Cape Verde has begun to feel the impact of climate change in its fishing sector, according to the Network of Professional Artesian Fishing Organizations (ROPA-CV) and the African Confederation of Small-scale Fisheries Professional Organizations (CAOPA), which are celebrating World Fisheries Day November 21. The day is being marked by a conference on fishing and climate change and the submission of a letter to authorities.

Januário da Rocha Nascimento explains that fishing is among those economic activities that suffer the most from climate changes, because marine ecosystems, upon which fishing depends, alter much more quickly as a result of these changes. 

“The migration of marine species is already a reality, so it is essential to increase fish stocks to deal with this change. Now more than ever, we need to stop depleting fish stocks and stop overfishing,” he stresses, justifying the celebration of World Fisheries Day in Cape Verde with field visits and other activities.

The program of activities also includes a conference this Friday on “Fisheries and Climate Change,” intended to mobilize civil society and encourage citizens to join the fight against climate change and help improve fisher people’s quality of life.

A number of different themes will be discussed, including “The co-management of small-scale fishing in West Africa: a complex problem with many solutions, progress and challenges.” Another issue on the table will be “Fishing, meteorology and climate change and small-scale fishing in Africa.” 

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