The Pacific Community (SPC) in partnership with the European Union (EU) is launching today a series of animated videos targeting the fishers, the schools and the general public with the objective of raising awareness on sustainable fishing practices.
The series, called “Fisher’s Tales” aims at disseminating informative and educational toolkits amongst coastal communities from the Pacific region and includes short animated videos compatible with mass media and social networks. The videos will provide information on the habitat, nutrition and behaviour of key marine species, including sea cucumber, as well as advice on how to use these resources in a sustainable way.
The series will be adapted into local languages and disseminated across the 15 beneficiary countries* that are part of the EU-Funded Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme. Funded by the EU and the Government of Sweden, the EUR 45 million PEUMP programme promotes sustainable management and sound ocean governance for food security and economic growth, while addressing climate change resilience and conservation of marine biodiversity. It follows a comprehensive approach, integrating issues related to oceanic fisheries, coastal fisheries, community development, marine conservation and capacity building under one single regional action.
The Pacific Community has long been supporting its member countries in deploying Community-based Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management. This approach aims at equipping communities with technical information and advice on the fish species and habitats upon which they rely for food security and livelihoods. The overall objective is to see local communities taking a leading role in sustainable management of fisheries resources.
The Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific, Christoph Wagner said, “In line with the regional strategy, the New Song for Coastal Fisheries – Pathway to Change, the EU has enhanced its focus and financial commitment to support coastal fisheries management. Raising awareness on sustainable fishing practices is a crucial step to promote productive and healthy ecosystems and fish stocks that ultimately contribute to improving wellbeing of coastal communities''.
“The Pacific Community and its partners are putting emphasis on developing information tools specifically targeting communities, in line with guidelines and policies endorsed by the Pacific-African Caribbean Pacific (Pacific-ACP) countries.” said Neville Smith, Director of the Fisheries Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems Division of the Pacific Community.
*Pacific-ACP states that are part of the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme are the Cook Islands, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste and Vanuatu.
Useful link:
To watch the first videos of the series.
Media contacts:
Toky Rasoloarimanana, Communications Officer, Fisheries Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME) Division, Pacific Community (SPC) | [email protected] or Tel: +687 89 93 94
Céline Muron, Coastal and Community Fisheries Information and Outreach Officer, PEUMP Programme, Pacific Community (SPC) | [email protected]