Fish for tomorrow. Strategic objectives and new rules for sustainable fishing in São Tomé and Príncipe (available in Portuguese)

11/2025

Fishing is central to the economy, food security, and coastal livelihoods of São Tomé and Príncipe, with artisanal fishers providing essential income and nutrition. Growing pressure on marine ecosystems requires coordinated, science-based action to ensure long-term sustainability. This leaflet outlines the new policy guidance, recent legal updates, sustainable fishing practices, and what these changes mean for artisanal fishers and coastal communities.

Legal report on the ecosystem approach to fisheries in South Asia

09/2025

Legislating for an ecosystem approach to fisheries is complex, as it spans social, economic, environmental, and institutional factors. FAO and the Bay of Bengal Programme prepared the first subregional legal report for South Asia, reviewing Bangladesh, India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. The report highlights common practices and gaps, offering guidance to strengthen policy and legal frameworks for better implementation.

The impact of marine litter on the beach seine fishery of four countries in the Gulf of Guinea: Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana and Togo

08/2025

Artisanal sea-based fisheries are vital for nutrition and income in West Africa. This report presents a preliminary study by the EAF-Nansen Programme on the social and economic impact of marine litter on beach seine fishing in Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo. Using common data protocols, the study aims to inform local, national, and regional measures to reduce marine waste and improve the sustainability of coastal fishing communities.

Establishment of national fisheries "gender desks" in the Gambia and the United Republic of Tanzania

08/2025

A "gender desk" is an effective tool for integrating gender into fisheries ministries. This report summarizes lessons from establishing one in The Gambia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Water Resources, supported by the EAF-Nansen Programme. It also draws on the experience of strengthening an existing desk in the United Republic of Tanzania. Both cases offer observations and lessons to inform future "gender desks" in the fisheries sector.

Supporting sustainable fisheries in São Tomé and Príncipe (available only in Portuguese)

07/2025

Fisheries are a cornerstone of São Tomé and Príncipe’s economy, food security, and coastal livelihoods. Artisanal fishing operators provide vital income and nutrition for thousands of households. However, increasing pressure on marine ecosystems requires coordinated, science-based efforts to ensure long-term sustainability. This fact sheet provides a concise overview of the work carried out to address these challenges.