The role of marine and diving authorities in workforce development in the blue economy

Abstract

Island governments have made decent work and social protection their highest policy priority, aiming to link them to the so-called blue economy sectors such as fisheries. The development of small-scale commercial fishing is primarily driven by transnational fisheries trade and depends on dive fisher labour force facing issues with deficits in decent work, health and safety, and safety at sea provisions. Given the macro-policy priorities for decent work in the transition of small island developing states (SIDS) to blue economy, this paper examines the development interventions in small-scale commercial fisheries trade that have exacerbated unsafe marine working conditions of dive fishers. Despite significant investments in developing commercial fisheries trade, the mismatch between macro-level decisions and micro-level labour needs has hardly been explored via the blue economy and sustainable development goal interlinkages. This study used a qualitative research approach to examine the unsafe working conditions of dive fishers and examined why dive-related accidents and fatalities occur in commercial fisheries in the first place. A systematic approach in the analysis of diving accidents helps the study to, firstly, highlight the gaps between macro policy and practice at the national and global levels. Secondly, the approach helps explore the need for a coherent approach to policy integration that bridges the gap between the macro and operational levels of small-scale fisheries labour force. The study analyses the International Labour Organization’s decent work instruments with SIDS sustainable development priorities for fisheries workforce and points out that governments must be responsible at the macro level for managing accidents at sea and building a safe diving workforce through competent marine and diving authorities.

A deeper dive into the blue economy: the role of the diving sector in conservation and sustainable development goals

“…As an industry, scuba diving lacks cohesion, thereby failing to be properly represented as a societal entity, and consequently cannot be adequately heard and served (Lucrezi et al, 2017). In order to bridge these divisions, the diving sector should strive for inclusivity in the strategic development of the Blue Economy and SDGs at both local and international levels (Nisa, 2022;Nisa et al, 2022). There is an urgent need for local diving operators to build national and international partnerships in tandem with local governments and gain recognition within the political and policy arenas.…”

“…There is an urgent need for local diving operators to build national and international partnerships in tandem with local governments and gain recognition within the political and policy arenas. Such recognition would allow the diving sector to assist governments in modernizing their blue economy sectors, integrating scientific data, attracting investments, and fostering civic responsibilities among divers and people working in the industry (Nisa, 2022). For instance, on the island of Elba in Italy, local dive operators formed an alliance with government and tourism entities to foster sustainable diving practices (See Table SI).…”

“…The diving sector-comprising tourism, scientific research, instruction, and the dive workforce-is integral to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water (Lucrezi et al, 2017;Nisa, 2022;Nisa et al, 2022;Nisa, 2023). Deriving from military and exploration activities, SCUBA diving and snorkeling have become multi-billion-dollar industries, drawing millions to interact with underwater ecosystems (Wongthong and Harvey, 2014;Lucrezi et al, 2017;Nisa et al, 2022).…”