iFish6

The ProSea foundation proposes to conduct a 1,5-hour workshop about the importance of training fishers to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). During this workshop we want to present the EU-project ‘Catching the Potential’ ( https://catchingthepotential.eu/ ), present the developed European standard on sustainable fisheries training, and discuss the importance of training fishers on safety, environment, economic and social aspects of fishing. We will share some experiences and best practices regarding the training of fishers and play several interactive games and quizzes that are used in the training.

The need for training of fishers

Being a fisher today is different than 10 or 20 years ago. The job has changed due to an increased focus on safety and health of fishers, more regulations, farmed fish products on the market, and a higher demand for responsible and sustainable fish products. In addition, our seas are used for more than fishing alone, so fishing grounds are under pressure. To continue to successfully operate in a changing society and the changing fishing sector, competences of those working in the sector need to evolve and grow.

For the fishing industry to develop sustainably, fishers need additional skills, knowledge and information. Sustainability education addresses marine ecology and the role of fishing in the marine ecosystem. It provides knowledge and understanding of current issues, such as fish stock assessment and management, marine litter, climate change, certification schemes, cooperation within the fish supply chain, social sustainability topics such as fair wages and a safe working environment and enhances communication skills.

Catching the Potential project

The Catching the Potential (CTP) project recognizes the importance of sustainable development of the fishing industry and the importance of training fishers to achieve this. Results of the CTP project include the organization of pilot trainings in seven EU countries (Latvia, Greece, Germany, France, Azores, Spain and Ireland), the establishment of a network of fisheries educators, the development of a European standard for sustainable fisheries training and the inclusion of sustainable fisheries training in the international training standard for fishers from the IMO (STCW-F).

This workshop

The workshop is a mix of sharing results of the project, discussing the approach to sustainable fisheries training and engaging the audience in (parts) of the training content, including playing a fishing game and a communication exercise, and addressing implementation issues in EU countries.