Projects
A significant proportion of the activity is conducted on behalf of development agencies (European Development Fund, World Bank and other development banks, as well as bilateral agencies such as DfID, USAID, and Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and UN Agencies such as FAO, UNIDO and UNDP.
Megapesca has provided services also to the European Commission (DG MARE) in relation to the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy of the EU (both external and structural policy elements (for example in relation to allocation models for EU structural funds, evaluation of Fisheries Partnership Agreements and policy support for the Outermost Regions).
2026
New Manila International Airport: fisheries impact monitoring
Philippines · International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group) · March 2026 – ongoing
Megapesca monitors the fisheries-related social, economic and governance impacts of the USD 10 billion New Manila International Airport in Manila Bay for the IFC. The work assesses the investor’s compliance with IFC Performance Standard 5 on land acquisition and resettlement, covering the effects of land reclamation and sand dredging on fisheries. It also reviews the Livelihood Restoration Plan for affected fishing communities.
Institutional capacity and investment priorities for fish marketing in Egypt
Egypt · World Bank PROBLUE · July – September 2026
Megapesca assessed the capacity of Egypt’s fish processing and export sector to supply aquaculture products to new markets. We reviewed six enterprises, identified gaps against market demands and key supply-chain constraints, and proposed activities for a future intervention. Online and on-site training included practical demonstrations in a processing plant.
Liberian Food Safety Initiative: revised road map for fishery sanitary controls
Liberia · UNIDO, funded by the European Union · June – September 2026
Megapesca updated Liberia’s road map for meeting EU sanitary requirements for fishery exports. We reviewed earlier proposals, consulted government institutions and the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, and assessed the effect of the new Liberian Food Authority. A cabinet memo and briefing note were prepared for government decision.
2025
Regional food safety guidelines for intra-Caribbean fish trade
Caribbean region · Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), funded by the European Union · August 2025 – April 2026
A team of two Megapesca consultants prepared food safety guidelines for value-chain operators trading two groups of fish within the region: bangamary and other weakfishes, and kingfish, mahi-mahi and wahoo. Hazards were assessed at each stage of the supply chain against Codex and FAO references. The guidelines were validated in field missions to Barbados and Guyana and presented at a stakeholder workshop.
Situational analysis of cross-border fish trade in Comoros
Comoros · Advance Africa Management Services, for TradeMark Africa · August 2025 – January 2026
Megapesca helped develop a strategic approach to international and regional fish trade for the Union of the Comoros. We set out data needs for field studies, reviewed the legal and institutional framework for export sanitary compliance, and assessed what national operators need to make longer-term use of migratory tuna in the country’s waters.
CAPFish-Capture: mock EU audit and export support
Cambodia · UNIDO · June – October 2025
Megapesca carried out a mock audit of Cambodia’s Competent Authority against EU sanitary conditions for market access. It covered legislation, official controls, sampling and laboratory testing, and the establishments proposed for listing, followed by an action plan for the gaps found. A second mission advised fish sauce and fermented fish exporters on EU requirements and HACCP.
2024
Technical support and mentoring for the Tuvalu Competent Authority
Tuvalu · Tuvalu Fisheries Department, funded by the World Bank · June 2024 – October 2026
Under the Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program (PROPER), Megapesca guides Tuvalu’s Competent Authority towards EU sanitary approval for fishery exports. Work includes reviewing the National Sanitary Control Plan and vessel standard, supporting inspections of tuna freezer vessels, and designing sampling and testing. We also drafted updated technical regulations and liaised with DG SANTÉ on the preliminary questionnaire.
Extending the shelf life of imported pelagic fish in Egypt
Egypt · Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands · March – June 2024
Megapesca gave scientific advice on the shelf life of small pelagic fish exported from the Netherlands to Egypt, in relation to Egyptian standards. We consulted supply-chain and government stakeholders, reviewed legislation and the scientific literature, and presented options for revising national standards at a workshop in Cairo.
SADC Trade Facilitation Programme: food safety training
SADC region · SADC Secretariat, funded by the European Development Fund · February – March 2024
Megapesca built the capacity of small-scale farmers and private-sector operators to comply with sanitary and phytosanitary measures, focusing on food safety. We recruited trainers from regional producer organisations, prepared training materials and delivered three regional workshops.
2023
SWIOFish3: functional review of the Fish Inspection and Quality Control Unit
Seychelles · Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, funded by the World Bank · June – September 2023
Megapesca independently evaluated the Fish Inspection and Quality Control Unit, the Competent Authority that certifies around €250 million of fishery exports a year. We reviewed staffing, equipment, budgets, laboratory support and gaps in official controls, and projected future control needs from fleet and port developments. Policy options for the unit’s institutional home were presented to the Minister and Permanent Secretary.
SADC Trade Facilitation Programme: animal health training
SADC region · SADC Secretariat, funded by the European Development Fund · March – August 2023
Megapesca designed farmer and train-the-trainer courses on animal health management for small-scale operators in regional trade. We recruited trainers from regional farmer organisations, prepared materials and delivered a three-day regional workshop in South Africa.
2022
Review of the South African Aquaculture Development Bill
South Africa · Abalone Farmers Association of South Africa · October 2022
Megapesca reviewed the government’s draft aquaculture bill for the abalone farming industry, focusing on sanitary measures (food safety and animal health) for products in international trade. Our recommended comments were submitted to the association for its formal response to the government consultation.
New fish products for local and export markets
Seychelles · GOPA Consultants, under the EU-funded Economic Partnership Agreement support project · from August 2022
Megapesca developed an onshore fish processing strategy for Seychelles. We reviewed under-used resources and industry capacity, assessed how well the Competent Authority could certify a growing export trade, and advised the Seychelles Fishing Authority on value-added product opportunities. Staff and industry were trained in fish technology and product development, with findings presented at a final workshop.
SADC ProFishBlue: formulation of the One Stop Border Post component
SADC ProFishBlue: formulation of the One Stop Border Post component
Megapesca formulated a USD 1.2 million UNIDO component of the regional ProFishBlue project on implementing One Stop Border Posts for fish trade. We reviewed regional trade and Competent Authority capacities, and with the SADC Secretariat and regional committees designed the intervention logic, activities and indicators. The project document was presented to the steering committee and regional heads of fisheries.
FAO guidelines for post-harvest fisheries infrastructure investment
Global · FAO, Rome · May – August 2022
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Working with FAO headquarters, field officers and value-chain specialists, Megapesca developed guidelines for investment in post-harvest fisheries infrastructure. They give fishery business operators a technical resource on choosing processing technology and the level of investment, and on the legal and institutional framework that effective sector investment needs.
2021
Manual for food safety control of fishery and aquaculture products
Sierra Leone · FAO · October 2021 – January 2022
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A team of two Megapesca consultants reviewed Sierra Leone’s laws and its inspection and laboratory capacity so that fishery products could be exported to the EU. We proposed legal amendments and training for staff of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, arranged EU-compliant testing with accredited regional laboratories, and set out a road map and action plan.
Sanitary controls for EU export of farmed molluscs from South Africa and Namibia
South Africa and Namibia · Imani Development, funded by the UK Department for International Development · May – August 2021
Megapesca reviewed official food safety and animal health controls in the bivalve mollusc and abalone sectors of both countries, with a view to EU market access. The work covered veterinary medicine and residue controls, classification of harvest areas, biotoxin monitoring and aquatic animal health. We produced a road map for the Competent Authorities, recommended certification procedures and presented findings at an industry workshop.
Preparing a national Competent Authority for fishery exports to the EU
Somalia · Government of Somalia, funded by FAO · May – August 2021
Megapesca reviewed mandates and capacities for sanitary controls so that Somalia could export fishery products to the EU. We assessed options for national and state Competent Authorities, laws, inspection and laboratory capacity, and industry interest in exporting. A road map of projects and actions for government and donors followed.
Fish inspection manual and guidelines
Zambia · Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Livestock, funded by FAO · from January 2021
Megapesca developed a fish inspection manual and guidelines adapted to Zambia, with a strong focus on aquaculture. We also prepared and delivered remote training on the food safety of fishery and aquaculture products for inspectors from several government agencies.
2020
Policy and institutional framework for a fish Competent Authority
Sierra Leone · Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, funded by FAO · October 2020 – January 2021
Megapesca reviewed mandates, laws and inspection and laboratory capacity for sanitary controls so that Sierra Leone could export fishery products to the EU. We proposed legal amendments and staff training for the Competent Authority, arranged EU-compliant testing with accredited regional laboratories, and recommended a road map and short-term action plan.
Food safety capacity building for Caribbean fisheries businesses
Guyana, Suriname and the Bahamas · IICA, with the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism · December 2020 – February 2022
A team of Megapesca consultants helped three fishery and aquaculture SMEs improve sanitary compliance and market access. We designed objective selection criteria for beneficiaries, then assessed needs and delivered technical assistance and training in HACCP, quality control and sanitation procedures. We also directed and produced two video documentaries showing how the CRFM guidelines support businesses entering export markets.
Technical support to the Liberia National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority
Liberia · Delegation of the European Union, Monrovia · November – December 2020
Megapesca reviewed mandates, laws, organisation and inspection and laboratory capacity for sanitary controls, with a view to developing fishery exports to the EU. After consulting operators and the European Commission, we recommended a road map towards Liberia’s eventual listing for EU export.
Global Quality and Standards Programme (GQSP): mango exports
Viet Nam · Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, through UNIDO (funded by Switzerland) · April 2020 – December 2021
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Megapesca advised the ministry on food safety, plant health and technical requirements for mango exports. We reviewed pesticide controls and residue monitoring, compared import requirements and interception data for the EU, US, Japan, Korea and other markets, and developed a multi-stakeholder approach to pesticide management. Traceability SOPs and support to laboratory upgrading followed.
EAC Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP)
Kenya · Government of Kenya, through UNIDO (funded by the European Development Fund) · April 2020 – December 2021
Megapesca reviewed Kenya’s policy, legal and institutional framework for food safety and plant health controls to strengthen exports of peas, beans and mangoes. We advised the inter-ministerial task force on reform towards a food safety authority, supervised development of new plant health policy and legislation, and prepared an inspection manual and training approach for inspectors.
Design of the ZAFICO anchovy processing unit
Zanzibar, Tanzania · ZAFICO · February – July 2020
Megapesca advised a fishing and processing company on technology and food safety for a dried-anchovy plant at Mkokotoni that meets international export standards. We advised on hygienic layout, process design and equipment against national, EAC and Codex codes, worked with site engineers, specified equipment and helped prepare procurement tenders.
Socio-economic costs and benefits of food safety reform
Sri Lanka · UNIDO, under EU–Sri Lanka Trade Related Assistance · November 2019 – March 2020
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Megapesca modelled the economic effects of better compliance with international food safety standards in Sri Lanka, including improved terms of trade, wider market access and fewer working days lost to illness. The findings underpinned the case for comprehensive reform of the national sanitary and phytosanitary control system.