New Index Tracks Countries' Vulnerability to Conflict Between Large and Small-Scale Fishers

A new study published in the journal Nature Food has introduced an index to score 126 countries on their vulnerability to conflicts between large-scale industrial vessels and small-scale fishers. The index considers factors such as industrial activity near shore, reliance on small-scale fishing for food and income, and weak governance systems. Africa ranked as the most vulnerable region, with West Africa and South Asia being the most vulnerable subregions. At the country level, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Mozambique received the highest conflict vulnerability scores worldwide. Competition between the two sectors can threaten food security and livelihoods in coastal communities, especially in the Global South.