Small-scale fisheries have captured the interest of researchers and practitioners for decades. The adoption of the Voluntary Guidelines for Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) in 2014 and IYAFA 2022 illustrate the heightened attention and recognition of small-scale fisheries in the policy arena. There is no shortage of “bright spots” in small-scale fisheries, with numerous studies, projects, networks, fishers’ driven and community-based initiatives, and other efforts that contribute to enhancing knowledge and understanding about small-scale fisheries, illustrating their values and contributions, and highlighting the critical role that they play in supporting multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Great work has been done to strengthen small-scale fisheries organizations and build capacity for better governance. Major advances have been made in theories, policies, and practices that promote viable and sustainable small-scale fisheries around the world. The 2024 SSF Regional Symposium is an opportunity to share these “bright spots” in small-scale fisheries so that they energize and inspire others. Although what works in one place may not work in other contexts, we can take lessons and learn from the shared experiences, and be encouraged to think about what more we can do, and how to do it better.

At the same time, despite all the great efforts, many small-scale fisheries still face several problems and challenges that make them vulnerable. They continue to be economically marginalized and are not able to engage in policy and decision-making. Lack of secure access to resources and markets is compounded by poverty, poor working conditions, and inadequate infrastructure. Some small-scale fishers have been displaced from places where they live and work once major development projects roll in. Numerous cases of injustices have been noted, and more are likely to happen, with the continued agendas for economic growth and development in ocean and coastal areas around the world. None of these should lead to hopelessness.  Quite the contrary, small-scale fisheries and their communities are part of the “hope spots” for the ocean, given how critical they are to the protection of the health of the ocean. More attention and support need to be provided to strengthen small-scale fisheries, enabling them to contribute to poverty alleviation, food security, cultural identity, conservation, and sustainability, among others. Talking about small-scale fisheries as hope spots recognizes that there are challenges that need to be overcome and that several types of interventions would be required.