In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of small-scale fishers along the West Coast, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Institute (FADI) has partnered with Sea Safety Training Group (SSTG) to provide training and development opportunities. This joint effort not only equips local fishers with the skills to maximise their income potential and explore international markets, but also addresses vital safety concerns at sea.
The West Coast has long been home to small-scale fishers who play a vital role in supplying fresh seafood to local markets. However, limitations in knowledge and resources have often hampered their ability to expand their reach and tap into international markets. Recognising this potential, Fadi introduced a groundbreaking programme that imparts vital skills to these fishers, enabling them to sell their catches both locally and abroad. Through this initiative FADI is not only fostering economic growth within coastal communities, but also promoting sustainable fishing practices that will benefit generations to come.
A pivotal aspect of the initiative was the involvement of SSTG, founded in 2013 by Leon Mouton. The group has a decade-long legacy of providing comprehensive training to seafarers and the broader marine industry. Leveraging their expertise, SSTG was invited by FADI to deliver a presentation about training and development opportunities available on the West Coast.
During the presentation on Thursday 10 August in Laingville, Arendine Le Grange of SSTG emphasised the paramount importance of safety at sea. She highlighted a grim statistic that approximately 9 000 seafarers lose their lives during voyages annually, and an alarming 52 boats disappear or sink each year. These numbers underscore the crucial need for well-prepared seafarers, equipped with basic safety training to navigate emergencies effectively. Le Grange acknowledged the experience of small-scale fishers on the sea, but stressed the need for proper training to ensure their safety in unpredictable situations. She also shed light on a pertinent issue plaguing the marine industry: a worldwide shortage of approximately 90 000 seafarers.
SSTG’s 10th-anniversary celebration and collaboration with FADI serve as beacons of hope for the West Coast’s small-scale fishers. The forthcoming open day, organised by SSTG later this year, will further inspire and educate young people about the vast potential of the marine industry. As these initiatives gain momentum, the West Coast’s fishing communities are poised to thrive economically while promoting sustainable practices and enhancing safety at sea.
