How the Pacific Islands are Balancing COVID-19 Survival Demands on Coastal Fisheries with Sustainable Management

Image: UNCDF in the Pacific via Flickr

Worldwide economic disruption and the shrinkage of shipping and trade has exponentially increased the importance of traditional food sourcing like subsistence and small-scale fishing. Pacific communities — where 50% of coastal households gain income from fishing — are growing these industries to satisfy food shortages and protect marine resources. 
 

Although COVID-19 has led to gaps in food security, these needs can be met with locally managed Blue Economy growth. In a time when urban residents — unaware of fishing tradition — have moved back to rural villages, more households are being encouraged to use aquaculture practices and fish farms. Along these lines, the Vanuatu Government is providing supplies to families who take steps to build fish ponds, and the Pacific Community is helping countries set up nearshore fish aggregating devices for local fishers to use.  

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