By EDF Oceans

The United Nations General Assembly declared 2022 the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture, or IYAFA — a year to recognize and celebrate the contributions of small-scale fishers, fish workers and aquaculturists to communities and nations, and to advance their development. To celebrate the launch of IYAFA, we asked our staff who work closely with small-scale fishing communities around the world why this year is important to them and what they hope to see happen in a year dedicated to small-scale fisheries.

Throughout the year, EDF will be featuring stories from around the world and calling on governments and decision-makers to invest in and support policies and projects that directly improve the well-being of small-scale fishing communities and the resilience of the ecosystems they rely on. We also invite you to check out the Small-Scale Fisheries Hub and to watch our Portraits of Change series to hear from small-scale fishers and other fishery stakeholders directly about their hopes for the future.

Layla Osman, Senior Consultant — Chile

“Small-scale fisheries and aquaculture support the lives of millions worldwide. Learning more about the role and impact of small-scale fisheries can help us guide the pathway to a brighter future.”

 

Eduardo Boné Morón, Senior Manager, Cuba Fisheries & Oceans — Cuba

“Artisanal fishermen are our eyes and hands on the water. They represent our best chance to understand and conserve our oceans. IYAFA is a chance to recognize and amplify their critical role in the present and future of fisheries and aquaculture. Let’s continue amplifying their voices!”

 

Marcial Villania Bolen, EDF Consultant — Philippines

“IYAFA 2022 is an exciting initiative because it will highlight the importance of fishers and their essential role in fisheries management. Here in the Philippines, we’re working to put small-scale fishers at the center of decision-making. IYAFA will help to strengthen the voices of our partner fishers.”

 

Tereza Pilar Fonseca, EDF Consultant — Portugal

“We need to put small-scale fisheries at the center of sustainable fisheries and the healthy ocean agenda. In 2022, IYAFA will celebrate and provide this opportunity. Portuguese small-scale fisheries can be part of the local solutions for our communities in the present and beyond.”

 

Samuel Amorós, Director, Peru Fisheries & Oceans — Peru

“IYAFA is a huge opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture for their contribution to food security and livelihoods. In addition, we can put more value in traditional and environmentally friendly artisanal fishing practices to preserve this knowledge.”

 

Poly Piñon, Technical Assistant for Curvina Project — Mexico

“IYAFA will draw attention to the importance of artisanal fishing and empower communities to sustainably manage their resources, work on resilience and adapt to climate change challenges.”

 

Nicanor Requena, Program Manager — Belize

“I’m excited about IYAFA because it provides an important platform to highlight contributions of small-scale fishers as stewards of the marine resources they depend on for food, livelihood and identity. In Belize, a collaborative approach has enabled continued commitment to ensure the long-term sustainable use of these resources.”

 

Adityo Setiawan, Fisheries Technical Manager – EDF Indonesia

“I’m excited about IYAFA because it recognizes the important role of artisanal fisheries in the food security and essential protein needed by an archipelagic country like Indonesia. In addition, IYAFA carries an important message that fishermen and fisherwomen are equal.”