A Successful Conclusion to the Free-Plastic Ocean and Sustainable Fishing Campaign

By Sofonie Dala

September 25, 2022

Greetings from Angola!

I am Sofonie Dala, and today marks the completion of our #Plastic_Free_Oceans documentary, which was created in celebration of the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture, as well as the UN Ocean Conferences held in June and July 2022.

The aim of this documentary is to share best practices and solutions for the effective implementation of SDG 14, with a focus on inspiring action to address the environmental crises of climate change, pollution, and the degradation of oceans, seas, and marine resources.

Through our initiative, we have equipped local fishermen with valuable knowledge and inspiration to continue their efforts in protecting the ocean. Their actions directly impact marine ecosystems, as certain fishing practices can lead to the extinction of species, threatening the entire food chain, including predators dependent on those species for survival.

“The experience was incredible, allowing me to witness firsthand the challenges and daily lives of fishermen. I gained a deeper understanding of their passion for this profession, which is deeply rooted in Angola’s cultural heritage. This documentary brings viewers closer to those who rely on fishing and its by-products for their livelihood.”

Today, we present the conclusion of this journey. To learn more, explore the links below, where you can watch the true stories of Angolan fishermen and discover what life is like beneath the waves:

1. Accelerating Plastic-Free Oceans (Part 1)
2. Ocean Documentary - Eating Fresh-Caught Fish (Part 2)
3. Why an International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture? (Part 3)
4. What Happens in the Sea with Fish? (Part 4)
5. SDG 14: Ocean Documentary (Part 5)

PART 1

Today, we present the conclusion of our documentary. If you wish to delve deeper into these powerful stories, please explore the links below, where you can watch the non-fiction accounts of amateur fishermen and uncover more:

• Day 1: The Story of Claudia - Female Fisherman
  Watch here

• https://formula-blue-sofonie.blogspot.com/2024/09/remembering-free-plastic-ocean-and.html

• Day 2: Spotlight on Young Fishermen
  Watch here

• https://formula-blue-sofonie.blogspot.com/2024/09/day-2-free-plastic-ocean-and.html

• Day 3: Spotlight on Amateur Fishermen
  Watch here

• https://formula-blue-sofonie.blogspot.com/2024/09/day-3-free-plastic-ocean-and.html

LEARN MORE: https://formula-blue-sofonie.blogspot.com/2024/09/part-1-free-plastic-ocean-and.html

Free-Plastic Ocean and Sustainable Fishing Campaign: Webisode 8 - Amateur fishermen can't get enough

 Good evening ladies and gentlemen,

Welcome to another marine life webisode!

It seems that these amateur fishermen can't get enough.

They remain with their line at the edge of the sea for long hours. Unfortunately they are only catching fingerlings but they do not despair.

We asked them if they haven't been bothered by the taxmen, they said no. The taxmen only fine fishermen who own yachts, they continued...

But why? we asked.

Because they are the ones who make a lot of money here, they catch very big fish, and the police like big fish and money too! they replied.

Africa as a continent is famously known for safari game drives through the vast savannah plains, but that is not all it has to offer; there are a number of destinations with amazing fishing spots and to the travelers interested in sport fishing.

Angola offers up a continent’s worth of fishing opportunities. Now over to you! Have you ever been fishing in Angola?

Free-Plastic Ocean and Sustainable Fishing Campaign: Webisode 7 - What happens in the sea with fish?

 Ocean Documentary: What Happens in the Sea with Fish?

Human activity is driving marine life toward the brink of extinction. Overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change have led to the loss of nearly half of the world's marine mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish in just one generation.

Today's documentary highlights the grim fate of fish once they are caught by human hands. Young fishermen spend entire days at sea, hoping to catch enough fish to ease their hunger. Size doesn't matter—small or large, they catch them all. Often, the fish are kept alive in torment to prevent them from struggling.

Seafood is a crucial food source for the world's growing population, and maintaining healthy fish populations is vital for sustaining healthy oceans. It is our shared responsibility to contribute to sustainable solutions, as the resilience of marine ecosystems and coastal communities relies on responsible fishing practices.

By understanding the life cycles, habitats, and relationships within marine ecosystems, we gain insight into the health of the planet. Human actions and changing environmental conditions will ultimately shape the future of these marine species.

Free-Plastic Ocean and Sustainable Fishing Campaign: Webisode 6 - Why an International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture?

  It's another day of hope in the lives of these fishermen. In the fight for survival, they abandon their homes for long days, and stay here in the sea to catch fish that serve for their daily food.

In these tents around the beach, we can find men, women and children camping and fishing.

The subsector of artisanal fishing continues to be the driving force behind the economic and social progress of communities, contributing to food and nutritional security, creating more jobs and raising household incomes in Angola.

The global food system faces many complex challenges, including hunger, malnutrition and diet-related diseases, an ever-growing global population that needs sufficient and healthy food, the need to reduce food loss and waste, the depletion of natural resources and effects of climate change, as well as the effects of the current COVID-19 pandemic. 

Fish, molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic plants are fundamental, essential and indispensable foods eaten by people around the world as part of healthy diets, cultural heritage and culinary tradition. Small-scale artisanal fishers and fish farmers produce a large portion of this food, and as such, IYAFA 2022 is an opportunity to highlight the importance of small-scale artisanal fisheries and aquaculture for our food systems, livelihoods, culture and the environment.

IYAFA 2022 aimed to raise awareness on the role of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture, strengthen science-policy interaction, empower stakeholders to take action, and to build new and strengthen existing partnerships.

Free-Plastic Ocean and Sustainable Fishing Campaign: Webisode 5 - Eating fresh-caught fish

This video illustrates various scenarios of the daily life of fishermen. But what caught our attention is a woman who grilled the fresh-caught fish straight from the sea.

 She eats it with salt and says "it's very tasty". This group of fishermen and fisherwomen have been camping for a few days here at sea in order to catch a significant amount of fish. Unfortunately, they also catch very small fish that are unsuitable for eating. 

According to the given interview, they spend nights there because it's much easier to fish in the night. They said when the moonlight touches the fish, they get excited.

PART 2 of the Free-Plastic Ocean and Sustainable Fishing Campaign: Webisode 4 - Accelerating Plastic-Free Oceans

 A Journey Following the Successful Conclusion of the Overfishing Documentary in Angola

🌊 Hello World!

My name is Sofonie Dala, and I am thrilled to welcome you to this special ocean conference being held in Portugal. 🌍

Today, we are by the Angolan sea, working with local fishermen in a mini-campaign to protect and conserve the ocean and its precious resources. Together, we’re setting a path to ensure a sustainable future for our marine ecosystems.

As part of our #Plastic_Free_Oceans initiative, we are sharing best practices and innovative solutions that support the successful implementation of SDG 14. This is crucial in tackling the ongoing environmental crisis, from climate change to marine pollution, and the devastating impact of plastic waste on marine life.

Plastics in the ocean are wreaking havoc, as marine animals mistake them for food, causing fish populations to dwindle. By 2050, the oceans could have more plastic than fish if we don't act now. 🐟🌊

In 2022, we celebrated the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture, a key moment to unite collective efforts and discover science-based solutions to overcome the challenges facing the ocean. Our campaign has empowered fishermen with knowledge and inspiration, enabling them to contribute actively to the fight for ocean protection.

This program is also a unique opportunity for young people to contribute to SDG 14, aligning with the UN Ocean Conference theme: "Scaling up ocean action based on science and innovation."

The science is clear: our ocean is critical for addressing climate change, enhancing economic growth, and preserving biodiversity. But it’s in serious danger. If we continue on this path, the consequences for our planet will be catastrophic. 🌎

Let's continue to amplify the voice of the ocean, raising awareness about its vital role in combatting climate change and supporting a thriving planet for all.

Learn more:

Sofonie Dala - Young Talents from Africa : About the ''World Oceans Day 2022 - International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture''. By Sofonie Dala

 UN Ocean Conference 2022 Documentary. By Sofonie Dala, part 1 (formula-blue-sofonie.blogspot.com)

PART 1|| Free-Plastic Ocean and Sustainable Fishing Campaign: A Journey with Sofonie Dala

  PART 1

Free-Plastic Ocean and Sustainable Fishing Campaign: A Journey with Sofonie Dala

Conclusion of the Overfishing Documentary in Angola

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,

We are filled with gratitude as we celebrate the successful conclusion of our campaign, "Overfishing in Coastal Africa," filmed in the Atlantic Ocean.

Let’s begin our event with a song of hope—a heartfelt tribute by our amazing gospel singer, Filismina, whose praise will uplift our hearts and souls.

Today, we present the conclusion of our documentary. If you wish to delve deeper into these powerful stories, please explore the links below, where you can watch the non-fiction accounts of amateur fishermen and uncover more:

• Day 1: The Story of Claudia - Female Fisherman
  Watch here

• https://formula-blue-sofonie.blogspot.com/2024/09/remembering-free-plastic-ocean-and.html

• Day 2: Spotlight on Young Fishermen
  Watch here

• https://formula-blue-sofonie.blogspot.com/2024/09/day-2-free-plastic-ocean-and.html

• Day 3: Spotlight on Amateur Fishermen
  Watch here

• https://formula-blue-sofonie.blogspot.com/2024/09/day-3-free-plastic-ocean-and.html

Campaign Report:

Though brief, this three-story edition had a profound social impact. Our campaign sought to highlight the challenges facing Angola’s fisheries sector, driven by intense competition for marine resources.

Through our reportage with fishermen in Luanda, Angola, we gathered stories from people of all ages—adolescents, youth, and adults—who shared their struggles. While the sea holds an abundance of fish, financial constraints and the high cost of fishing equipment hinder their ability to make a living.

Fish in the informal market is now more expensive, as fishermen, lacking financial resources, government support, and proper fishing gear, are unable to catch fish in large quantities. Constant harassment from authorities further complicates their efforts, impacting the lives of the most vulnerable people who rely on fishing for survival.

We also observed a low representation of women in leadership roles within the fishing industry, with most women taking on the role of fishmongers in the streets. Additionally, amateur fishermen expressed concerns about the debris and sharp metals in the sea, which make their work even more challenging.

As someone who hails from Angola, I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating effects humans have on this unique ecosystem. It is disheartening to see little effort being made to address this critical issue.

Angola faces significant challenges, including insufficient marine data, a lack of environmental conservation awareness, and inadequate policies regarding conservation and fisheries. Studies show that species like sharks and rays, which inhabit shallow waters, are heavily impacted by artisanal and semi-industrial fishing. Their low productivity makes them highly vulnerable to fishing pressures, raising concerns that Angola's fishery practices may be unsustainable.

As we conclude the first part of our campaign, we look forward to beginning the second phase tomorrow. Together, we can continue to raise awareness and drive positive change for the future of our oceans.

Thank you.

The impact of fisheries subsidies on the continent

A webinar report about fisheries subsidies in coastal Africa informs that fisheries sectors in coastal Africa and across the world are experiencing an unprecedented crisis, driven by intense competition for marine resources. For decades, many governments have provided harmful subsidies to their fishing fleets to bolster their capabilities to increase catch, both domestically and in other countries’ waters, allowing them to drastically increase their capacity and profits.

Although these subsidies are often promoted as efforts to help small-scale fishers, they often end up subsidizing overfishing, increasing fishing fleet capacity, and contributing to the unregulated plundering of other countries’ fish stocks.

This documentary report was produced by Sofonie Dala in 2021.

Sofonie Dala - Young Talents from Africa : A successful conclusion to the overfishing documentary in Angola. By Sofonie Dala

https://sofoniedala.blogspot.com/2021/07/a-successful-conclusion-to-overfishing.html

DAY 3 || Free-Plastic Ocean and Sustainable Fishing: Ocean Campaign with Sofonie Dala, Angola

 Overfishing in coastal Africa: Spotlight on amateur fishermen

 

Fishing is like a hobby that almost everyone will enjoy and want to do. There are so many important and funny tricks that you cannot imagine, although it is seen as just waiting on the bait.

Our today's guest is Milton, he will share with us his daily routine in the Atlantic ocean.

Amateur fishing is a good therapy and stress relief method. Fishing is done in different waters and with different techniques.

Coastal fishing is perhaps the most difficult but the most enjoyable of fishing techniques. It is difficult to throw a fishing line from the shore. If you are inexperienced, you should say goodbye to your hook and your sinker. Sometimes, no matter how experienced you are, you cannot save the fishing line without breaking it. 

Fishing with a reed is easier than throwing a fishing line with a pulley, but if you do not have a fishing rod, you should throw better as well as pull back the line carefully.

Moreover, There are no obstacles to the current laws for amateur fishing. Provided that you do not carry any commercial concern. Amateur fishermen can fish up to 5 kg per day. 

DAY 2|| Free-Plastic Ocean and Sustainable Fishing: Ocean Campaign with Sofonie Dala, Angola

 Spotlight on young fishermen

The harder the challenge, the greater the achievement, and for some anglers that’s the perfect fishing experience. If you manage fisheries cleverly, you can create outcomes with happy people and limited overfishing. Today we will learn about the different experiences that these young fishermen will tell us.

Interview with Sebastião

Do you always fish?

No, not always.

How old are you?

I'm 14 years old

What is your name?

Sebastião.

Can you show what you caught today?

Yes, here are the fish.

Are they alive?

Yes, Yes

What do you use to attract fish?

We use fishnet.

What challenges do fishermen face in the sea?

Here in the sea, there are lots of broken bottles and garbage. The shards tear the nets, which makes fishing very difficult.

What can we do to eliminate this?

It is necessary to eliminate all the irons and all the garbage to make fishing easier.

Another interview

Hi guys. Are you okay?

Yes we are fine.

Are you fishermen?

Yes we are Fishermen.

How many fish have you caught today?

We haven't caught any fish yet.

Have you been at sea for a long time?

Yes.

So, is the fishing very difficult today?

Yes, difficult.

What product do you use to attract fish?

We use baits.

Where can we find these baits?

We can find baits in the sea.

What material do you use to fish?

We use the line, bait, hook and bucket to get the fish.

Do you buy this material very expensive?

Not so much. 1 meter of line costs 20 kwanzas

And the hook?

The hook we buy 3 hooks for one hundred kwanzas.

Who sells these instruments?

It's the Fishermen.

Wouldn't you like to have a fishing net and canoe?

We'd really like to have it, but it's too expensive. And we need to have money.

But if a sponsor appears, would you take advantage?

Yes. Let's get this opportunity.

How old are you?

We are between 14 and 15 years old.

Have you been in the fishing world for many years?

Yes, a long time since our childhood. He used to go fishing with his father who is now retired.

When you catch fish, what do you do with the fish?

Some fish we sell and others we consume.

Do you come here everyday?

Yea

When you sell, do you manage to collect a large amount of money?

yes we make a lot of money

OK, very good.

Don't you study?

We're studying, but we're on vacation now, so we're here every day.

Demonstration of the use of fishing equipment.

What is this?

This is the hook.

How do you use this little thing?

We put the line with the bait here, when the fish comes to eat, this needle sticks to the fish, and we grab it.

What's in that bag of yours?

This is buoy.

What did you put there inside this buoy?

Styrofoam.

How many people can fit up there?

3 people.

Using this hook how many fish can you catch?

It depends on the hook you are going to use, you can hook 4, 3 or 2 fish

Hammm, ok, can we take many fishes at once?

Yes.

REMEMBERING|| Free-Plastic Ocean and Sustainable Fishing: Ocean Campaign with Sofonie Dala, Angola

  WEBISODES FROM 2021

Promoting Women’s Leadership in Fisheries:

 A Campaign with Sofonie Dala - Day 1

Why Focus on Angola?

Angola, a country with vast marine resources, faces significant challenges due to insufficient marine data, a lack of environmental conservation awareness, and limited policies on conservation and fisheries management. These issues disproportionately affect women, who often struggle to access resources and opportunities in this sector.

The idea of promoting women’s leadership in fisheries caught my attention as a critical pathway to economic empowerment and sustainable development. By increasing economic returns for women, improving training and information access, implementing a quota system, and directing financial resources toward female fishers, we can transform the fisheries sector. Empowering women in this field is closely tied to broader issues like access to water, land, credit, technology, and markets.

Our primary challenge today is addressing the question: "How can we make fishing more profitable and sustainable for future generations of fishers?"

In this article, we explore the story of Claudia, an amateur angler from Angola, whose daily struggles shed light on the harsh realities faced by women in this sector.

Claudia's Story: A Struggle for Survival

Claudia is a vulnerable single mother who depends on fishing to support her children. Every day, she faces persecution from state agents—police and inspectors—who prevent her from fishing peacefully. To avoid being caught, Claudia often hides her fishing gear in public trash cans. Despite her efforts, when the authorities find her, they confiscate her catch, leaving her and her children without food. In these moments of desperation, she is forced to beg on the streets to provide for her family.

This is the reality for many women in Angola’s fishing industry—constant harassment, lack of resources, and the struggle to survive.

Interview with Claudia

Interviewer: Good afternoon, ma'am. How are you?

Claudia: Good afternoon, I'm fine, thank you.

Interviewer: What is your name?

Claudia: My name is Claudia.

Interviewer: Claudia, what are you doing here?

Claudia: I fish here.

Interviewer: Are you a fisherwoman?

Claudia: Yes, I'm a fisherwoman in this area, and I also beg here from people who come to relax.

Interviewer: Tell me a little bit about fishing. Did you catch anything today?

Claudia: I haven’t fished yet, but I’m about to. You can watch me.

Interviewer: Did you bring your fishing gear?

Claudia: Yes, I'm ready.

Interviewer: How has fishing been? Is there a lot of fish?

Claudia: There are plenty of fish, but the biggest challenge is the police. We suffer a lot. Every time I come to fish, they tell me to take my line out of the water and order me to go home. When I return home empty-handed, who will feed my children? I am both a mother and father to them. My husband passed away, and the father of my youngest child was abusive, so I left him. Fortunately, some kind-hearted people rented a house for me and my children.

Interviewer: Do you depend on fishing for a living?

Claudia: Yes, fishing is how I survive and support my children.

Interviewer: What materials do you use for fishing?

Claudia: I use a line, bucket, hook, bait, and a drum.

Interviewer: Why do you keep your gear in the garbage bin?

Claudia: To avoid the police throwing it away.

Interviewer: How do you fish?

Claudia: I wrap the line around the hook, put bait on it, and throw it into the sea. When the tide is low, the fish don’t bite. We have to wait until the tide rises. If there are fish, we catch them and put them in the bucket.

Interviewer: If someone offered you sponsorship, what would you need to make fishing easier?

Claudia: I would love to have a net. With a net, I could fish more efficiently. The police forbid us from using nets close to shore, so I would need to go further out to sea.

Interviewer: Would you like to have a canoe?

Claudia: I don’t know how to operate a canoe.

Interviewer: You could hire someone to do it for you.

Claudia: Yes, that’s true.

Interviewer: Is the fishing net expensive?

Claudia: Yes, it’s very expensive. The one I want costs around 30,000 to 25,000 kwanzas.

Conclusion

This article highlights the struggles of fishers in Luanda, Angola, through the lens of Claudia's story. Despite the abundance of fish in the sea, financial constraints and a lack of fishing gear make it difficult for people like Claudia to thrive. The informal fish market remains expensive, as fishers cannot catch large quantities due to resource limitations and constant harassment by authorities.

Moreover, women in the fishing industry are often marginalized, with their roles typically limited to selling fish on the streets rather than leading in the sector. It is crucial to address these challenges and promote women’s leadership in fisheries to create a more equitable and sustainable future.

Sofonie Dala - Young Talents from Africa : Promoting women´s leadership in fisheries. Campaign with Sofonie Dala