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Subsequent to the national "Sustainable Fish Value Chains for Small Island Developing States" (SVC4SIDS) project inception in December 2022, public and private sector actors from Santiago, São Vicente and São Nicolau islands convened  on 9 June in Mindelo, in a hybrid mode, to endorse a comprehensive 10 year strategy to improve tuna and mackerel scad value chains.

In her opening remarks, Ms Katya Neves, FAO Assistant Programme in Cabo Verde, stated: “Tuna and mackerel scad play an important role in the fisheries sector, with significant contributions to catches and the national economy, particularly in the canning industry. They also contribute to the country's food security and are a significant part of the Cabo Verdean diet. I would say that tuna and mackerel scad are part of Cabo Verdean culture”.

Pelagic fish including tuna and mackerel account for more than 75 percent of the total production, with a volume close to 9 000 tonnes. In terms of exports, processed mackerel and tuna represent 57 percent of the country’s total exports, contributing to a value of USD 24 million. "In this context, we aim to outline a comprehensive 10-year strategy for the tuna and mackerel scad value chains with crucial actions and interventions needed to improve the performance, sustainability, and economic viability of these fisheries" concluded Ms Nevez.

 “This project will certainly make it possible to create synergies with other complementary fisheries development projects underway” emphasized Mr Carlos Monteiro, National Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Ministry of the Sea, Republic of Cabo Verde referring to the FAO SVC4SIDS project. “On behalf of the National Directorate for Fisheries and Aquaculture, we express our interest in collaborating with FAO, and we will do everything to ensure that it achieves the proposed objectives." Mr Monteiro concluded before officially opening the workshop. This collaborative approach will maximize positive outcomes and facilitate the smooth implementation of the strategy.

The unveiling and endorsement of the 10-year upgrading strategy for tuna and mackerel scad in Cabo Verde represents a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable fisheries development and a Blue Transformation of the aquatic food systems. By strengthening value chains, fostering collaboration, and mobilizing resources, Cabo Verde is taking crucial steps toward enhancing the health, resilience, and livelihoods of its fishing-dependent communities. The development of the upgrading strategy was achieved by an engaged national value chain Task Force composed of representatives from the Direção Nacional de Pesca e Aquacultura (DNPA), Instituto do Mar (IMAR), Inspeção Geral das Pescas (IGP), Associação dos Armadores de Pesca de Cabo Verde (APESC), and 3 private companies (namely Frescomar, Atunlo and Sucla). 

“Let us use this workshop as an opportunity to foster meaningful dialogue, share experiences, and forge strong partnerships that will drive sustainable development in the Republic of Cabo Verde and other SIDS” stated Mr Jyungrae Cho, Attaché and Consul, Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Las Palmas, Spain while welcoming participants.

The "Sustainable Fish Value Chains for Small Island Developing States" (SVC4SIDS) project aims to rebuild and enhance the health and resilience of coastal fishing and fishing-dependent communities in SIDS, while strengthening food security, nutrition, and livelihood opportunities through improved fishing outcomes. SVC4SIDS is funded by the Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea and implemented by FAO in the Republic of Cabo Verde and the Republic of Kiribati.

The success of this strategy implementation will serve as a model for other small island developing states striving for sustainable fisheries and improved performance of MSMEs.

In closing the workshop, Ms Nada Bougouss, Fishery Officer and Project Coordinated reaffirmed the SVC4SIDS project commitment towards efficient implementation until July 2025 through project funds, and also in facilitating access to investment and mobilizing potential Donors. “The 10 year tuna and mackerel scad strategy is comprehensive and it is our aspirations that its implementation continues, this is a legacy to the national value chain task force and to the country. Continuity and sustainability can only be achieved if other actors and stakeholders are actively involved, and complementary and new initiatives uptake the work and results achieved thus far”. She highlighted the relevance of the upgrading strategy within the Blue Transformation Initiative and Cabo Verde’s Blue Economy, and reiterated the excellent work done by the task force as well as their engagement.

Further resources

Factsheets: Boosting the black mackerel and the small tuna value chains in Cabo Verde

Flyer: SVC4SIDS - Boosting fisheries value chains in Small Island Developing States 

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