“Fishing activities have decreased in both artisanal and industrial sectors during the pandemic. According to Global Fishing Watch, global industrial fishing activity had fallen globally by about 6.5 percent as at the end of April 2020, compared with previous years, as a result of restrictions and closures related to COVID-19 (Clavelle, 2020) … In some parts of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, more than 90 percent of small-scale fishers have been forced to stop fishing during lockdowns, despite being a primary food production sector, as they have been unable to sell their catches and/or as the prices of fish have dropped below a profitable level (Euronews, 2020) … Working conditions and the safety of fishers in both small and industrial sectors have been affected owing to having to work longer periods, which increases fatigue and stress. However, this health crisis does present an opportunity to address and improve the working and sanitary conditions of these most vulnerable groups, with a particular focus on young people and women, who experience an increased burden of work and higher incidence of gender-based violence … Women, who represent 50 percent of the labour force in fisheries and aquaculture, 4 have been particularly affected by reduced landings and the closure or reduction of processing and marketing activities (CFFA, 2020). In addition, fishers, and fish processors and vendors (many of whom are women), are exposed to a greater risk of infection, as they have close contact with others at all stages of the value chain (CFFA, 2020). Moreover, the widespread informal activities in the sector constitute an added barrier for fishers, women fishworkers and fish farmers in accessing protection offered under labour market policies and contributory social protection mechanisms. ” Full document is available at: http://www.fao.org/3/ca9349en/CA9349EN.pdf