High-level officials responsible for food security in member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) have moved to protect the interests of small-scale fishers and fish farmers in an effort to integrate them into global food chains. In the Iloilo Plan of Action, which was adopted at the conclusion of the two-day APEC High Level Policy Dialogue on Food Security and Blue Economy hosted by Iloilo City last month, the high-level officials recognized the important role of small-scale fisheries to food security, nutrition and livelihoods of coastal communities, noting that the sector accounts for one-half of the global fish catch and considering that small-scale fishing communities are often economically and environmentally vulnerable. The APEC officials said they were also aware that agribusiness offers opportunities for increased income and integration of small-scale fishers and fish farmers, cooperatives, associations, and other stakeholders in food supply chains.

10 ways APEC can protect the interests of small- scale fishermen, fish farmers. (2015, November 7). Panay News, p. B2.