Populations depending on fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihoods are threatened not only by natural hazards but also by human- induced events and other developments beyond their control.

The particular characteristics of the fisheries sector and the livelihood context of small-scale fishers and fish farmers and their communities need to be clearly understood in order to be able to provide adequate disaster response in an emergency situation and to help these people to be better prepared for and warned of potential future threats through preventive disaster risk management (DRM).

The purpose of this document is to help decision-makers involved in disaster response and DRM to increase their effectiveness in addressing the needs of fishers and coastal communities in relation to disasters.

The document aims to provide practical recommendations for those involved in assisting fishers in emergency and rehabilitation situations and for those working in different aspects of disaster prevention and preparedness but who may have limited experience and knowledge of the fisheries and aquaculture sector.

The report is moreover intended for those working in the fisheries sector and needing some guidance on disaster response and DRM in general.