International Fund for Fishing Safety secures $400,000 to expand into seven new regions
Oak Foundation has awarded $400,000 to the International Fund for Fishing Safety (IFFS) to promote fisher safety in seven new regions.
Established by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, The Seafarers’ Charity, and FISH Platform, IFFS delivers practical, locally led safety interventions for fishers in an industry which remains one of the world’s deadliest.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that 32,000 fishers die at work each year. The Lloyd’s Register Foundation’s World Risk Poll (2024) found that three quarters of the world’s 39 million fishers have never received formal safety training.
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. Projects, which are run by on-the-ground partners, include lifejacket rental schemes, safety training, and resuscitation skills.
IFFS will use the award over a period of three years, to expand operations into Ghana, South Korea, The Philippines, Chile, Peru, Taiwan, and Senegal.
The fund also aims to empower fishers to be advocates for change, engaging directly with policymakers to promote adoption of key international safety standards.
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“This is a huge vote of confidence in our work tackling the challenge of fisher safety worldwide. We’re immensely grateful for multi-year support which will help IFFS change the lives of fishers and their communities from Accra to Valparaiso. Together, we’re sending a powerful message about how crucial it is that fishers can work safely and securely in their daily lives.”
