Gender‐Based Violence in Pacific Fisheries

Coastal and offshore fisheries play a vital role in the Pacific Island economies, food security and cultural heritage. While the past two decades has seen increased recognition of gender dimensions of fisheries, managers, practitioners and industry partners have not yet tackled the problem of gender‐based violence (GBV) in the sector. Empirical research of GBV across Pacific fisheries is necessary to prevent the sector from inadvertently exacerbating violence, as well as to actively combat it. We conducted a scoping review to synthesise the evidence of GBV within formal and informal fisheries, including along value chains in the Pacific Island region, and to identify research gaps and interventions that should be prioritised for the sector. GBV in fisheries has been documented in five main areas: (1) industrial fishing; (2) ports and transhipment areas; (3) fish factories and canneries; (4) small‐scale fishing; and (5) seafood markets and in the home. GBV impacted various fisheries actors, and was often exacerbated by structural inequities, societal norms and a hypermasculine work culture. Physically demanding environments and rigid gender roles perpetuated exclusion and harmful behaviours, impacting economic stability, health and safety. The review underscores the urgent need for research and targeted interventions to address the issue of GBV within Pacific fisheries, considering different nodes along value chains.