FishFAD focuses on safely developing nearshore FAD fisheries supported by co-management approaches and developing value-add and alternative livelihoods to diversity income sources.
The project’s outputs and activities, organized by outcomes, are described below.
Outcome 1: Strengthening and developing community nearshore FAD programmes to provide improved access to high-value species
Output 1.1: Improved FAD programmes are developed in each country
Each of the participating countries will have an improved or new nearshore FAD programme by the end of the project. Each country will then engage key stakeholders to identify constraints to sustainability and opportunities, including the processes and procedures for fisheries administrations to assess the feasibility of FAD deployments, examine use and maintenance, and define selection criteria for adapted locations for FAD deployment. A cross-regional experience-sharing programme between fishers from the Pacific and other regions will be included to stimulate new thinking on design, fishing techniques, management programs and institutions around FAD fishing.
Output 1.2: Pilot FADs are deployed in selected sites
Raising awareness will disseminate information on FADs’ benefits and new fishing techniques (to be conducted with safety at sea programming). Following the study, FADs will be deployed, based on the adopted selection design and method, in select areas to pilot new community FAD programmes. Technical assistance will be procured to promote innovative local governance arrangements (co-management agreements, etc.) to help fishers use and maintain the FAD adequately, safely and sustainably.
Output 1.3: Appropriate and effective monitoring programmes are developed and put in place to facilitate adaptive management
An effective monitoring programme is essential to ensure feedback to both the national level authority and community. This should lead to adaptive management that allows for adjustments to the FAD programme to ensure effectiveness.
Outcome 2: Structuring and strengthening fishers’ associations and cooperatives
Output 2.1: Fishers’ associations and cooperatives are structured and strengthened to engage fishers in sustainable fisheries management, FAD fishing, safety at sea and alternative activities. Organized fisher structures, to promote a sustainable and fair sector for small-scale operators and reduce costs that include fishing inputs, are key to developing a nearshore FAD fishery in participating countries. This output will be achieved through activities that include a gap analysis covering target countries and islands to identify needs, raising awareness on the benefits of joining and supporting local associations and cooperatives, and various trainings will be conducted to build the capacity of association members in community-based fisheries management, community development, the organization of associations, accounting and business development. The organizations included will span the value chain.
Outcome 3: Developing livelihood opportunities and revenue-generating activities and products
Output 3.1: Alternative livelihoods and revenue-generating activities (RGAs) related to nearshore fishing are promoted and piloted in the target sites, including for youth and women
Activities to achieve this output will include an assessment of needs and opportunities for RGAs and alternative livelihood activities to nearshore fishing in the target sites. This study will focus on ecotourism and sports fishing, with a specific focus on opportunities for youth and women, such as a youth tour guide/education programme. From this study, pilot programmes for tourism will be developed and some activities involving fishers or other small-scale fish workers in tourism enterprises piloted. In addition to the previous analysis focused on tourism, this analysis will look at new fish products, by-products, post-capture activities, etc. Training through project partners and equipment will be provided to trial and promote these new activities as well as develop appropriate market pathways.
Outcome 4: Improving safety at sea for fishers of nearshore FADs
Output 4.1: Small-scale FAD fishers are better equipped and trained to prevent or handle safety incidents or events at sea
The project will finance one or several studies on the types and rates of accidents or incidents to understand the nature, frequency and factors of accidents and incidents at sea in each of the countries. Other technical assistance will design or improve training programmes on safety at sea, prevention and safety and rescue (SAR) (including using modern technologies such as mobile phone apps). A sea safety mobile application system will be developed and piloted in a selected number of communities with national authorities. Large-scale awareness raising will be promoted to reach out to fishers and their communities (including women and youth). The project will finance safety at sea equipment (life vests, etc.) in pilot sites.