The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2022 as the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture (also known as IYAFA 2022). 

In response, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Ron Collins assured that more focus will be placed on the Fisheries and Marine Resources Sector during a recent meeting. 

The IYAFA 2022 Global Action Plan (IYAFA GAP) aims at building global momentum to empower small-scale artisanal fisheries and aquaculture and securing a sustainable future. 

According to the action plan, the overall expected outcomes of IYAFA 2022 fall into four categories: raised awareness, strengthened science-policy interface, empowered stakeholders and to create and strengthen partnerships. 

The vision of IYAFA 2022 is “a world in which small-scale artisanal fishers, fish-farmers and fish workers are fully recognized and empowered to continue their contributions to human well-being, healthy food systems and poverty eradication through the responsible and sustainable use of fisheries and aquaculture resources.”