Disaster Management in Fisheries

8.1.11 Fisherfolk groups and organizations

Fishermen are generally aware of the risks involved in fisheries, but very often accept them; their organizations can play an important role in reducing them. Training and risk awareness should be improved among fishermen. Fisherfolk groups and organizations play an important role in training, awareness raising and disseminating information related to weather conditions, working conditions, handling of the vessel and equipment, and vessel stability. These activities are very important for the fishermen and the crew. Artisanal fishing vessels are pushed further off-shore in search of deteriorating resources and are often equipped with engines and other types of gears that were not originally designed for such vessels. This underscores the need for stability, choosing proper construction material, good vessel design and conception, among other factors for consideration by boat builders.