Rohana Subasinghe, Senior Aquaculture Officer in FAO's Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, talks about the risks and challenges of aquaculture in the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific countries, and the specific situation of small-scale aqua-farmers.

More on FAO's work on aquaculture

In 1997 the FAO Conference instituted the Margarita Lizárraga Medal to be awarded every two years to a person or organization that has served with distinction in the application of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. The Medal pays tribute to Ms Margarita Lizárraga, Senior Fishery Liaison Officer, for her decisive role in promoting the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries for her productive work in the field of fisheries for almost forty years, for her great dedication to FAO and for her strong commitment towards fostering the promotion of the fisheries sector, especially in developing countries.

Nominations are now open for candidates for the 2014-2015 Margarita Lizárraga Medal Award. Any person or organization may propose a person or organization that has diligently applied the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. Winners are selected based on an outstanding, practical hands-on contribution to the application of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries demonstrating a tangible output; the activity should be a sustained effort, and not a one–off initiative; and the output should have the potential for a catalytic effect.

Submissions must be made on the specific electronic nomination form, which can be obtained from the FAO website to the Secretary, Committee on Fisheries.

Proposals for nominations should be submitted by 31 March 2014.