Introduction
The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have their manifestations in multiple aspects of the functioning of society. One of them is the manufacturing industry of fisheries’ small businesses. The main problems are apparent labor shortages, multiple quarantines, and the financial losses caused by the long-term trend of the issues mentioned above. However, assumptions are being made in various humanitarian and technical fields regarding possible solutions (Bennet et al., 2020). Thus, the analysis and determination of subsequent challenges is the critical task of this paper.
Discussion
First, it is crucial to consider the most prominent examples of affected small-scale fisheries. One of them is the famous case in India, where the state completely shut down the industry of the same name while quarantine measures were being organized (Techera, 2019). However, budgets were expended through public impact to create conditions in which the harvesting, keeping, processing, and subsequent distribution of fish became possible. This example clearly describes how it is possible to achieve the most comfortable conditions for fisheries by calling for public attention through media channels such as newspapers, television, radio, and the Internet.
On the other hand, not all such cases are completely and utterly solvable. Clear examples are the cases in Argentina and Indonesia, where organized groups are involved in illegal fishing (Cohen et al., 2019). Since their existence is known to the general public, the Indian option does not seem compelling. Following the proposed solutions, it would be appropriate to propose the creation of a commission, which would establish a system of taxes for those who, contrary to the law, continue the activities mentioned above. The essence of this solution is not permanent, but as a temporary remedy, it would allow states with such cases to create an additional source of revenue, which would allow for the necessary reforms in the future. Thus, it is necessary to consider individual cases without resorting to general solutions for all.
Based on the information described above, it is also necessary to consider the possible challenges that the fisheries industry will face in the future. The main problem will be poaching. Following the data presented in public studies, many states completely prohibit the work of small businesses in the field of the same name (Techera, 2019). Hence one may conclude that a severe system of penalties is envisaged, which will scare away the least profitable entrepreneurs. However, the largest corporations in this field may not be able to re-form – the costs of hiring professional workers and buying equipment are enormous. The conclusions suggest that there will be precedents of illegal fishing, including environmentally harmful ways to get the biggest catch at a time. A possible solution, in this case, would be the creation of preferential conditions and allowances for those elements of the market mentioned above which have the described tendencies.
Conclusion
Another problem could also be a shortage of quality fish products. Obviously, with the reduction in the number of operating fisheries, fewer fish are entering the markets. As the quantity decreases, the price of this product will increase, which poses a severe danger to the low-class population (Finkbeiner & Basurto). Such a tendency, in turn, can lead to public protests, unrest, and general tension in society. However, an essential factor is that one of the possible consequences is the unauthorized accumulation of many people in one place. The reason is the apparent threats that people face in such cases due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Concluding all the above reasons, the functioning of small fisheries is less dangerous for disease statistics than the lack of them.
References
Bennett, N. J., Finkbeiner, E. M., Ban, N. C., Belhabib, D., Jupiter, S. D., Kittinger, J. N., Mangubhai, S., Scholtens, J., Gill, D., & Christie, P. (2020). The COVID-19 pandemic: Small-Scale fisheries and coastal fishing communities. Coastal Management, 48(4), 336–347. Web.
Cohen, P. J., Allison, E. H., Andrew, N. L., Cinner, J., Evans, L. S., Fabinyi, M., Garces, L. R., Hall, S. J., Hicks, C. C., Hughes, T. P., Jentoft, S., Mills, D. J., Masu, R., Mbaru, E. K., & Ratner, B. D. (2019). Securing a Just Space for Small-Scale Fisheries in the Blue Economy.Frontiers in Marine Science, 6. Web.
Finkbeiner, E. M., & Basurto, X. (2015). Re-defining co-management to facilitate small-scale fisheries reform: An illustration from northwest Mexico. Marine Policy, 51, 433–441. Web.
Techera, E. (2019). Indian Ocean fisheries regulation: exploring participatory approaches to support small-scale fisheries in six States. Journal of the Indian Ocean Region, 16(1), 27–46. Web.