FIJI: Nations have transitioned from unsustainable environmental practices to sustainable jobs, lifestyles and ecosystems. This is all in a bid to save our planet from further destruction.

These were the sentiments shared by Fiji’s Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Hon. Kalaveti Ravu to participants of the Blue Economy side event that was held in the margins of the Our Oceans Conference held in Panama on the 2nd-3rd of March, 2023.

Source: Ministry of Fisheries Fiji Twitter

SRI LANKA: The Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLS) says it is mandatory to display the SLS mark on local canned fish product labels, pursuant to the regulations of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA).

In a press release, the SLSI mentioned that it has received multiple reports on local canned fish products that have been put up for sale without the SLS mark on the label.

The members of the public are urged to file complaints with the CAA if they come across any such products.

However, any complaints about SLS-certified canned fish items that are not up to the standards should be directed to the SLSI.

The Standard Institution, noting that it follows a proper procedure when issuing the SLS certification for any locally-manufactured canned fish, said it is mandatory for the products and the manufacturing process to be in line with the standard parameters in order to receive the certification.

The press release underscores that it is the responsibility of the CAA to take necessary action against uncertified local canned fish items sold in the market as the SLSI is tasked with ensuring the quality of the products that are put up for sale under various brand names.

Further, the SLSI said although its certification is not required for imported canned fish products, the items are subjected to laboratory tests by the institution prior to Customs clearance.

The SLSI says it has thus far issued the SLS certificate to the following 37 canned fish brands owned by 14 manufacturing firms:

01. Tess (Pvt) Ltd., No. 87, New Nuge Road, Kelaniya.

02. CM Fish Canning (Pvt) Ltd., Nadukkuda, Pesalai, Mannar.

03. Foreconns Canneries, No. 10, Temple Road, Beruwala.

04. SLIC Lanka Fisheries (Pvt) Ltd., 280/1, Wewagedara, Divulapitiya.

05. Quality Fish Processing Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., Anna Laxmi Estate, Keeriyankalliya, Mundalama.

06. Golden Star Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd., 177/1/A, Weboda South, Weboda.

07. Happy Cook Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd., Ceylon Fisheries Corporation Complex, Fishery Harbour, Megalle, 
Galle.

08. LNV Seafoods (Pvt) Ltd., Industrial Zone, Karandeniya, Yatagala, Uragasmanhandiya.

09. PRF Seafood (Pvt) Ltd., No. 159, Pahala Road, Thoduwawa.

10. Aluth Malu (Pvt) Ltd., No. 870, St. Jude Mawatha, Katuneriya.

11. Western Lanka Fisheries (Pvt) Ltd., No. 126, Negombo Road, Wahathiyagoda, Pamunugoda.

12. Ocean Foods Manufacturing (Pvt) Ltd., Mukkuthoduwawa, Madurankuliya.

13. New Silkroad Foodstuff Company (Pvt) Ltd., Seththukk Kunduth, Thennanthottam, Malivaadi, Tharauran West, Mannar.

14. Sakwa Canneries & Exports (Pvt) Ltd., Aratuweta Waththa, Boralukada, Baddegama.

Source:  https://www.adaderana.lk/news/88823/sls-mark-mandatory-for-local-canned-fish-products-standard-institution

PHILIPPINES: Access to decent working and living conditions is needed for the country’s small-scale fishers to flourish and be productive, according to a report that highlighted the role of artisanal fisherfolk.

In the Philippines, more than 80% of the Philippines’ two million fisherfolk are artisanal. Artisanal fisheries refer to traditional fisheries involving fishing households, and using relatively small amounts of capital and energy and small fishing vessels.

Small-scale fishers and fish workers are among the country’s poorest and most socially vulnerable sectors. Fishers also bear the brunt of the cyclones that hit the Philippines, which wipe out their gear, homes and livelihood.

A report released last month said that access to decent working and living conditions allows fishers to secure livelihoods that provide for their family and community while maintaining their social, physical and cultural well-being.

“A well-managed fishery sector isn’t just about securing a sustainable supply of fish — it must also include the security of the people working in it,” says the report, released by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UNFAO), and Rare Philippines. “Prioritizing artisanal fisherfolk and their social conditions, in accordance with human rights, is crucial to sustainable and long-term progress,” it added.

The report stressed the need for a central registry of the country’s municipal fishers, which can help the government “address the societal conditions of fisherfolk and assist them to improve their means of livelihood.”

It added that a strong cooperative is needed to maximize the full potential of Philippine fisheries, as “cooperatives result in economic growth for their members as they sustain shared prosperity, greater income, and purchasing power.”

The contributions of small-scale fishers and fishers to the food security and nutrition of Filipinos, and the efforts to protect the country’s natural resources are massive, but often go underappreciated. According to the BFAR, the municipal and aquaculture subsectors contributed 73% to the total production of the country’s fisheries sector from 2011 to 2020.  The report emphasized the role of municipal fishers in ensuring the responsible management and sustainable use of aquatic resources and their supporting ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass meadows.

“It is important to highlight the role of artisanal fishers especially in protecting resources and in food security. We are the primary frontliners in conserving our resources. The sea is our life, and our source of food and livelihood, and we are also the most affected in times of calamities or disasters,” said Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon, a fisherfolk leader and 2021 Ramon Magsaysay awardee. The report cited the Bantay Dagat program, which engages fishers to support the detection of illegal fishing in coastal waters. It called the coastal law enforcement approach as “highly effective.”

The United Nations General Assembly declared 2022 the “International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture” to give important recognition to millions of small-scale fishers and fish workers across the globe.

Source: FIS (PhilStar Global)