Technological Innovations in Small-Scale Artisanal Fisheries: A Systematic Literature Review of Opportunities, Barriers, and Future Directions

2.1 Research strategy and question formulation

To establish a focused and systematic review structure, the SPIDER framework (Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, Research Type) was applied. The SPIDER approach was considered appropriate because the study integrates qualitative, policy-oriented, and mixed-methods research relating to fisheries innovation and community sustainability.

The framework was defined as follows:

The primary research question guiding this review was:

Secondary questions focused on:

2.2 Information sources and search strategy

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple internationally recognized academic databases to capture peer-reviewed research relevant to technological innovation in small-scale fisheries. The primary databases searched included Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. To incorporate policy documents, technical reports, and grey literature, additional searches were conducted within repositories from the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Bank.

The review focused on publications produced between 2010 and 2024 to capture contemporary technological developments and modern fisheries governance discussions.

Boolean search operators (AND, OR) and keyword combinations were employed to improve search precision and comprehensiveness. The primary search string used was:

Additional keyword variations were applied depending on database indexing structures and search capabilities.

The initial database search identified 428 academic records, while an additional 21 documents were retrieved from institutional reports and grey literature sources. After duplicate removal, 353 studies remained for title and abstract screening.

2.3 Eligibility criteria

Studies were evaluated using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure relevance, quality, and consistency throughout the review process.

Inclusion criteria

Studies were included if they:

Exclusion criteria

Studies were excluded if they:

2.4 Study selection and data extraction

The study selection process followed the four-stage PRISMA 2020 framework: identification, screening, eligibility assessment, and inclusion.

Identification Phase

A total of 449 records were identified through database searching and grey literature sources.

Screening Phase

After removing 96 duplicate records, 353 studies underwent title and abstract screening. During this stage, 235 articles were excluded due to irrelevance, lack of technological focus, or mismatch with the study objectives.

Eligibility Phase

A total of 118 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility against the predefined inclusion criteria. Of these, 51 studies were excluded because they focused primarily on industrial fisheries, lacked methodological clarity, or did not sufficiently address technological innovation in small-scale fisheries.

Inclusion Phase

Ultimately, 67 studies were included in the final qualitative synthesis and thematic analysis.

The PRISMA framework enhanced transparency in the study selection process and minimized selection bias throughout the review.

Data Extraction

A standardized data extraction framework was developed to systematically organize information from the selected studies. The extracted information included:

2.5 PRISMA flow diagram

The study selection process is summarized in Figure 1 following the PRISMA 2020 reporting structure.

Figure 1. PRISMA 2020 flow diagram illustrating the identification, screening, eligibility assessment, and inclusion process used in the systematic literature review.

2.6 Quality assessment and data synthesis

To ensure the reliability and academic quality of the included studies, the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist for qualitative research was employed as the primary quality assessment tool. The CASP framework enabled the evaluation of methodological rigor, research validity, transparency, and relevance of the selected literature.

The collected data were synthesized using a narrative thematic synthesis approach. Findings were grouped into major thematic categories to identify recurring patterns, similarities, and emerging research gaps across the literature. The principal synthesis themes included:

The narrative synthesis approach allowed for the integration of interdisciplinary evidence from fisheries science, environmental governance, digital transformation, and sustainability research, thereby providing a holistic understanding of technological innovation within small-scale artisanal fisheries.

3.1 Characteristics of small-scale artisanal fisheries

Small-scale artisanal fisheries are characterized by the use of small vessels (typically less than 12 meters in length, often with low-powered engines or unpowered), which operate close to shore, usually on continental shelves within a few hours’ travel from departure ports (Silvestrini et al., 2025), (Malcolm, Olivas & Dagostino, 2021). The fishing gear is predominantly manual, static, and passive, including trammel nets, gillnets, longlines, handlines, and traps, with gear selection adapted to seasonal species availability and local traditions (Silvestrini et al., 2025), (Malcolm, Olivas & Dagostino, 2021), (Gamarra et al., 2023). Vessel types can range from small rafts and wooden canoes to open boats with outboard motors, and crews are generally small, often comprising only a few individuals (Malcolm, Olivas & Dagostino, 2021), (Gamarra et al., 2023). The sector is highly diverse, with a wide variety of gears and techniques, and fishing activities are often labor-intensive with relatively low productivity (Malcolm, Olivas & Dagostino, 2021), (Tzanatos et al., 2006).

3.2 Socio-economic role in local communities

Small-scale artisanal fisheries are crucial for food security, livelihoods, and poverty reduction, especially in coastal and rural communities of developing countries, where up to 90% of people may depend on fishing for their subsistence (Gamarra et al., 2023), (Tzanatos et al., 2006), (Chambon et al., 2024), (Purcell et al., 2016), (Zhang et al., 2025), (Hauzer, Dearden & Murray, 2013). These fisheries provide direct access to high-quality animal protein and are a key source of income, supporting local economies and employment (Gamarra et al., 2023), (Chambon et al., 2024), (Purcell et al., 2016), (Zhang et al., 2025), (Hauzer, Dearden & Murray, 2013). They also play a significant role in maintaining cultural identity, social relationships, and the transmission of traditional knowledge across generations (Gamarra et al., 2023), (Tzanatos et al., 2006). Women are heavily involved, particularly in post-capture activities such as processing and selling, and their catches can account for a substantial portion of household seafood consumption (Malcolm, Olivas & Dagostino, 2021), (Chambon et al., 2024), (Zhang et al., 2025), (Reis-Filho et al., 2025). The sector is the largest employer in the marine sector, representing 90% of the world’s fishers and providing 40–50% of the global catch for human consumption (Silvestrini et al., 2025), (Chambon et al., 2024), (Zhang et al., 2025).

3.3 Challenges: Climate vulnerability, lack of mechanization, and marginalization

Artisanal fisheries face complex challenges, including overfishing, habitat degradation, and the impacts of climate change such as sea level rise, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events (de Carvalho, Amaral & Alves, 2023). These communities are often highly vulnerable due to their dependence on natural resources and limited adaptive capacity (Zhang et al., 2025), (de Carvalho, Amaral & Alves, 2023). The sector is typically poorly mechanized, relying on low-capital, traditional methods, and is frequently marginalized in policy and management, resulting in inadequate representation and limited access to financial resources (Chambon et al., 2024), (Zhang et al., 2025), (Reis-Filho et al., 2025). Data availability and quality are persistent issues, with many small-scale fisheries escaping official statistics due to their informal and diverse nature (Chambon et al., 2024), (de Carvalho, Amaral & Alves, 2023), (Bara Dème & Failler, 2024). Additionally, the lack of systematic monitoring and weak governance further exacerbate their vulnerability to environmental and economic shocks (Reis-Filho et al., 2025).

3.4 Sustainability issues: Overfishing, bycatch, and habitat impacts

While small-scale fisheries are often considered more sustainable than industrial fisheries due to their selective gear and lower ecological footprint, they are not immune to sustainability challenges (Silvestrini et al., 2025), (Snape et al., 2024), (Ríos et al., 2017), (Outeiro et al., 2021), (Mills, Gengnagel & Wollburg, 2014), (José Alava et al., 2019). Overfishing and resource overexploitation are significant concerns, particularly in regions where management is weak or non-compliance is high, leading to stock collapses and the dismantling of local value chains (Mills, Gengnagel & Wollburg, 2014). Bycatch, including vulnerable species such as elasmobranchs, seabirds, marine mammals, and sea turtles, can be substantial and may even exceed that of industrial fleets in some cases (Snape et al., 2024), (José Alava et al., 2019). Habitat degradation, especially in sensitive areas like seagrass beds and coralligenous reefs, is also documented, with bycatch and gear impacts triggering cascading ecological effects (Silvestrini et al., 2025). Waste generation and the need for better utilization of bycatch and processing by-products are additional sustainability issues.

3.5 The need for technological interventions

Given these challenges, technological interventions are crucial for the future of small-scale artisanal fisheries. Innovations such as improved gear (e.g., net illumination to reduce bycatch), alternative lighting systems, and better data collection tools can help address ecological impacts, reduce operational costs, and enhance sustainability (Snape et al., 2024), (Mills, Gengnagel & Wollburg, 2014). Technology can also support the integration of circular economy principles, enabling the recycling and upcycling of fishing gear and by-products, which yields both ecological and economic benefits (Mills, Gengnagel & Wollburg, 2014). However, the adoption of technology must be context-sensitive, ensuring that it does not inadvertently increase overfishing or undermine traditional practices and community well-being (Mills, Gengnagel & Wollburg, 2014). Effective policy frameworks, infrastructure, and collaborative partnerships are necessary to support the scaling of beneficial technologies and to ensure that artisanal fisheries can continue to provide livelihoods, food security, and cultural value for future generations (Mills, Gengnagel & Wollburg, 2014).

4.1 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) innovations

Current Examples:

Mobile smartphone applications and digital survey forms have been developed to collect fisheries data on a small scale, such as the open-source PeskAAS system piloted in Timor-Leste. PeskAAS integrates vessel tracking data with catch records and provides spatial and temporal filtering of fishing productivity by method and habitat. It is controlled through a dashboard co-designed with fisheries scientists and managers, enabling easy-to-read data summaries and interpretation. The system is adaptable and has been used as a framework for systematic, standardized data collection in other contexts with limited training and code adaptation (Tilley, Dos Reis Lopes & Wilkinson, 2020), (Tilley et al., 2024).

Costs and Feasibility:

PeskAAS is fully open-source and free to use, making it highly feasible for small-scale fisheries with limited financial resources. However, successful implementation requires some contextual development and adaptation, which may limit scalability across different geographies (Tilley, Dos Reis Lopes & Wilkinson, 2020).

Impact:

Automated analytics from ICT tools like PeskAAS provide insights into fishing efforts, fisheries status, catch rates, economic efficiency, and geographic preferences, potentially guiding management and livelihood investments. These tools can lower transaction costs, connect sellers and buyers, and enable more precise and timely decision-making, supporting sustainable fisheries management and food security goals (Tilley, Dos Reis Lopes & Wilkinson, 2020), (Tilley et al., 2024).

4.2 Internet of Things (IoT) applications

Current Examples:

Low-cost GPS tracking and participatory logging methods have enabled small-scale fisheries to adopt spatial effort tracking systems using cellular, LoRaWAN, and IoT-based solutions. National initiatives in the UK, Italy, and other EU member states have demonstrated the feasibility of integrating passive-gear vessels under 12 m into these systems(Novaes Mathias et al., 2026). In aquaculture, IoT-based monitoring systems using multisensor boards measure key parameters such as pH and dissolved oxygen, allowing farmers to assess the health status of their systems and reduce waste (Anani et al., 2022). The Smart Nodding Duck (SND) system uses wave energy to power sensors and provides real-time feedback on sea conditions, enhancing safety and production efficiency (Wang et al., 2024).

Costs and Feasibility:

IoT solutions can be cost-effective if materials are chosen for low maintenance over long periods. The SND system demonstrated an average output power of 96.26 mW and high monitoring accuracy, with feasibility verified in tank experiments (Anani et al., 2022), (Wang et al., 2024). However, widespread adoption may be limited by technical capacity and the need for institutional support (Anani et al., 2022), (Kritzer, 2020).

Impact:

IoT devices facilitate real-time monitoring, improve traceability, and support predictive analytics for resource management. They help reduce pollutant emissions, environmental stressors, and energy consumption, contributing to loss reduction and improved growth in fish farming (Novaes Mathias et al., 2026), (Anani et al., 2022), (Wang et al., 2024).

4.3 Post-harvest technologies

Current Examples:

Technological advances in post-harvest practices include the use of cold storage, ice plants, insulated and refrigerated systems to prevent spoilage and quality deterioration during handling, transportation, processing, and preservation (Islam & Shamsuddoha, 2018). Solar-powered ice and cold storage solutions are recommended to upscale post-harvest technology and infrastructure (Islam & Shamsuddoha, 2018).

Costs and Feasibility:

Small-scale fisheries often have low financial capabilities, making access to sustainable post-harvest solutions challenging. However, modernized artisanal fisheries with improved post-harvest practices can be profitable and produce high-grade products for export markets (Islam & Shamsuddoha, 2018), (Akintola et al., 2022).

Impact:

Upgrading post-harvest technology is critical to eliminating hunger and improving food and nutritional security. It helps prevent spoilage and quality deterioration, reducing losses and increasing the value of fish products (Islam & Shamsuddoha, 2018), (Akintola et al., 2022).

4.4 Sustainable fishing gear and propulsion

Current Examples:

Fishing gears are increasingly produced from synthetic materials and designed to minimize the catching of non-target species, supporting sustainability. Smaller crews aided by hydraulic and navigational systems are now common, and there is advocacy for the revival and blending of locale-specific, small-scale technologies with modern innovations to create energy-efficient and ecologically sustainable hybrids (Lorenzi & Chuenpagdee, 2020), (Morgera & Ntona, 2018).

Costs and Feasibility:

Technology blending should be tailored and adapted to local socio-economic and ecological circumstances to ensure compatibility and appropriability by users. The transferred technology should not deskill operators and must be feasible for small-scale fishers (Morgera & Ntona, 2018).

Impact:

Eco-friendly gear and propulsion systems help minimize discards and waste, maintain marine ecosystem biodiversity, and support sustainable fisheries management (Lorenzi & Chuenpagdee, 2020), (Morgera & Ntona, 2018).

4.5 Digital platforms for traceability and e-commerce

Current Examples:

Digital platforms such as blockchain-based traceability systems and e-commerce sites (e.g., “La Pescadería Artesanal”) directly connect producers with consumers, improving profitability margins. Interoperable digital traceability systems support GDST standards and SDG 14, ensuring accurate tracking of seafood products across supply chains (Cromwell et al., 2025), (Sarmiento-Carbajal et al., 2025). These platforms can also monitor and ensure decent working conditions for fishers, addressing labor rights issues (Cromwell et al., 2025).

Costs and Feasibility:

Digital platforms can lower transaction costs and remove barriers to market access, but their adoption in small-scale fisheries is hindered by political, social, and economic disparities (Tilley et al., 2024), (Sarmiento-Carbajal et al., 2025).

Impact:

Blockchain and IoT technologies enhance traceability, transparency, and regulatory compliance, reduce food fraud and waste, and improve cold-chain efficiency. E-commerce platforms increase income by connecting fishers directly to consumers (Cromwell et al., 2025), (Sarmiento-Carbajal et al., 2025).

4.6 Summary table: Innovative technologies for small-scale fisheries

The major technological innovations, feasibility considerations, and sustainability impacts identified across the reviewed studies are summarized in Table 1.

4.7 Synthesis and comparison

Across all five areas, digital and technological innovations are increasingly accessible and adaptable for small-scale fisheries, though challenges remain in scalability, financial capacity, and institutional support. ICT and IoT tools are most effective when tailored to local contexts, while post-harvest and sustainable gear technologies require infrastructure investment and community participation. Digital platforms offer significant potential for traceability and market access, but disparities in adoption persist. Collectively, these innovations contribute to loss reduction, improved income, and sustainability in small-scale fisheries (Tilley, Dos Reis Lopes & Wilkinson, 2020), (Novaes Mathias et al., 2026), (Anani et al., 2022), (Akintola et al., 2022), (Cromwell et al., 2025).

5.1 Economic barriers: High costs and lack of credit

Small-scale fisheries face significant economic barriers to adopting new technologies. High initial investment costs for equipment such as IoT devices, AI systems, and blockchain infrastructure are a major obstacle, especially for small-scale operators who often lack the financial resources to make such investments (Mawrides, Mishra & Jæger, 2025). The cost of equipping fishing vessels with advanced technology can reach thousands of dollars, which is prohibitive for artisanal fishers (Mawrides, Mishra & Jæger, 2025). Additionally, the lack of access to credit and market incentives further increases the investment risk for small-scale aquaculture operations, making it difficult for them to compete with wild-caught products (Pomeroy, Parks & Balboa, 2006). Prohibitively high prices for quality feed and the absence of subsidies or financial support exacerbate these challenges (Pomeroy, Parks & Balboa, 2006), (Dey et al., 2013), (Schuhbauer et al., 2017). Small farm size and the non-scale neutrality of certain technologies also limit economic feasibility, as some innovations are not easily adaptable to smaller operations (Dey et al., 2013).

5.2 Technical gaps: Literacy and training Needs

Technical gaps present another major barrier to technology adoption in small-scale fisheries. The limited availability of trained personnel with the technical expertise required for system setup and management hinders the implementation of smart technologies. There is also a need for research to refine current aquaculture technology and to transfer knowledge to local operators (Pomeroy, Parks & Balboa, 2006). The complexity of new systems, such as blockchain, requires additional training for fishermen, which is often unavailable or inaccessible (Mawrides, Mishra & Jæger, 2025). Furthermore, the lack of resources directed towards data collection and the technical capacity needed to maintain and operate monitoring systems are persistent challenges (Cardiec et al., 2020), (Kritzer, 2020).

5.3 Social constraints: Cultural resistance and gender roles

Social constraints, including cultural resistance and entrenched gender roles, impact the adoption of new technologies. Community-based fisheries are deeply embedded in local social contexts, and changes to traditional practices may face resistance (Musiello-Fernandes, Zappes & Hostim-Silva, 2018). Issues such as conflicts over land ownership and use, elite influence, and difficulties in managing collective action around community-based fish culturing can impede adoption (Dey et al., 2013). Gender roles also play a significant part; while fisheries are often male-dominated, the participation of women in activities such as intertidal gleaning enhances household adaptive capacity and can support broader adoption if recognized and supported (Quiros et al., 2018). Cultural resistance to externally imposed management strategies, such as marine protected areas, is common, and locally implementable controls are often preferred (Cohen, Cinner & Foale, 2013).

5.4 Infrastructure and policy issues: Connectivity, subsidies, and governance

Infrastructure deficits, such as inadequate post-harvest processing, storage, and transport facilities, as well as poor connectivity, limit the feasibility of adopting advanced technologies (Dey et al., 2013), (Kimani et al., 2020). Weak governance, ineffective management, and under-representation of local stakeholders in decision-making processes contribute to the political and economic marginalization of small-scale fisheries (Schuhbauer et al., 2017), (Kimani et al., 2020). There is a major imbalance in subsidy distribution, with small-scale fisheries receiving only a small fraction of global fisheries subsidies, further impairing their economic viability (Schuhbauer et al., 2017). Complex licensing systems, hierarchical disparities, and coordination issues within governance structures also reduce efficiency and inclusivity, creating additional obstacles for small-scale fishers (Suherman et al., 2025).

5.5 Opportunities for overcoming barriers

Community-Based Adoption

Community-based approaches can help overcome many barriers by leveraging local knowledge, social cohesion, and collective action. Successful examples include community-led management efforts that use area and seasonal rotation of harvest to maximize value and minimize overfishing, as well as initiatives that engage fishers in governance and empower them to participate actively (Ouréns et al., 2022). Collaborative management partnerships between local communities, civil society, and governments (co-management) are increasingly recognized as effective strategies for balancing conservation and livelihood needs (Cohen, Cinner & Foale, 2013).

NGO Partnerships

NGO involvement can facilitate access to training, technology transfer, and financial support, helping to bridge technical and economic gaps. NGOs can also play a role in advocating for more equitable subsidy distribution and in supporting community-based monitoring and data collection efforts (Pomeroy, Parks & Balboa, 2006), (Dey et al., 2013), (Schuhbauer et al., 2017).

Open-Source Solutions

Open-source technological solutions and decentralized approaches can reduce costs and increase accessibility for small-scale operators. As technological tools for monitoring become smaller, more cost-effective, and able to integrate with smartphones and handheld devices, their applicability in small-scale fisheries increases, provided that technical capacity and institutional support are also developed (Kritzer, 2020).

5.6 Practical strategies to bridge innovation and real-world use

By integrating these strategies and leveraging community-based, NGO, and open-source approaches, small-scale fisheries can better bridge the gap between technological innovation and practical, sustainable use (Pomeroy, Parks & Balboa, 2006), (Dey et al., 2013), (Kritzer, 2020), (Cohen, Cinner & Foale, 2013), (Ouréns et al., 2022).

6.1 Critical research gaps in small-scale fishery technology

Lack of Integrated, Low-Cost Sensors and Digital Tools

Limited Adoption Studies in Developing Regions

6.2 Social gaps: Gender, community engagement, and policy frameworks

Gender and Social Inclusion

Community Engagement and Traditional Knowledge

Policy Frameworks

6.3 Actionable future steps

Pilot Projects for Robust, Low-Cost IoT Solutions.

Hybrid Approaches: Merging Traditional Knowledge with Digital Tools

Evidence-Based Next Steps for Researchers and Policymakers

By addressing these research and social gaps through targeted pilot projects and hybrid approaches, the small-scale fishery sector can move towards more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable technological and governance solutions (Anand et al., 2024), (Novaes Mathias et al., 2026), (Chuenpagdee et al., 2019), (Jaureguizar et al., 2024).