Governments need to take measures to protect children from harmful work
in small-scale fisheries and aquaculture, say the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
According to a guidance document published jointly by the two UN agencies, almost every country has signed international conventions to protect children, but many have not translated these agreements into national legislation.
As a result, the document says, many children working in small-scale fisheries and aquaculture remain exposed to harsh and hazardous working conditions. They may have to dive to unsafe depths - often at night; work long hours in unsanitary processing plants where they are at risk of contracting infections; or handle toxic chemicals and dangerous equipment or gear. Girls working in fish processing depots are also at risk of sexual abuse.
"Work of this kind is intolerable", Árni M. Mathiesen, FAO Assistant Director-General for Fisheries and Aquaculture, said. "It affects children's health and learning abilities, and often prevents them from attending school."
According to a guidance document published jointly by the two UN agencies, almost every country has signed international conventions to protect children, but many have not translated these agreements into national legislation.
As a result, the document says, many children working in small-scale fisheries and aquaculture remain exposed to harsh and hazardous working conditions. They may have to dive to unsafe depths - often at night; work long hours in unsanitary processing plants where they are at risk of contracting infections; or handle toxic chemicals and dangerous equipment or gear. Girls working in fish processing depots are also at risk of sexual abuse.
"Work of this kind is intolerable", Árni M. Mathiesen, FAO Assistant Director-General for Fisheries and Aquaculture, said. "It affects children's health and learning abilities, and often prevents them from attending school."
Aquaculture in the top of the South Island, New Zealand has
received a boost following the signing of a formal agreement
between Cawthron Institute and Wakatu Incorporation.
“This new partnership represents a long-term
investment in the aquaculture sector and symbolises an ongoing
commitment by Cawthron Institute and Wakatu to economic development in
the Nelson Tasman region,” says Ian Kearney, chairman, Cawthron Institute.
Wakatu-owned seafood company Kono has been based at
the Cawthron Aquaculture Park since 2003, working with Cawthron
Institute at an operational level on shellfish research and development.
The new agreement between the boards of directors of both organisations
marks a shift to strategic level planning and sets out terms around the
leasing of land, shared resources, collaborations and infrastructure at
the park.
Students in the region were asked to submit an essay of 750 words or less on 'The Benefits of Aquaculture to my Community'.
Alyson Roberts of Hermitage scooped first place and she will be awarded a $500 scholarship towards her entrance to Memorial University in 2013.
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| Nelson, New Zealand (Photo credit: zinjixmaggir) |
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