This paper looks at how the SADC Protocol on Fisheries deals with the artisanal fisheries sector and the implications for the efforts of SADC artisanal fish workers organizations to engage constructively with SADC institutions in the promotion of artisanal fisheries sector development throughout the Southern African Region. As an annex to this paper the general objectives and guiding principles of the SADC Fisheries Protocol and national responsibilities stemming from the Protocol are reproduced.