IPNLF EXPANDS TO NEW GEOGRAPHIES

IPNLF expands to new geographies, supporting the aims of the ‘Common Oceans Programme’ to ensure tuna stock sustainability, improved compliance and better protection of ocean biodiversity.

By helping to protect ecosystems and safeguard livelihoods, IPNLF hopes to raise greater awareness of the important contribution these fisheries make to sustainable development ‘where no one is left behind.’

The International Pole and Line Foundation (IPNLF) is the charity known to support, develop and promote  one-by-one tuna fisheries  across the globe. The fisheries they are connected to are small-scale, use low-impact fishing methods, and produce a wide range of social and economic benefits that are retained by local coastal communities. Their work covers tuna fisheries in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans with projects currently implemented in Indonesia, Maldives, Azores, Brazil, Cape Verde, South Africa, and Oman, amongst others.

Recently, IPNLF expanded their geographic focus by visiting Malaysia and Tanzania, looking at potentially rolling out new projects in these countries in line with the support they have received under the Common Oceans Tuna Project, which aims to ensure that tunas are fished more sustainably by mobilising a global partnership in support of responsible tuna fisheries management and the conservation of biodiversity in the ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ).

In Mabul Island, Sabah, Malaysia, IPNLF’s Fisheries Director Roy Bealey, experienced first-hand the intricacies and complexity of the local fishing practices and gained direct insights into local fishers’ obstacles and their aspirations for a more sustainable future. Many of these remote communities face similar challenges such as a scarcity of ice to preserve the quality of their catch, inequitable market dynamics, and limited control over the value chain. IPNLF’s experience in working with remote fishing communities in other parts of the world where they face similar challenges opens up opportunities for knowledge exchanges and solutions-based technical innovation to combat climate change, reduce post-harvest losses and improve fish quality, ultimately benefitting these small-scale tuna fisheries.

Roy Bealey, Fisheries Director, IPNLF said:

“Site visits like these are an integral part of what we do at IPNLF, designed to collect valuable information from the ground and understand first-hand fishers’ determination to overcome their challenges and how we can establish a collective voice. As we collectively navigate complexities of the industry, we strive to ensure that these fishers’ efforts are recognised, their catch valued, and their livelihoods preserved for generations to come.”

Arthur Besther Sujang, Senior Fisheries Officer Department of Fisheries, Malaysia said:

“The Department of Fisheries Malaysia were very pleased to host the recent site visit, following up on discussions I previously had with IPNLF staff about opportunities to improve the performance, sustainability and trade opportunities for our local one-by-one tuna fishers. We have skilled tuna fishers traditionally using one-by-one tuna fishing gears in Malaysia who are very eager to receive further support in improving their fishing practices, and we hope IPNLF will also be able to engage its global network of members in global seafood supply chains to reward fisher improvements with access to premium markets that can promote the financial security and livelihoods of our local tuna fishing communities.”

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