Technology and innovation improve fisher safety at sea

Fishing is one of the most dangerous jobs. Every year, more than 100 000 fishers die at work, according to estimates. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is enabling fishers to be safer while at sea in various ways, including with technically innovative boat designs and training initiatives.  FAO has developed a collection of fishing vessel plans called the FAO Fishing Vessel Design Database. One of its aims is to increase safety at sea through improving vessel design, construction, seaworthiness, and safety. The designs range from canoes to vessels of 30 metres in length. All are available to use free of charge. Fishers in Sri Lanka have access to a boat specially designed to be unsinkable, thereby maximizing their safety in the rougher seas resulting from climate change. The hull is manufactured from glass fibre reinforced plastic and is very strong. Reserve buoyancy keeps it afloat even when swamped by waves. FAO has developed a dihedral bulbous bow for long-line fishing boats of around 15 metres in length. It increases fisher safety by adding stability while hauling nets and lines on board, and it supports the vessel’s general seakeeping capacity. It also cuts fuel consumption by 10-15 percent, reducing its environmental footprint. FAO undertakes numerous capacity-building activities to enhance fisher safety at sea. It develops and distributes safety guidelines and best practice manuals tailored to different types of fisheries and regions. It also conducts “train-the trainers” sessions and workshops for small-scale fishers.