CONTENT:
By 2050, the world's population is expected to reach nine billion people. Fish and aquaculture products are rich in nutrients to combat undernourishment and malnutrition and secure the livelihoods of millions of families. Unsustainable techniques in industrial and artisanal fishing, as well as illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, lead to the depletion of fish stocks and economic losses. Legal framework conditions, access to inputs such as seed fish and feed, and technical knowledge for sustainable fish production and processing are lacking which would curb IUU, secure more jobs, increase productivity, and reduce post-harvest losses.
OBJECTIVE:
The food insecure population has access to more fish products and higher income from sustainable and resource-friendly fisheries and aquaculture.
APPROACH:
"More Fish, More Work": Small businesses and SMEs are advised on sustainable production and processing to increase jobs and income opportunities in the fish value chain. Innovative production methods reduce costs and post-harvest losses.
"Sustainable Fish": The framework conditions are improved, and governments are advised on developing and implementing strategies and plans based on FAO guidelines. Dialogue events and training measures integrate the affected target groups.
"Less Fish from IUU": Sustainable management plans, registration and licensing systems for fishers and boats, as well as increased controls, reduce the share of IUU fishing in cooperation with governmental and non-governmental organizations.
The European Union supports hygiene standards to produce small pelagic fish in Mauritania with co-financing of EUR 2 million. A cooperation with the NGO Stop Illegal Fishing supports the implementation of the FAO Port State Measures Agreement in Ghana, Madagascar, and Mozambique.