The Fisher & Fishery Development Division is tasked to carry out capacity building in order to inform and train fishers in certifiable fishing practices. Fishers are trained in net collection, proper post-harvest handling and holding, documentation and order management. The training is designed and adapted to address the needs of the fishers in each Fishery Managed Area. The skills of trainees are assessed and follow-up extension training is scheduled where needed. This activity also includes training of trainers whereby a number of the best fishers are trained to possibly work as trainers in other sites, expanding the possibilities for replication of success.
In addition to the technical training, the fishers’ organizational capacity is strengthened by establishing a fishers’ association in each Fisher Management Area. All fishers receive trainings in basic technical skills to enable them to develop and run the business profitably by organizing fishing, holding, packing and transporting activities according to market demands, seasonal variations, and other factors.
The FFD training team also assists the fishers to develop their business skills, such as quality control in documentation, post harvest handling, and packing, developing and maintaining reliable communications and interactions with their buyers and implementing sound and well documented financial transactions.