Socio-economic criteria define small scale fisherfolk as people of both genders who usually operate their own fishing craft and equipment, and go out to sea themselves either alone or with a few crew members (preferably their relatives). None the less, in many places small scale fisheries are run by small boat owners employing hired hands and sharing fishermen, etc. In some cases small scale fishermen may rent out boats and gear from smallholders, usually from their own community. In this respect, company owned fleets of small fishing craft do not fall under the definition of small scale fisheries.
Technical criteria (used in sea safety) define small scale fisheries as a sector in which fishermen fish and collect aquatic organisms from beaches either by swimming, diving or wading or using small scale fishing craft – boats less than 10 – 12 m LOA and less than 12 – 15 MT displacement, powered by engines not exceeding 200 – 300 hp including canoes, pirogues and open deck dhows up to 16 m LOA, powered by engines not exceeding 200 hp.
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