Small-scale fishermen want voice in decisions

Walvis Bay small-scale fishermen want greater recognition and a stronger voice in decisions affecting their livelihoods, as climate change and limited access to markets, finance and equipment continue to affect fishing communities.

This is according to small-scale fisher Anria Brandt, who recently represented Namibia at the third Small-Scale Fisheries Summit in Rome, Italy.

Brandt said the summit brought together small-scale fishermen, fish workers, governments, civil society, researchers and other stakeholders from across the world to discuss the future of small-scale fisheries.

She said although fishing communities across countries operate under different circumstances, many of the challenges they face are similar.

These include access to fisheries resources, livelihoods, climate change, food security, women’s participation and recognition of small-scale fisheries.

“One of my biggest lessons was that small-scale fishermen must not only be consulted about decisions affecting them, but they need to be part of the process where those decisions are made,” she said.

Brandt explained that climate change is also becoming a livelihood concern for small-scale fishers as their income is directly linked to the ocean.

Changes in weather and sea conditions can determine when fishermen are able to go to sea and what they are able to catch.

“For a small-scale fisherman, you can repair your boat and equipment, spend money to go out to sea and then find that conditions are not favourable or that the fish are not where you normally expect them to be,” she said.

According to her, climate change should therefore not only be viewed as an environmental issue.

“It is a livelihood issue, an economic issue and a food security issue,” she said.

She also highlighted the role of women in the sector, saying their contribution is not always fully recognised.

Women are involved throughout the fisheries value chain, including fishing, processing, selling, marketing and adding value to fish products.

However, Brandt said women still struggle with access to finance, equipment, training and markets, while representation in decision-making structures remains another challenge.

“As a woman fisher myself, I believe women should not be seen only as beneficiaries of fisheries programmes. We are contributors and economic participants within the fisheries sector,” she said.

Brandt also called for continued government support for small-scale fishing communities, particularly through fishing equipment and infrastructure, training, capacity building, financing and access to markets.

She said some coastal communities still lack proper marketplaces where fishermen can sell their catches, despite fishing being an important economic activity.

Apart from fishing, Brandt believes communities should also explore other sustainable economic activities to diversify their income and reduce pressure on marine resources.

She said value addition and other sustainable marine activities could provide additional opportunities for fishing communities.

Young people should also be encouraged to participate in the sector and learn about opportunities within the blue economy.

Brandt said small-scale fisheries make an important contribution to food security, livelihoods and coastal communities and should therefore receive greater recognition.

“We are directly affected by the decisions that are made about fisheries, so we should have a meaningful seat at the table,” she said.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, small-scale fisheries account for at least 40% of global fish catch and support the livelihoods of nearly 500 million people.

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