Technical guidance for the creation and implementation of a national fisher registry in support of fisheries management

Small-scale and artisanal fisheries are vital for global food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable resource management. Despite their importance, these communities often face marginalization. Empowering both men and women in fisheries can lead to improved socioeconomic outcomes and sustainable development. Implementing fisher registries is crucial for enhancing fishers' visibility to national governments, facilitating access to benefits including social protection, collecting comprehensive data on fishers and fishworkers and aiding policy formulation. However, existing registry programmes face challenges such as low registration rates and lack of inclusivity. This guidance document aims to assist countries in establishing effective fisher registries tailored to their specific contexts. Key elements include defining fisher registries, designing them to be interoperable with other social protection information systems, and implementing and operationalizing them effectively. Interoperability with other systems is crucial for maximizing the benefits of fisher registries. Clear communication between stakeholders and flexibility in implementation are essential for success. Overall, this document serves as a practical tool for governments and stakeholders to develop or improve fisher registries, with detailed sections on design, implementation, and interoperability, along with appendices providing technical information and examples.