Technical Assistance to Support Sustainable Management and Use of Coastal Nearshore Fisheries Resources - TCP/MAS/3701

Abstract

Fishing is of great importance in the Marshall Islands as a source of both food and socioeconomic development Over the course of several years, approximately 14 fish aggregating devices ( were installed around the Majuro atoll to increase catches and therefore the incomes and food supply of local fishing communities however, the number of functioning FADs eventually fell to just two For this reason, the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority ( requested assistance from FAO to support the overall FAD programme in the country This project was formulated as a response to this request for assistance It was designed to build capacities and provide technical support in the following areas i improving existing nearshore fishing technologies, including FAD design and associated fishing techniques ii) enhancing knowledge and awareness on the impact of nearshore FADs on food security and livelihoods and ( increasing the quality of local and/or traditional fish processing and preserving techniques to expand the availability of these products in markets.