Table 1.

Reactive actions to COVID-19 by seafood system actors and institutions. (See Appendix Table S1 for country-specific examples and references.)

Governments and Development Partners

•Health and safety responses to protect public health, as well as safety and working conditions for fishers and fish farmers, including through the use of technologies

•Social protection and employment response including non-contributory assistance programs (one-off cash transfer, food distribution), social insurance (e.g. unemployment benefits) and labor market interventions (e.g. wage subsidies) to mitigate short-term impacts. These responses differ according to national fiscal policies.

•Economic responses to provide emergency assistance including aid, reallocation of financial resources, loans and subsidies to mitigate the short-term impacts of the crisis on commercial fisheries and aquaculture. These responses have been observed in both high- and low-income countries but appear to be significantly larger in high income countries. In both, challenges have been reported in accessing funds, especially for small holders and the informal sector.

•Management measures and other technical responses to respond to the impacts of COVID-19 on commercial fisheries and aquaculture

Large-Scale Commercial Fisheries and Aquaculture

•Health and safety responses to ensure the health and safety of workers along the supply chain as well as social support to national efforts

•Social protection and industry responses, including advocating for and pursuing social protections and reducing workforce in response to diminished demand and/or changes in the marketplace

•Economic responses targeting retail and consumer markets, including online and home delivery

Small-Scale Sector and Non-Governmental Organizations

•Health and safety responses, including arrangements and information to support and strengthen communities and vulnerable populations

•Social protection and sector responses, including collective action and networking within or across small-scale fishing sector as well as fish workers and small fish farmers to maintain safe employment opportunities

•Economic responses via local and seafood direct marketing

Consumers

•Shift in consumer purchasing as a result of the pandemic with uncertainty about the future