Ensure sustainable and alternative livelihoods for fishers: Experts

Experts said artisanal fishers produce 40 per cent of the world's fish and provide the essential nutrients and protein. They have made a significant but mostly unrecognised contribution to the global fisheries sector.

They have to deal with various risks relating to fishing. In addition, the dominance of influential people, unfair prices, adverse effects of climate change and a lack of necessary services have made them suffer multiple adversities, they add.

The contribution of fishers should be recognised and their dignity be upheld, opined the experts at a congress held at Kuakata on May 29. WorldFish Bangladesh hosted the dayylong artisanal fishers’ congress under its USAID-funded ECOFISH-II activity.

To improve the living standards of fishers, necessary steps have to be taken to improve their socio-economic condition. Ensure the education of their children. They need financial support and sustainable alternative livelihoods.

The event was part of the celebration of the International Year of Artisan Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022, announced by the UN General Assembly. Prof Dr Md Abdul Wahab chaired the event while emeritus professor and former vice-chancellor of Bangladesh Agricultural University Md Abdus Sattar Mandal attended it as the chief guest.

ECOFISH-II scientist Dr Md Jalilur Rahman talked about artisan fishermen’s contribution to food security and employment in Bangladesh. Dr Md Nahiduzzaman, another scientist, spoke about long-term initiatives to improve the lives and livelihoods of such fishers.

WorldFish Director General Dr Essam Yasin Mohammad participated in the event from Malaysia through a virtual platform.

Patuakhali University of Science and Technology VC Prof Swadesh Chandra Samanta, Department of Fisheries director (marine) Dr Md Sharif Uddin, Department of Economic Relations additional secretary Mahbuba Panna, Patuakhali deputy commissioner Mohammad Kamal Hossain, Patuakhali divisional forest officer Abdullah Al Mamun, USAID Bangladesh project management specialist Ashraful Haque also spoke.

Attended by fishermen, leaders of fishermen’s organisations, fisheries co-management leaders, fisherwomen, youth, government officials, academics, researchers, development partners and NGO representatives also took part in the event.

Participants in the panel discussion made recommendations to recognise the contribution of artisanal fishers to food security and employment, and raise awareness of biodiversity conservation for them.

Fifteen people were honoured in nine categories at the congress for their outstanding contribution to empowering fisherwomen, conserving hilsa and biodiversity, and protecting native pangas.