Although COVID-19 does not affect fish, the full range of activities required to deliver fish and fish products from production to the final consumer is subject to indirect impacts of the pandemic through new sanitary measures, changing consumer demands, market access, or logistical problems related to transportation and border restrictions. This has a damaging effect on fishers and fish farmers’ livelihoods as well as on food security and nutrition for populations that rely heavily on fish for animal protein and essential micronutrients.
This policy brief reviews ongoing challenges and proposes measures to protect production and income of the fisheries and aquaculture sector as well as maintain operations and support the supply chain.