FAO Calls for Collaborative Efforts to Reduce Pressure on Fishery Resources

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has called for collaborative efforts to develop responses and solutions to reduce pressure on fishery resources. This call comes as the FAO continues its work to promote sustainable fishing practices and improve the livelihoods of fishing communities around the world.

In Sri Lanka, the FAO has received a $3 million grant from the Japanese government to strengthen inland fisheries and improve rural livelihoods. The one-year project aims to establish four community-operated mini hatcheries, upgrade four NAQDA Aquaculture Development Centres and one community-operated mini fish breeding centre, enhance fingerling stocks in selected reservoirs, develop broodstock for breeding units, and promote cage culture for seed rearing among fisher communities.

The project will also provide three live fish transportation trucks to NAQDA, integrate digital technology into inland fisheries, and enhance the technical capacities of officers and fishers. It is expected to directly support approximately 3,000 inland fishers, 40 farmers engaged in mini hatchery operations, and 20 farmers specializing in fish feed preparation, with a positive impact on indirect beneficiaries as well.

Why this matters: The FAO's efforts to promote sustainable fishing practices and improve the livelihoods of fishing communities are essential for ensuring food security and protecting marine ecosystems. Collaborative projects like the one in Sri Lanka demonstrate the importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges facing the global fishing industry.

In addition to its work in Sri Lanka, the FAO is also collaborating with the Generalitat de Catalunya, Departament d'Acció Climàtica, Alimentació i Agenda Rural (DACC) to establish the Mediterranean Restorative Aquaculture Centre in Spain. The centre will focus on farming low trophic species like macroalgae, sea urchins, bivalves, and holothurians, with the aim of promoting restorative aquaculture practices that can positively impact ecosystem services, create opportunities for local communities, and address climate change.

"The project is a collaborative effort between the FAO, the Japanese government, and the Sri Lankan Ministry of Fisheries, aimed at promoting food security, rural livelihoods, and resilience in Sri Lanka's inland fishing communities," said an FAO spokesperson. "It is a critical step towards revitalizing Sri Lanka's domestic fishing sector and ensuring sustainable benefits for all stakeholders involved."

Key Takeaways

• FAO calls for collaborative efforts to reduce pressure on fishery resources.
• Japan provides $3M to strengthen inland fisheries and improve rural livelihoods in Sri Lanka.
• Project aims to establish hatcheries, upgrade facilities, and promote cage culture and digital tech.
• FAO collaborates with Spain to establish Mediterranean Restorative Aquaculture Centre.
• Project in Sri Lanka aims to revitalize domestic fishing sector and ensure sustainable benefits.