicked problems’ in small-scale fisheries governance, due mostly to insecure tenure rights, lack of livelihood options, poor access to markets, and marginalization of small-scale fishers in decision-making. This approach is also required to facilitate the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
