International Fund for Fishing Safety Commits £220,000 to Boost Fisher Safety Across Six Countries

by Fishery News
Published: Last Updated on

Within just nine months of its launch, the International Fund for Fishing Safety (IFFS) has committed £220,000 to six safety-focused initiatives across South Africa, Ghana, Fiji, Kenya, Thailand, and Vietnam. These projects are directly improving the safety conditions for 65,000 fishers, primarily in the Global South and among smaller-scale operations.

The IFFS, founded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, The Seafarers’ Charity, and FISH Platform, is designed to fund practical safety improvements led by local fishing organizations, with an emphasis on smaller-scale fisheries in developing regions.

South Africa & Namibia

The first project to receive IFFS funding comes from the Sea Safety Bee Trust in Cape Town, South Africa. It focuses on training vessel auditors to deliver better safety compliance support across fishing fleets in both South Africa and Namibia. This initiative aims to enhance the overall safety standards within the local fishing industry.

Ghana

In Ghana, the Dutch ProSea Foundation, in collaboration with local organization Friends of the Nation, is implementing practical safety training in local languages. The project will also establish a hazard reporting system. By targeting safety improvements in Ghana’s southwestern coastal communities, the initiative hopes to reduce risks in a sector that employs around 140,000 fishers and supports over three million livelihoods.

Vietnam

With over 600,000 fishers along its 3,260 km coastline, Vietnam is another major beneficiary of IFFS funding. The Vietnam Tuna Association is leading efforts to improve vessel safety, enhance essential sea safety training, and upgrade equipment. A public relations campaign will also help raise awareness, and the project will work toward creating safety-compliant fishing fleet models. This initiative is expected to benefit 16,000 people across Vietnam’s fishing communities.

Kenya

In Kenya, the safety of fishers in coastal regions, great rivers, and lakes is being addressed by Stella Maris, which will deliver life-saving skills and safety training. A pilot programme for lifejacket rentals will also help encourage their use, reducing one of the key barriers to improving safety on the water.

Thailand

Stella Maris is also developing a programme in Thailand, where 2,300 fishers will receive training on safe working practices. The initiative is focused on reducing injuries and fatalities aboard fishing vessels by promoting healthy and secure working environments.

Fiji

Further south, in Fiji, the Human Dignity Group is training local nationals to become certified fishing crew members. This professional training aims to improve on-board safety while also fostering economic benefits for local communities. By reducing accidents, this initiative hopes to deliver long-term benefits for Fijian fishers and their families.

IFFS Coordinator’s Statement

Alan McCulla, OBE, the IFFS Coordinator, highlighted the importance of these projects in a recent statement. “A year ago, IFFS was still an idea. Today, we are turning that concept into reality by supporting projects across the globe. These initiatives are saving fishers’ lives, which is our top priority. IFFS was designed by fishers for fishers. Safer working conditions lead to more sustainable fisheries. This is only the beginning, and we encourage anyone interested in protecting lives at sea to join us and help achieve our goals.”

The IFFS’s first round of projects demonstrates the impact of coordinated global efforts to enhance fisher safety and improve working conditions, ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for the fishing communities it serves.

Source: The Fishing Daily

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