Value chain analysis and small-scale fisheries management

- Value chain analysis can play a role in small-scale fisheries management.
- Value chain analysis can provide data and information for fisheries management.
- Value chain analysis can provide policy and management recommendations.

A value chain analysis is conducted to identify upgrading, that is, improvements in quality and product design that enable producers to gain enhanced value or through diversification in the product lines served. However, a range of data and information of use to managing small-scale fisheries can be also be produced. Eight value chain studies, carried out for specific fish species in different locations around the Philippines, are examined. Policy and management lessons learned and interventions resulting from the value chain analysis for small-scale fisheries management are discussed. Recommendations for using value chain analysis in small-scale fisheries management include stricter regulation on size limits of harvest, monitoring schemes, certification processes, post-harvest facilities, seasonal closures, social enterprises, credit facilities, and habitat protection.