The Commonwealth Foundation is supporting the promotion of integrated risk reduction policies for migrant fishers and building resilience in fishing communities.
Seasonal migration of small-scale fishers to distant mechanised harbours is common in India due to rising input costs, the seasonal nature of fisheries and growing uncertainty of catch from ecological shifts and marine resource degradation. Fishing communities in India faced multiple hardships and increased risk of Covid-19 infection while stranded for long periods of time in distant harbours without food, sanitation or information. Lack of data on migrant fish workers hindered relief efforts despite civil society attempts to supplement government-led support packages.
Funded by the Government of Canada, and working in partnership with the Dakshin Foundation, United Artists Association, and Social Need Education and Human Awareness, the project aims to strengthen the support system for migrant fish workers, improve information exchange and promote inclusive coastal leadership.