The 27th World Fisheries Day (WFD) celebrations, organized by the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO), took place in Mullaitivu on 10th December 2024. Despite facing several challenges—including the postponement of the event twice due to the General Assembly of the World Forum of Fisher Peoples (WFFP) in Brazil and devastating floods that affected large parts of Sri Lanka—NAFSO remained steadfast in its commitment to commemorating this important day. This year’s celebrations marked a significant achievement and may even set a world record, as no other organization globally has commemorated WFD with such continuous dedication.
The day began with a People’s March, drawing over 800 participants from 17 districts across Sri Lanka. Fisherfolk, community members, and representatives from various organizations came together to participate in this powerful display of unity and solidarity. Participants included members of the National Fisheries Trade Union, National Women Federation, and the Youth Movement for Environmental and Social Change, all of whom shared a common commitment to advocating for the rights of fishers and the sustainable management of fisheries resources.
Although floods had recently devastated the country, affecting the livelihoods of many fisher families, NAFSO made the deliberate decision not to let these setbacks disrupt the continuity of World Fisheries Day celebrations. The resilience and dedication of the fisher communities were on full display as they gathered to highlight the importance of fisheries to their lives and to call for stronger protection of their rights and livelihoods.
The World Fisheries Day celebrations have always been an important occasion for raising awareness about the challenges faced by fishing communities, such as environmental degradation, climate change, and the socio-economic struggles of fisherfolk. This year’s event underscored the urgency of addressing these issues, particularly in the wake of the recent flooding that exacerbated the difficulties already faced by these communities.
NAFSO’s unwavering commitment to organizing WFD year after year is a testament to the organization’s dedication to ensuring that the voices of fisher communities are heard, not only in Sri Lanka but also on the global stage. The involvement of the youth in this year’s march and activities further highlighted the importance of engaging the next generation in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable fisheries practices.
In conclusion, the 27th World Fisheries Day celebrations organized by NAFSO in Mullaitivu were a resounding success. The event demonstrated the strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment of the fisher community, despite the numerous challenges they face. NAFSO’s dedication to continuous engagement in WFD celebrations, year after year, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of solidarity, advocacy, and action in securing a sustainable future for all those dependent on fisheries.