This Edition includes an exciting collection of new stories and updates on various GAFS undertakings from around the globe. These are the highlights from this Edition: We’ve included several stories on GAFS contributions to global consultations and recent major events, highlighting how we continue to advocate for gender equality and create spaces to hear from fisherwomen first-hand about what they want.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO, 2024), total fisheries and aquaculture production reached an all-time high of 223.2 million tonnes in 2022, with 185.4 million tonnes of aquatic animals' production, indicating significant growth in these sectors. However, women comprise only 24% of the total workforce in fisheries and aquaculture production.

Plastics in fisheries are largely synonymous with fishing gear, and consequently, abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), including nets, lines, etc., is the largest contributor to seabased sources of marine plastic debris. Since men are dominant in the harvest sector and use boats and gear composed of plastics, loss of gear, especially large nets, is seen to affect them economically.

The International Science Council (ISC) and the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) are co-organizing partners of the Scientific and Technological Community Major Group at the United Nations. They aim to integrate science and technology in global policy processes, such as the implementation and monitoring of the 2030 Agenda.

In honour of Meryl Williams who received the Margarita Lizárraga Medal, at the 36th Session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI).