Despite various challenges, FISH and partners have made progress on new and important areas of research, innovation and impact. Specific focus on fish genetics, health and feeds and resilient coastal fisheries, fish in multifunctional landscapes and fish in regional food systems generated positive nutrition, gender and social equity, livelihood and environmental outcomes. Progress has been made in increasing the evidence and visibility of small-scale actors and the benefits of their meaningful participation in research prioritization, design, implementation and scaling. These efforts provide a solid foundation for future One CGIAR efforts to strengthen the resilience of fish agri-food systems and evidence that fish agri-food systems – or aquatic food systems – can contribute to broader agri-food system transformation under a changing climate. Moving forward requires:
One CGIAR to continue recognizing the role of fish agri-food systems in the wider agri-food system and foster adoption of technical and social innovations at scale as a contribution to achieving overall system transformation.
Public agencies to ensure sufficient attention to fish agri-food systems within policies and investments, in both the “traditional” fisheries and aquaculture sector and the food, health, water and related “non-fish” sectors.
Recognizing that the fish agri-food system involves large numbers of vulnerable people – particularly women, the poor and those threatened by loss of natural resources, severe climate change impacts and malnutrition – and ensuring they are given greater focus and attention.
Improving assessment, evidence and metrics related to fish agri-food systems, particularly for vulnerable populations, and continuing to support evidence-based decision making in the process of food, land and water system transformation.