Fisherfolk Access to Grants and Funding
For fisherfolk, exploiting alternative livelihood opportunities, implementing more sustainable practices, or having better safety measures often require investment. Without access to funds, fishers and fish workers are often locked into less profitable, less sustainable, and unnecessarily dangerous ways of fishing. While fishers could be making more money by using their skills and knowledge in tourism or other industries, they simply cannot access these markets without spending money they don’t have. Therefore, funding schemes are essential to help fisherfolk transition to better practices or embrace new livelihood opportunities. However, the fact that fishers and fish workers may be eligible to apply for funding does not mean that they will be able to do so.
Barriers to Access
Literacy & Education Level – Unfortunately, literacy is a problem among fisherfolk in certain countries. In addition, fishers and fish workers may be deterred from any process involving a lot of paperwork.
Internet/Digital Literacy – Although the advent of smart phones has improved internet access for many coastal areas, many fishers and fish workers lack the digital competency to complete forms, conduct searches, or perform other tasks online. Furthermore, communication via email is often required for funding applications, but many fishers do not have email addresses.
Banking – Many fishers do not have bank accounts. Even fewer have bank accounts in the name of a registered business, and so fisherfolk will be excluded from opportunities where this is a prerequisite.
Location – Being on a small island without a bank and with no access to government offices presents its challenges.