Bibliometric insights into fisheries value chain research

Abstract

The fishing and aquaculture sectors play a pivotal role in global food and nutritional security, with significant contributions to employment and revenue. Historically, fisheries assessment has emphasised ecological aspects, but a holistic approach recognising the sector's intricate dynamics, from harvest to end-user, is essential to overcome challenges like overfishing and economic losses. This study employed a bibliometric approach to map the fisheries value chain literature, aiming to understand research developments, key contributors, and collaboration dynamics, and offer a perspective on the shifts in scientific trends and research priorities. After extracting data from Web of Science and Scopus databases, employing a keyword-based search strategy, a final dataset of 396 articles was analysed using established performance analysis and science mapping techniques. Fisheries value chain research has seen consistent growth since 2002, with a notable increase between 2019 and 2020. The USA is a key contributor to this research, with collaborations involving Norway, the UK, and Australia. Key authors have distinct areas of focus, from governance to seafood trade. While collaboration is frequent, geographical constraints may limit some. Thematic analysis indicates that most research focuses on addressing industry challenges and governance frameworks. Themes such as by-product utilisation are underexplored and require further development. Socioeconomic themes, including market demand and food security, have broad relevance and play an important role across various research areas. This study provides a comprehensive overview of fisheries value chain research, guiding future research.