A forum organized by the United States Agency for International Development (Usaid) urged municipal and village leaders to create more “blue jobs” for locals to patrol inland waters, conduct coastal cleanups and other related activities as part of a holistic approach that can diversify the incomes of fisherfolk and help them recover from the socioeconomic impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. These and other proposals were discussed during a recent Bluer Normal forum organized by Usaid Fish Right, a project aimed at improving marine biodiversity and the fisheries sector. “Other initiatives raised included the installation of more ice plants in fishing communities to enhance processing and promote greater postharvest value with every catch, and greater use of technology to hurdle logistical challenges,” Usaid said in a statement.

Usaid urges creation of 'blue jobs'. (2020, August 22). The Manila Times, p. B5.