The assessment of small-scale fisheries activities in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia was carried out from 13 May to 20 May 2000. The survey was conducted by Ms Lyn Lambeth (SPC Community Fisheries Officer), with the assistance of Mr Estephan Santiago of the FSM National Fisheries Section and Mr Kichy Joseph, Research Assistant of Chuuk Marine Resources. The assessment was requested by the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia in response to an identified need for more information on the needs of the subsistence and artisanal fisheries sector, and especially the involvement of women in the sector. The main objectives of the field survey were to:

♦ review the social and economic role of women in the fisheries sector, including activities such as the harvesting, processing and marketing of marine resources;
♦ provide details on both government and non-government services available to support the interests of fishing communities and identify support services specifically aimed at women in the small-scale fisheries sector;
♦ outline the problems faced by the small-scale fisheries sector, with particular attention to those problems faced by women; and
♦ provide guidelines to assist government and interest groups in finding solutions to these problems.