CAOPA seeks government support in the Africa Fisheries Sector.

 
By Ruth Akinwunmi-King
The International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture, IYAFA 2022, has been launched in Saly, Dakar after a three day meeting of the African Confederation of Artisanal Fisheries Professional Organizations, CAOPA.
The meeting had in attendance members from the twenty African countries, representing men and women in maritime and continental artisanal fisheries which include Nigeria.
In his word CAOPA, Youth President in Ghana, Mr. Isaac Nana-Kweigyah said their first objective is to ensure that fishermen have safe access to the abundant fish resources they need as they know the fish better than anyone else.
He noted that with the right support, fishing communities across Africa will be best placed to manage coastal fisheries, including areas designated as protected marine areas, and bring the fish back to them.
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Mr Nana-Kweigyah explained that throughout year 2022 which has been declared the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture, the young generation of CAOPA leaders, will assist by relentlessly knocking on the doors of our decision makers, at the regional, national, African levels and ask them to entrust the co-management of coastal zones and to invest in them, with sufficient human and material support.
They called for support and innovations in the value chain, especially women’s activities, by providing appropriate infrastructure and services.
The group added that its gives them hope that their voices will be heard by all the member countries of the African Union.
Virtual/RAK