The survey of small-scale fisheries (SSF) organizations and communities reported in Samudra News Alerts is now beginning.
A project of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Saint Mary’s University (Canada), in cooperation with several global fisher organizations, the survey will compile information on environmental conservation and stewardship activities by small-scale fishers around the world. The survey is open to participation by (a) coastal and inland fishing communities (where fishing is a major livelihood); (b) fishing organizations (whose members are primarily or all fishers and/or fish workers); (c) economic or professional organizations, associations, cooperatives, etc., that represent fishers and fish workers; (d) supporting organizations with a primary mandate to work with and support fishery communities and organizations. Those communities and organizations are welcome to visit the survey website: https://ssf-stewardship.net/ or contact SSF-Stewardship@smu.ca.
Background: This activity highlights the key leadership role of fishing communities and small-scale fishery organizations in protecting and caring for the environment, and supporting sustainable livelihoods. The survey provides an empowering opportunity for small-scale fishers to highlight their positive environmental conservation and stewardship activities, whether directly related to the fishery (e.g., fishery management measures to ensure sustainable use of fishery resources and ecosystems, to help maintain livelihoods and food security) or with other goals (e.g., to maintain or enhance local environments, for health and well-being reasons). The survey results will be used to create an on-line showcase of examples of environmental conservation and stewardship, and a guidebook to support fishing communities, fisher organizations, and policymakers. This will support implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries.