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New index tracks countries’ vulnerability to conflict between large and small-scale fishers
Publication: Conservation news
Authors: Autumn Spanne, Edward Carver
Source published: 02/11/2026, 17:19:05 UTC
Briefing created: 02/11/2026, 18:06:28 UTC
Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 02/11/2026, 17:39:24 UTC.
Briefings
A new Nature Food study published in October 2026 introduces an index scoring 126 countries' vulnerability to conflict between industrial and small-scale fishers. Africa ranks as the most vulnerable region, with Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Mozambique receiving the highest scores. The index considers industrial activity intensity, reliance on small-scale fishing for livelihoods, and governance strength. Melissa Cronin, lead author at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, noted industrial vessels can outcompete small-scale fishers due to efficiency. The study highlights specific subregions like West Africa and South Asia as particularly at risk.
Key points
- Africa ranks as the most vulnerable region to conflict between industrial and small-scale fishers according to the new index.
- Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Mozambique received the highest conflict vulnerability scores worldwide.
Context
The study, published in Nature Food on October 22, 2026, analyzes 126 countries' vulnerability to competition and conflict between large-scale and small-scale fisheries. It identifies specific subregions and countries at highest risk, providing a tool for understanding food security threats in the Global South.
Limitations
Scores are based on factors including industrial activity intensity, reliance on small-scale fishing, and governance strength. The study covers 126 countries as of October 2026, with specific subregion rankings provided. Some data points regarding governance systems and specific conflict mechanisms remain unquantified in the available evidence.
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