International Symposium on Fisheries Sustainability by Jordyn Kastlunger

International Symposium on Fisheries Sustainability

Recap by Jordyn Kastlunger

Rome, Italy

For the second time in six months, I boarded a plane en route to Italy. This time I was attending the United Nations International Symposium on Fisheries Sustainability in Rome. Four of us from around the United States (California, Maine, Alaska, and South Carolina) all arrived early on Sunday morning having never met each other but becoming family by the end of the week.  Our first order of business was to take a three hour vespa tour around the city and get our fill of the sights. Once again the history of the city spoke for itself and we spent the afternoon in awe of the city around us.

The day was spent sitting in on conversations centered around preserving fisheries and policies.

Monday morning we made our way bright and early to the U.N to meet others in attendance from all over the world including Africa, Guatemala, etc. The day was spent sitting in on conversations centered around preserving fisheries and policies. Tuesday morning we made our way back to the U.N building and the days topics consisted of stock management both on the regional and global level, planning for a sustainable future and implementing food security and conservation. Wednesday was filled with conversation that focused around gender influence and gender roles in the fisheries and how they effect the livelihoods of those who are involved in them. Topics that day also included new approaches in fisheries governance and engagement with the fishers.

As to be expected, climate change dominated the panel discussion during the few days we were there. I took a lot away from the symposium but still the thing that was the most surprising to me was that of the 500+ people that were in attendance, only 1% (10 people) were directly related to fisheries or fishermen themselves.

…most surprising to me was that of the 500+ people that were in attendance, only 1% (10 people) were directly related to fisheries or fishermen themselves.

Ultimately, at the end of the week as I boarded my plane to come home, I was feeling extremely grateful for the knowledge that was gained, the friendships that were formed, and the experiences that were had. It was an amazing opportunity and it was eye opening to gather a better understanding of how big all of these issues are. The obstacles stretch much further than you would expect, and yet regardless of where you are from we are all facing the same adversities.