Nearshore FADs are gaining momentum in the Pacific region as a tool to enhance food security and income for fishers and communities, as well as reduce pressure on lagoon and reef fishery resources. Though good progress has been made in improving the use and sustainability of nearshore FADs, further progress is necessary to ensure lessons learned on sustainable use are scaled up and increase economic empowerment tools associated with value chain production and RGAs.
In addition, small-scale fishing communities in the Pacific, where marginal living conditions and low incomes increase people’s vulnerability, are particularly affected by safety-at-sea issues, which are compounded by many Pacific Island nations’ propensity to severe weather and climate events that are increasing in the face of climate change. Fishing boats are often poorly equipped for navigation, communication and safety needs. Moreover, fishing communities are often dispersed over vast areas with few harbour facilities, and national agencies are often unable to maintain effective search and rescue services. Safety equipment and associated training on using this equipment will be provided with traditional navigation skills that can assist when equipment fails. A cell phone application linking safety, weather and business information will assist in providing both improved safety linked to national services and contributing to economic empowerment for small-scale fishers.
The project will reinforce management interventions by promoting strong local fishers’ associations and community-based organizations to ensure good ownership of activities and long-term sustainability. Fishers’ associations and cooperatives are key to represent fishers and associated workers and collaborate effectively with Government agencies and other entities, such as non-governmental organizations and the private sector.
Countries that have nearshore FAD programmes, ranging from very nascent to more robust programmes, have been chosen to ensure that countries can learn from each other and engage in cross-regional support and learning experiences. Not all countries will be included in all components. Those with more robust programmes or complementary projects on nearshore FADs, fisher organization, alternative livelihoods and safety will be included as countries with the full complement of activities, with the focus on countries with nascent programmes on nearshore FADs, safety, fisher organization or alternative RGAs.