Fisheries experts in Africa prepare to lead training courses on the ecosystem approach to fisheries

22/09/2023

14-22 September 2023, Dakar, Senegal – 30 fisheries experts from 10 countries across Africa have received training on the ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAF), preparing them to lead courses on the EAF using tools such as the EAF implementation monitoring tool (EAF-IMT) produced by the EAF-Nansen Programme. Over the next years, the goal is to expand and formalize training on EAF across institutes in the region.

The training took place at the Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (IUPA) at the Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, Senegal, where its Director, Alassane Sarr, reflected on the need for improved fisheries management practices in his opening address.

"The fishing sector is currently in crisis. This crisis reflects the failure of current management policies. Which means we need to move towards management methods that are in line with the current realities we are experiencing," Sarr said.

The EAF is a holistic and management-based approach that is considered by FAO to be the principal framework for achieving sustainable fisheries. It takes into consideration the ecological, human, and social dimensions of sustainability, aiming to reconcile a broader set of technical, policy, and governance sustainability objectives in a more participatory and adaptive fashion.

The EAF training course is designed for technical experts with a background in fisheries and with experience from areas related to fisheries research or management, and ocean governance. Through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations of the EAF-IMT, participants adopt the skills necessary to lead future training courses on EAF and develop the capacity of fisheries management institutions to sustainable manage fisheries.

"The interactive and practical format gave us the opportunity to express ideas and exchange experiences with participants from other countries, and this was very productive," said Emilio Gomes Sanches from Cabo Verde, who also expressed his hopes for how the knowledge acquired during the training could improve the management of fisheries resources in the different countries.

One of the benefits of the training of trainers in EAF, is the long-term impact on the fisheries management process. “The trainers will return home with the best available knowledge and tools at hand, and with the capability to pass on what they have learned to fellow researchers, fisheries managers and other stakeholders,” said Matthieu Bernardon who was one of the course leaders alongside Deborah Catena, both Fisheries Experts from the EAF-Nansen Programme. Also present, was Maxime Robin, a Learning Specialist from FAO, who contributed with his specific skills in facilitation and training to further strengthen the skills of the future trainers.

The EAF-Nansen Programme is committed to promote EAF in regional and national efforts across partner countries. In collaboration with Universities across Africa, including the Cheikh Anta Diop University and the University of Éduardo Mondlane in Maputo, Mozambique, the Programme is exploring the possibility of developing a specific and permanent module on EAF within the universities’ curriculums, and how it can be replicated in other areas.

"Looking ahead, States will be able to use the instruments developed by FAO in their development policy for the fishing and aquaculture sector. Once these tools are mastered, their application will be much easier through their integration into the fisheries development policies of these countries but also the commitments that these government representatives will have with the actors for the development of fisheries and fishing", said Mr Amadou Oumar Toure, who represented the FAO representation in Senegal.

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