According to the Japan International Cooperation Agency, one of the priority

targets of the SDG 14 is to increase the economic benefits to small-scale artisanal

fishers in 2030. However, the main issue here is that it is already being used for
economic benefits, because instead of increasing economic benefits, small-scale
artisanal fishers are being deprived of fishing area, equipment, and others. It is
important that we discuss this long overdue issue to make amendments on how to
better conserve and sustainably use the marine resources, while providing accessibility
to artisanal fishers. It is not enough to only promote and send support to fishers to adopt
fishing techniques, because outsourcing fund from the government takes a toll in the
livelihood of the fishers, most especially in the Philippine context.

Ndum, Eyng and Leis (2020) stated that regardless of the allocated fund that
fishers received in South Africa, it is not economically sustainable. Aside from this, there
is an environmental factor that is affecting fishermen, further, it would be difficult for
developing countries to keep up with the demand of the SDG 14, specifically in this
issue (Jarin, 2018). Countries like Philippines lacks funds, and inconsistent in their
fisheries programs for fishermen. Philippine Fisheries are in Crisis, due to the issue
between West PH Sea, whereas fishermen are threatened due to the presence of
Chinese vessels whenever they attempt to catch fish in a less-exploited area. With, the
situation of the artisanal fishers across the world isn’t only centralized on the lack of
fund, but also due to the improper execution of the government’s plan for the fishermen
in the respective countries. On the other hand, artisanal fishers are dominated by large
industries, hence the SDG 14 is a good way to defend the small-scale marine through
providing opportunities to them. Since the SDG include guidelines that yearns to
collaborate with fishing communities and improve their livelihood. The intention of this is
for the good of the fishermen, for the SDG strives for change, and adequate technical
as well as financial support, also strengthen the law enforcement to protect the right of
the fishermen to secure their livelihood.

Having all of this said, the goal of SDG 14 is to address the issue about small-
scale fishermen, but within the challenges that artisanal fishers experience, the root
cause of the issue must be resolved, through an institutional reform of the policies, and
programs for the fishermen.

References

Formoso, C. (2018) BFAR invites local fishers to catch fish in West PH Sea. Retrieved
from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1052740

Jarin, S. (2018) Socio-economic status and environmental problems affecting the

fishermen along the river tributaries of Dagupan City. Retrieved from
https://www.academia.edu/42004527/Socio_economic_status_and_environmental_prob
lems_affecting_the_fishermen_along_the_river_tributaries_of_Dagupan_City

Japan International Cooperation Agency. Retrieved from

https://www.jica.go.jp/aboutoda/sdgs/ku57pq00002e2b2a-att/goal01_e.pdf

Ndum, A. Eyng, V. & Leis, M. (2020) A long history of challenges in South African small-
scale fisheries. Retrieved from http://toobigtoignore.net/a-long-history-of-challenges-in-
south-african-small-scale-fisheries/

OneOcean. The Philippine Fisheries Situation. Retrieved from

http://www.oneocean.org/fish/the_philippine_fisheries_situation.html