Against the background of the small-scale fisheries of the Indo-Pacific region, the paper reviews the need for and relevance of an intermediate technology approach to fisheries development. This is in view of the impending energy crisis, the increasing socio-economic problems of rural fishermen, and the unemployment, pollution, waste and resource depletion resulting from some industrial fishery activities . To avoid future dependence on diminishing resources of fossil fuels, available substitute fuels from organic sources are recommended. Natural energy sources which can power vessels, fish plants, vehicles and fishfarms are discussed. Technologies which are low in capital cost and energy requirements and are appropriate to rural fishing villages, are outlined. In view of the current critical situation and the emergence of an appropriate intermediate technology, the writer examines ways in which small-scale fisheries may
benefit by adapting vessels, fishing methods, fish processing and fish farming
activities to obtain the maximum production at the minimum energy consumption
and minimum waste of raw materials, while conserving the resource and providing useful, interesting and remunerative work for fishermen and their families. Integrated village systems are proposed and the writer concludes by outlining the potential benefits of wise application of the principles to small-scale fisheries throughout the world.