During the spawning season in April 2022, FAO experts worked with fishermen to build temporary net enclosures to support spawning for the breeding carp known as the “King of Lake Shkodra”.

“We have been working with fishermen to recover their traditions and use them to support sustainable practices by creating opportunities that create jobs, protect the environment and support livelihoods in the long term,” said Nicoletta Milone, Fisheries Officer in FAO.

The AdriaMed project also includes plans to establish a hatchery to produce a reliable and sufficient supply of juvenile fish and ensure long-term sustainability in Lake Shkodra.

Roland Kristo, deputy minister of Albania’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, who is responsible for fisheries and aqua-culture, said that the project has already produced results and that the lake’s fishing will have a future.

“We strongly believe that with good cooperation and the involvement of all actors, we can achieve the sustainable development of our fisheries and ensure the proper management of our resources,” said Kristo.

While Arben Kipi, the assistant representative of FAO in Albania, says that this initiative also plays an important role in reducing poverty, as it improves the livelihood of fishermen by generating more sustainable income.

The AdriaMed project initiative celebrates the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture (IYAFA 2022) which recognizes and supports the contribution of small-scale artisanal fisheries and aqua-culture to sustainable development. /j.p/p.s./