Allfish, a public-private partnership created by the seafood industry, the World Bank, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization and the Global Environment Facility, on Thursday launched its Web site, www.allfish.org.
Through a variety of projects, the Washington, D.C.-based organization aims to help shape economically and environmentally sustainable fisheries and aquaculture operations, particularly in developing countries.
“Allfish was established to help seafood industry organizations, including small-scale producers and fisheries authorities collaborate effectively,” said Allfish Chair Stan Crothers, the former head of New Zealand’s Ministry of Fisheries. “We’re not in the business of creating new polices or telling fledgling producers what to do. We’re here to share resources and knowledge in order to promote responsible fisheries.”
Allfish projects will promote good fisheries governance, sustainable fishing practices, effective aquaculture methods, ecosystem preservation, responsible marketplace actions and engagement in global policy debates.
“Here we have a coalition that’s putting its money where its mouth is,” said Stetson Tinkham, executive secretary of the International Coalition of Fisheries Associations, which provides management for the Allfish initiative. “The World Bank takes seriously the issue of sustainability and need to help small-scale fishers earn a living. They have joined forces with an eager industry to put programs in place that recognize the need for research, analysis and partnerships that help fisheries focus on the full sustainability picture.”
