Today, the Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries celebrated the
2022 International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture at the Salelologa Fish
Market in Savaii. Over 100 artisanal fishers, village representatives and fish-farmers
gathered to celebrate this event. This is a collaborative effort between the Ministry and the
United Nations – Food and Agriculture Organization to commemorate this important
international event with its theme: “Small in Scale, Big in Value” – “E LAITITI i le mātau,
ae TELĒ lona aogā”
At the opening ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Afioga
Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt acknowledged with gratitude the
contributions from the small scale fishers and fish-farmers in the development of Fisheries
in Samoa, and encouraged them to continue with their valuable work for it has greatly
contributed to the increase in food security and livelihoods of our local communities.
In last week’s IYAFA celebrations in Apia, Ms Xiangjun Yao, FAO Subregional Coordinator
for the Pacific Islands also acknowledged the work of the local artisanal fishers, fish workers
and fish farmers in Samoa and the Pacific region. She quoted, “We celebrate together with
you to help raise your profile and strengthen the necessary support that ensures healthy
livelihoods and sustainable fisheries for present and future generations.”
The Ministry organised a display of giant clams, tilapia and jewellery made from trochus
shells and raise awareness on the numerous Fisheries Division activities at the village
communities and fish-farmers.