Food systems and COVID-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean N° 15: Towards inclusive, responsible and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture

In Latin America and the Caribbean, fishing and aquaculture are fundamental in social, economic and nutritional terms: 85 percent of fish and seafood products that reach the tables of the region's households come from small-scale fishing. Besides, it represents the
livelihood of 1.8 million families.
Unfortunately, the crisis has heavily affected fisheries and aquaculture. The restrictive health measures have had adverse effects on the free operation of the sector, and the crisis has changed consumption habits.
The sector needs short term action; it also needs to modify some aspects of the activity that have been dragging on for some time. Thus, for example, technology and innovation can play an essential role in the fisheries and aquaculture of the future.