Development potential of the fisheries sector

In total, 13 people took part in this study tour, representing a range of countries and regional organizations.  These included both partner organizations with which the UNU-FTP has a long history of cooperation, such as the CRFM and NACA, as well as some representing relatively new partnerships such as the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization, the African Union, and the Somali Ministry of Fisheries.

Research of fellows participating in the 6 month post-graduate training in Iceland and of MSc and PhD students receiving scholarships from the UNU-FTP has often led to concrete recommendations on how to improve fish handling, data collection and management, and many times suggested changes in policy.

For a more effective capacity development the active engagement of policy makers in our partner countries is needed. To this end, this study tour and workshop targeted policy makers in UNU-FTP partner countries.

Through this workshop, the UNU-FTP asked high-level participants to share  information about their own fisheries and development potential. We had a constructive conversation on what policies should be put in place and how they could be implemented. The final day of the program included a summary workshop in which participants reflected on the issues raised during the tour and potential implications for the work participants do at home.