Ensure sustainable, alternative livelihoods for artisanal fishers: Experts

Artisanal fishers produce 40 percent of the world's fish and provide us with the nutrients and protein we need, experts have said at a workshop.

They have made significant contributions to the global fisheries sector, but their contributions are not yet widely recognized, they added. 

Experts made the observation at a congress held on Sunday, May 29, 2022. WorldFish Bangladesh organised the artisanal fishers congress at Sikdar Resort, Kuakata.

The USAID-funded WorldFish Bangladesh's ECOFISH-II organised the day-long congress.

They have to deal with various risks relating to fishing. In addition, the dominance of influential people, not getting the right price, the adverse effects of climate change and the lack of necessary services also put them in the face of various adversities. The contribution of fishers should be recognized and their dignity should be upheld, they said. 

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 organized as part of the celebration of the International Year of Artisan Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022, announced by the UN General Assembly. Professor (Retd) Dr Md Abdul Wahab presided over the event while Emeritus Professor and former vice-chancellor of Bangladesh Agricultural University Md Abdus Sattar Mandal attended the event as the chief guest.