Small-Scale Fishers
Alternative livelihoods, skills and cash support for fishing families, and advocacy for dignified compensation during fishing bans.
Small-scale fishers carry a heavy burden of climate change, fishing bans and shrinking catches. COAST works with fishing families on alternative income, skills training and inclusive IGA support.
With the Vitol Foundation, COAST runs a livelihood project (July 2024 to June 2026, since extended) for 1,000 fishing households and 100 groups in the Hnila, Whykong and Teknaf Sadar unions of Teknaf, whose income was lost when fishing on the Naf River was banned in 2017. In June 2025 the project distributed BDT 1 crore through mobile banking to restart livelihoods. An impact assessment found household savings rose from 10% to 83%, and climate-adaptive practices from 5% to 54% of households.
COAST also organises International Fisheries Day events and campaigns for legal recognition of fishers, dignified compensation during fishing bans, and their human rights in climate negotiations.
Projects in this programme
Fishers Livelihood Project
- Partner
- Vitol Foundation
- Area
- Hnila, Whykong and Teknaf Sadar unions, Teknaf (July 2024 to June 2026, extended)
SEP: Dry Fish
- Partner
- PKSF
Latest from this programme
COAST observes International Fisheries Day 2025 in Cox's Bazar
Participatory planning is crucial to protect fisheries resources and the food security of small-scale fishers.
Fishers' human rights must be prioritised in global climate negotiations
Fishermen and coastal communities are among the most affected by the climate crisis, speakers said ahead of COP30.
New project starts for affected fisherfolk in Teknaf
COAST met local government and administration in Teknaf to launch support for fisherfolk communities.
Other programmes
06 Agriculture & Enterprise
Eco-friendly farming, value chains and small enterprise for coastal farmers, young people and women.
07 Health, Education & Community Radio
Primary healthcare, adolescent and child education, and two community radio stations that keep isolated coastal people informed.
01 Social Justice
Building leadership among the poor so they can mediate their demands with local government, organise around local issues and claim their rights.
02 Climate Justice & Advocacy
Campaigning at local, national and international level for climate finance, tax and debt justice, and a fair deal for coastal people, through the EquityBD platform.
Stand with the coastal poor
Partner with us, support emergency response or join our work for families living on the front line of climate change.