MORE THAN 32 000 FISHERS IN KENYA AND THAILAND SUPPORTED BY STELLA MARIS THANKS TO IFFS GRANTS

More than 32 000 fishers in Kenya and Thailand supported by Stella Maris thanks to IFFS grants. On World Fisheries Day global maritime network Stella Maris is pleased to announce that more than 32 000 fishers in Thailand and Kenya are to benefit from targeted safety training thanks to a collaboration between Stella Maris and the International Fund for Fishing Safety (IFFS).

Stella Maris works extensively with fishing communities in Kenya and Thailand. It has recently received two grants totalling nearly £57 000 from the IFFS. These grants will help provide training to artisanal and migrant fishers, and safety equipment to help ensure fishers can have fulfilling and safe careers.

Targeted safety training in Kenya

Fishing is a major source of income for over 70 000 people in Kenya. However, fishing remains a very dangerous occupation, with an estimated 1% of fishers in Kenya losing their lives each year. Many of these deaths could be prevented by better training and awareness of some of the most common causes, including drowning, exposure, drug and alcohol misuse, and hippo attacks.

The IFFS funding will enable Stella Maris Kenya to provide training to over 32 000 fishers in the country on the Great Lakes and coastal regions, working with the local government and Beach Management Units.

The programme is being jointly developed with the Kenyan Maritime Authority, which will help ensure that the training, messaging and advice given matches government and international regulatory standards.

Helping to save lives in Thailand

A second IFFS grant is being used to fund a health and safety, and life-saving training programme for hundreds of migrant fishers in East Thailand. Compared to their West Thailand counterparts, fishers based in East Thailand work from smaller boats and do not receive funding from large seafood industry organisations to help develop safety training programmes.

This lack of safety training has been a contributing factor in tragic accidents occurring at sea. Some crews do not receive any survival training and are not wearing life jackets at the time of an accident. Stella Maris Thailand has a strong presence in the region and, as the main local fishing and maritime charity, is there to support fishers and their families after such incidents.

Through the IFFS grant, Stella Maris Thailand will help deliver proper safety training to hundreds of migrant fishers in East Thailand, thereby saving lives and promoting better livelihoods.

Prioritising safety

Stella Maris CEO and National Director Tim Hill MBE said:

“Fishing remains among the most dangerous jobs in the world. Many communities worldwide rely on fishing for their livelihoods and as a vital source of food and nutrition.

“Fishers’ lives, safety and welfare must always be put before profit. Safety training is an issue not just in developing countries, but a global challenge. Stella Maris is delighted to be partnering with the IFFS to enable our colleagues to deliver vital fisher safety and wellbeing programmes and training in Africa and Southeast Asia.”

IFFS Coordinator Alan McCulla OBE said:

“World Fisheries Day serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role fishing communities play in ensuring global food security and sustaining millions of livelihoods. The International Fund for Fishing Safety (IFFS) grants are making a tangible difference in these communities, exemplified by the impactful work of Stella Maris in countries like Kenya and Thailand with these initiatives focused on enhancing the safety and well-being of fishers. By providing resources and training, Stella Maris is improving safety and enhancing the livelihoods of these communities. These actions underscore the importance of supporting and empowering fishing communities worldwide, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met.”