How is COVID-19 affecting the fisheries and aquaculture food systems

The full range of activities required to deliver fish and fish products from production to the final consumer is subject to indirect impacts of the pandemic through new sanitary measures, changing consumer demands, market access or logistical problems related to transportation and border restrictions. This in turn has a damaging effect on fishers and fish farmers' livelihoods, as well as on food security and nutrition for populations that rely heavily on fish for animal protein and essential micronutrients.

This policy brief reviews on going challenges and proposes measures to protect production and income of the sector and the most vulnerable, as well as maintain operations and support the supply chain.

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Activities and developments, 2000–2017

The regional dimension is key to international fisheries management policy. There are some 50 regional fisheries bodies worldwide. Most provide only advice to their members, and are hence referred to in this work as regional fisheries advisory bodies (RFABs).

Regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) have mandates to adopt legally binding conservation and management measures based on the best scientific evidence. Global instruments and normative processes have to be implemented and translated into actions at the country and regional levels, as appropriate. In this regard, regionalization of fisheries and aquaculture governance can provide opportunities not only to address common concerns, create synergies and mainstream the global objectives of relevant UN bodies, but also to broaden outreach on the global fisheries agenda to regional partners that may not be directly concerned with fisheries, as well as to the general public.

The present study provides an overview of the activities and developments of RFMOs and RFABs from 2000 to 2017. It is based on a compilation of data and information for 46 RFMOs and RFABs.

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Not business as usual in Europe's largest fishing port

But these are not normal times.

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On 25 and 26 February FAO will host the

2020 International Forum on the Effects of Climate Change on Fisheries and Aquaculture

Climate change poses a threat to ocean and freshwater resources. Increased temperatures risk shifting the distribution of fish stocks and adversely affecting aquaculture production. These changes could have serious consequences for food security.

The ClimeFish project is organizing the 2020 International Forum on the Effects of Climate Change on Fisheries and Aquaculture, kindly hosted by FAO. ClimeFish research outputs will be showcased, as well as tools and instruments for adapting to climate change.

By fostering interaction and dialogue among scientists, policy makers and industry, FAO will host a forum for discussing the challenges that fisheries and aquaculture face today, and will face in the future. The forum will address possible solutions and remaining knowledge gaps.

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What is World Fish Migration Day?

World Fish Migration Day is a one-day global celebration to create awareness of open rivers and migratory fish. This international day of events is coordinated by the World Fish Migration Foundation. On World Fish Migration Day, organizations from around the world coordinate their own event around the common theme of: CONNECTING FISH, RIVERS AND PEOPLE.

What is a Migratory Fish?

Migratory fishes are fishes that swim short or long distances daily, yearly or annually, as a way to complete their life cycle, feed and/or make love!

Creating awareness is an essential first step to make real change. The main goal of World Fish Migration Day is to improve the public's understanding of the importance of migratory fish and how we can reduce our impact on them. The next step is to enable citizens on the world to take action on these topics. Ultimately, the aim is to create sustainable commitments from NGOs, governments and industry on safeguarding free rivers and restoring swimways or migratory fish.

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