International Fund for Fishing Safety marks two years of global impact
IFFS is celebrating two years of transformative progress in improving fisher safety worldwide. Since its launch, IFFS has committed £670,000 to fund 18 projects in 13 countries and regions, directly enhancing the safety and wellbeing of nearly 160,000 fishers.
Established by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, The Seafarers’ Charity, and FISH Platform, IFFS was created to deliver practical, locally-led safety interventions, particularly for small scale fishers.
Projects have spanned regions including Bangladesh, South Africa, Namibia, Fiji, Ghana, India, Kenya, Pakistan, Thailand, Vietnam, Uganda, Indonesia and The Pacific Community, addressing critical safety challenges faced by fishing communities.
Key achievements to date:
- 18 projects funded
- 160,000 fishers supported
- 13 countries and regions impacted
A major milestone this year was the FISH Platform’s approval for NGO status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This historic achievement makes FISH Platform the first fisher representative body to gain consultative status at IMO, ensuring fishers’ voices are heard in shaping global maritime safety standards.
Alan McCulla, Fund Coordinator at The Seafarers’ Charity, commented:
“The real power of IFFS lies in its ability to deliver practical safety and welfare interventions that make a tangible difference. We’re not just talking about what could be done - we’re actually changing things out on the water, and that impact is already being felt across communities.”
As IFFS looks ahead to 2026 and beyond, the Fund calls on new partners and funders to join its mission to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the world’s 39 million fishers.
For more information, visit IFFS: https://www.theseafarerscharity.org/international-fund-for-fishing-safety/home
