News dated
In a report published on 17 September, FAO describes how invasive blue crabs have also become a source of income in Tunisia. In Djerba, Fattouma Ben Chagra makes and repairs traps: viable work that does not provide her with a pension or insurance. [1]
The SocPro4Fish programme collected data, examined barriers to social protection and created a committee involving institutions, researchers and fishers’ representatives. Its project page describes recommendations and tools under development, not coverage already extended to everyone. [2]
A new initiative with the Monterey Bay Aquarium aims to continue this work, also in the Philippines, addressing seasonal incomes and environmental shocks. The crab market has opened opportunities without ending insecurity. [1][2]
The bright side
Including workers and their protection in fisheries management addresses a problem that increased sales alone cannot solve. [1][2]
One idea, in simple words
In Tunisia, blue crabs have caused problems for fishing, but selling them has also created work. FAO, the United Nations organisation for food and agriculture, tells the story of Fattouma Ben Chagra: she makes and repairs traps. Her work provides an income, meaning money she earns. [1]
That income does not provide her with a pension or insurance. A pension provides money in old age; insurance can cover costs such as medical care. Social protection includes support for people when they cannot work. The SocPro4Fish project studies how to make this support easier for fishers to access: it does not mean everyone already has it. [1][2]
An invented example: someone sells their catch successfully for a month but cannot work the following month. Earlier earnings and ongoing support meet different needs. This example explains the problem without describing an actual event in Fattouma’s life. [2]
A little discovery to keep
What did you discover?
Straight from the source.
- Tunisia's fishers find new safety nets FAO · 17 Sept 2026
- Tunisia | Social Protection for Fisheries and Aquaculture (SocPro4Fish) FAO · No publication date provided
Original reporting summaries prepared with AI assistance and accessible sources. Our editorial method.
