Seaweed exports from Sri Lanka supply the fertilizer and food industries mainly in Europe, followed by Asia, with India being the single largest importing nation in the region. Initiatives are being taken to expand the industry but there are some crucial hurdles to address, including adverse climatic conditions, lack of robust parental strains, inadequately regulated purchasing systems, predators, and technical barriers. The potential of seaweed in contributing to livelihood development and empowerment of women in Sri Lanka could be greatly enhanced through technological approaches, ongoing assistance from the government, awareness and promotion sessions, investments, and the creation of a “one-stop-shop approval” system.

This article was published in INFOFISH International Issue No 1/2024

Read more: https://infofish.org/v4/index.php/seaweed-production-trade-and-marketing-status-in-sri-lanka

Q: Dr Essam, you have multi-country experience in Sub-Saharan Africa, (South, Southeast and East) Asia, Latin America, and Europe. In which region of the world have you observed the most significant progress in aquaculture over the past decade, and what have been the factors that have been the main drivers in this process?

A: In reflecting upon my experiences in various global regions, it’s evident that Asia stands out for its significant progress in aquaculture over the past few decades. The key drivers of this growth have been well-aligned policies and the adoption of adaptable technologies, especially by smallscale operators.

Read more: https://v4.infofish.org/index.php/dr-essam-yassin-mohammed

More info: INFOFISH International

Unlike formal conventions and declarations of the UN, voluntary guidelines provide an integral role for civil society actors and communities in shaping them. Focusing on the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF Guidelines), this article underscores the importance of local-level implementation, given the significant contribution of small-scale fishing communities to national economies. It suggests that democratization requires active community participation, meaningful consultation, as well as identification of relevant indicators and participatory actions. Ultimately, successful implementation of the SSF Guidelines requires contemporaneous empowering of communities at the local level and recognizing the true value of small-scale fishing worldwide.

Read more: INFOFISH International 1/2024