SAMUDRA Report No.73, April 2016
Item Type monograph
Publisher International Collective in Support of Fishworkers
Download date 02/10/2021 01:15:40
Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/1834/35690 No. 73 | April 2016 issn 0973–1121
REPORT samudraTHE TRIANNUAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL COLLECTIVE IN SUPPORT OF FISHWORKERS
Portly Problems Blue Growth Implementing the SSF Guidelines Women Fishworkers Safety at Sea A Rights-based Approach to SSF
Fisheries, Communities, Livelihoods ICSF is an international NGO working on issues that concern and action, as well as communications. SAMUDRA Report invites fi shworkers the world over. It is in status with the Economic and contributions and responses. Correspondence should be addressed Social Council of the UN and is on ILO’s Special List of to Chennai, India. Non-governmental International Organizations. It also has Liaison Status with FAO. The opinions and positions expressed in the articles are those of the authors concerned and do not necessarily represent the As a global network of community organizers, teachers, offi cial views of ICSF. technicians, researchers and scientists, ICSF’s activities encompass monitoring and research, exchange and training, campaigns All issues of SAMUDRA Report can be accessed at www.icsf.net
HHARINIARINI KUMARKUMAR REPORT FRONT COVER THE TRIANNUAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL COLLECTIVE IN SUPPORT OF FISHWORKERS NO.73 | APRIL 2016
samudraINFOSAMAK CENTER
“Half-moon Boat Coming Out of the Sea” by Stella Maris Vallejo email: [email protected]
PUBLISHED BY the International Collective in Support of Fishworkers 27 College Road Chennai 600 006, India Phone: (91) 44–2827 5303 Fax: (91) 44–2825 4457 Email: [email protected]
ICSF BELGIUM OFFICE Sentier des Rossignols 2 1330 Rixensart, Belgium Phone: (32) 2–652 5201 Fax: (32) 2–654 0407 Email: [email protected]
EDITED BY KG Kumar INDIA NORWAY DESIGNED BY P Sivasakthivel A casual approach ...... 4 Land ahoy ! ...... 27 The construction of a port in Hazira, India, The Norwegian Maritime Authority has a ILLUSTRATIONS BY Sandesh has raised concerns within fishing communities mandate to raise safety-at-sea standards ([email protected]) COSTA RICA REPORT FOR LIMITED CIRCULATION ONLY Sailing from a good port ...... 7 A vision for Southeast Asia ...... 31 A Central American regional workshop on the A Bali workshop discussed measures to support SAMUDRA News Alerts SAMUDRA News Alerts is a free service designed SSF Guidelines sought binding commitment the implementation of the SSF Guidelines to deliver news reports and analysis on fi sheries, aquaculture and related issues, on a daily or weekly digest basis, in plain text or HTML format. REPORT REPORT The service often features exclusive, original Towards blue growth ...... 10 Moving on ...... 37 stories on small-scale and artisanal fi sheries, particularly in the regions of the South, as well A consultation workshop in East Africa A Colombo meet discussed the rights-based as issues that deal with women in fi sheries and safety at sea. Apart from news and stories on recognized the role of SSF Guidelines approach to sustainable small-scale fisheries fi sheries, the service also focuses on environmental and oceans issues. Please visit http://www. icsf.net to subscribe to SAMUDRA News Alerts. ALGERIA TANZANIA
BACK COVER Looking ahead ...... 14 Learning, sharing, acting ...... 41 A regional conference in Algiers sought ways A workshop in the coastal town of Bagamoyo to fructify the principles of the SSF Guidelines addressed the values of the SSF Guidelines
REPORT REPORT Better understanding needed ...... 19 A huge struggle ...... 45 On how small-scale fishers in the Near East and A workshop in New Delhi dealt with North Africa need to address the SSF Guidelines capacity building in fishing communities
REPORT In one voice ...... 23 COMMENT ...... 3 A young boy on a pirogue at Kayar Women fishworkers in Kerala, India, voice fishing harbour, Senegal ROUNDUP ...... 50 Photo by Mats Hellmark/Sveriges Natur concerns about their lives and livelihoods email: Mats.Hellmark@ naturskyddsforeningen.se © FAO / PRAKASH SINGH A fisherman sorting new fishing nets in Sri Lanka Looking beyond Fisheries
TThehe VVoluntaryoluntary GuidelinesGuidelines forfor SecuringSecuring SustainableSustainable SSmall-scalemall-scale FisheriesFisheries inin thethe ContextContext ofof FoodFood SSecurityecurity aandnd PPovertyoverty EradicationEradication (SSSFSF GGuidelines)uidelines) wwillill helphelp small-scalesmall-scale fi shingshing communitiescommunities COMMENT his issue of SAMUDRA Report carries seven strengthening community-based systems, and articles—including two extracts—that developing plans of action for implementing report on modest- to well-attended the Guidelines at the regional and national levels workshops for raising awareness with the active participation of organizations of andT for supporting implementation of the small-scale artisanal fishing communities and Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable indigenous peoples. Small-scale Fisheries in the Context of Food A significant departure from the past was Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines). the recognition of the importance of collaborating They were held in different places—ranging from with non-fisheries institutions, including national the Mediterranean to the human-rights institutions, Indian Ocean and the towards implementing Pacific—within a time the recommendations span of eight months of the Guidelines during 2015-16 at the related to labour, social regional, national and development, migration, local levels, and were rights and tenure aspects, organized by the Food and and climate change— Agriculture Organization areas often outside the of the United Nations competence of fisheries 3 (FAO), regional bodies, authorities. fisheries projects, national The Guidelines governments, civil society should, in the first place, organizations (CSOs) and non-governmental act as a reference framework to guarantee organizations (NGOs). Nearly 600 participants preferential access rights to small-scale fisheries representing various stakeholders from over and to enable the participation of small-scale 50 countries, mostly developing countries, attended fisheries actors, including migrants, in institutional these workshops. arrangements for sustainable fisheries. Secondly, The workshops saw the SSF Guidelines as a tool the Guidelines should seek a balanced outcome to eliminate the marginalization of small-scale and help reform fisheries and social legislation fisheries actors at various levels. They highlighted and policies at various levels to protect the right the significance of a holistic and human-rights- to life and livelihood of marginalized small-scale based approach, a dimension not upheld in any fishing communities and women in small-scale fisheries instrument so far. Several examples of fisheries, within an ecosystem approach, a good practices were provided in relation to legal gender-sensitive approach and a human-rights- systems and institutional structures that can based approach. Thirdly, the Guidelines should potentially support the implementation process. assist in winning support from non-fisheries While some of these workshops focused on actors to help the social development of fishing the conservation and sustainable-use elements communities, both within and outside the of the SSF Guidelines, others focused also on fisheries sector. protecting individual and collective human rights, Towards reaching these goals, we strongly including the right to decent work of fishers and urge governments to take the lead in establishing fishworkers, and migrant workers in fisheries. regional and national plans of action to implement They also consciously brought in, for the first time, the SSF Guidelines by making space for both several social-development actors to interact State and non-State actors in a consultative and with fisheries actors. Not only regional plans of participative manner, upholding the principles of action, but actions at the national and local accountability, rule of law and transparency. Such levels were also proposed for the effective a move—which goes beyond the immediate bounds implementation of the Guidelines. These included of ‘fisheries’—can trigger an irreversible process of decentralized management of coastal and inland undoing the marginalization of small-scale fishing fisheries at the local level, especially through communities in different parts of the world.
APRIL 2016 India PORTS A Casual Approach
By taking on board the concerns of a fi shing community in Hazira, India, regarding the construction of a port, the National Green Tribunal has set an important precedent
n 2013, a fishermen’s group in damages caused by the project Hazira—the Hazira Machimar proponent. ISamiti—and three affected The key issues that were fishermen had filed a petition against considered by the court in this case the Adanis, the project proponent of were whether the 2013 environment the port at Hazira, in Surat district in clearance itself “suffered from the south-western Indian state any illegality, impropriety or of Gujarat, as well as against the irregularities” and whether there is an governmental bodies that granted actual threat of restriction of access environmental clearance to the due to expansion. While unravelling project proponent. The case was answers to these questions, the filed in the National Green Tribunal court also looked into the extent of (NGT) as, since 2010, cases relating environmental destruction that was to environment protection are caused due to the whole project. 4 exclusively dealt with by this tribunal What started as an issue of the for ‘effective and expeditious’ disposal fishermen’s access to the sea led to of cases. The Tribunal has the powers questions of the project’s compliance of any other civil court in the country to environmental clearance cconditions, the process followed by ththe government in giving clearances The basic challenge that the petitioners put forth was to the project and the environmental on the environmental clearance given for the expansion iimpactsm of the project. A fine of Rs 25 of the port by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and ccrores (3.7 mn US$) was imposed on Climate Change (MoEFCC) ththe project proponent to be used for rerestoration of the environment, and ththe environmental clearance that and can pproviderovide fforor relierelieff and wwas given for the expansion of the compensation for damages to person project was set aside. The court and property. The case was heard by also gave further orders to look into the NGT’s western zone bench in Pune the compliance of forest-related and on 8 January 2016, the judgment conditions of the 2003 environment was finally delivered. clearance. There are about 80 families in the village of Hazira engaged in fishing Basic challenge using traditional boats. These boats The basic challenge that the petitioners sailed into sea through a creek, at the put forth was on the environmental opening of which now sits the Hazira clearance given for the expansion port. The fishermen fear that if the of the port by the Ministry of port is expanded anymore, they will Environment, Forest and Climate lose access to this creek. The port Change (MoEFCC). The court, made was developed in phases since 2003 it unambiguous that the question of after it was granted environmental legality of the environment clearance, This article is by Krithika Dinesh clearance, and the petitioners the sole defendant is the MoEFCC. ([email protected]), Manju claimed that this had already caused This is because while the project Menon ([email protected]) massive environmental damage to proponent put forth the necessary and Kanchi Kohli (kanchikohli@gmail. the surroundings. They demanded documents, the onus is on the Ministry com) are with the CPR-Namati Environment Justice Programme, India restoration costs for the environmental to examine them carefully, ask for
SAMUDRA REPORT NO. 73 PORTS
verifications and impose necessary It is almost as if a pre-decided conditions. As a central ministry approach was taken by the that examines high-impact projects government regarding this expansion, whose environmental impacts are and the procedures were touched usually multiple and widespread, the upon merely as a matter of formality. Ministry’s performance is not only a The Ministry, which should question for rule of law but for the have prioritized the protection wellbeing of the environment and of environmental resources and citizens. minimising of the impacts of such For the environment and Coastal projects, had gone easy on a large-scale Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance infrastructural project which is more granted in 2013, the procedural path than capable of bearing the monetary taken was traced back by the court. cost of environmental compliance. Since clearances are granted on the Regarding the issue of access, basis of recommendations from an maps submitted by the petitioners Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) were superimposed with earlier maps that is constituted by the Central to understand the landscape changes government, the minutes of these caused by the project. This showed meetings were looked at by the court. clear evidence that the creek While the recommendations given had narrowed since the project by the EAC are not binding on the construction began. Though it was Ministry, the Court assessed the time contended that no public consultation spent by the Committee on discussing held to discuss the impacts of and understanding the impacts of re-alignment of a railway line the project, and on whether facts undertaken for the project and there had been verified by the Committee. were at least two critically endangered 5 The court, after appraising the species in the area—the white back minutes, remarked on the ‘casual vultures and long-billed vultures, approach’ taken by the EAC on these issues were not dealt by the recommending the grant of clearance. court in detail. The arguments made in the case While the compliance of the clearly bring to light the fact that the environment clearance of 2003 MoEFCC had not considered various per se was not considered by the court, factors while granting clearance. it looked at the issue of compliance of The necessary permissions that are conditions regarding compensatory required while handling hazardous afforestation of mangroves. The court materials were neither taken by considered the evidence provided by the company nor sought by the the petitioners in the form of maps MoEFCC. The discussions regarding and compared it with the clearance the project also ignored examining conditions. It also accepted the the possible impact of the effluent affidavit of the Deputy Conservator of pipeline of the project on the marine the Forests, stating that the area once
life in the area. had mangroves in abundance while NILESH VASAVA
Fisherfolk protesting against the port project at Hazira, Gujarat, India. The fi shermen fear that if the port is expanded anymore, they will lose their access to the creek
APRIL 2016 INDIA
there was no mangrove vegetation reliable evidence strengthened the now. case. For example, the claims made The 2003 clearance had imposed by the fishermen on the restriction of the condition that the mandatory access were supported by maps. compensatory afforestation for an The hefty fine imposed by the area of 450 ha would be taken up the court for restoration was due to project proponent. In 2007 this got the cumulative environmental modified to 200 ha, through ‘official impacts that have to be dealt with. communication’ to the company. A standalone petition asking for This bypassing of conditions by access to fishing would have resulted diluting it later on without giving in limited remedies. Bringing any ‘substantial reasons’ for such together all the elements that affect changes makes the entire process of the community and the environment grant of conditional approvals seem ensured that the remedies given like a redundant exercise. were more encompassing. It is also, Though the legality of the however, important to show the environmental clearance given in relevance of each plea with respect 2003 was beyond the scope of this to the remedy asked for, and ensure, case, it does come into light that as far as possible, that these claims there were substantial changes that are presented with reliable evidence. were made to the layout of the port Claims made by the fishermen on the in 2007. An affidavit that was given restriction of access were supported by the respondent company itself by maps. While the court did not reveals this. It was found that the examine in detail most conditions of company had proceeded with the initial environmental clearance of 6 expansion work after 2007 in the 2003 that were raised, the destruction absence of necessary environment and of mangroves was examined in detail. coastal regulation clearance. Even though the case is now being It also became clear from the heard at the apex court of the country records available to the court due to an appeal, the judgment is an through the Ministry’s affidavit dated important precedent as the fishing 5 March 2015 that the MoEFCC did not community’s voices were heard and monitor the compliance of the project the subject of environmental non- nor did it evaluate its performance compliance by large projects and their while considering the environment consequences have been placed in clearance of 2013. This raises a the spotlight. Moreover, the project pertinent question of the past proponent has reportedly paid the performance of the companies being fine amount of Rs 25 crore imposed an indicator of their future by the National Green Tribunal, as performance. How could the approval per the apex court’s orders. Large- of expansion of a project not be based scale land-use transformations usually on the existing project details? While leave certain sections of society looking at granting an ‘environment more vulnerable to the effects of clearance’, should not one of the such changes, and their opinions are basic criteria be compliance with usually not heard, sometimes noted previous conditions? Deterrence to but mostly not accounted for. A robust environmental violations can come and outcome-based environmental about only when the non-compliance compliance and monitoring system to environmental conditions has can reduce or mitigate the impacts of adverse consequences. land-use change. It needs to be built While a standalone petition asking and upheld as a critical rule of law for access to fishing would have issue for these times. resulted in limited remedies, bringing together all the elements that affect For more the community and the environment ensured that the remedies given www.greentribunal.gov.in/ were more encompassing. Also National Green Tribunal substantiating the issues alongwith
SAMUDRA REPORT NO. 73 Costa Rica SSF GUIDELINES Sailing from a Good Port
A Central American regional workshop on the SSF Guidelines, held in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, in December 2015 sought commitment to take forward the Guidelines in a binding manner
he adoption of the Voluntary assuring a better life, struggles for Guidelines for Securing wanting to see a healthier sea and TSustainable Small-scale Fisheries struggles for wanting to improve in the Context of Food Security and the livelihood of your fishing Poverty Eradication has been of great communities. To be here today means importance for small-scale fishers to recognize that there are still a lot worldwide. Fishers in Central America of people along our coasts who are as a region, with the support of the struggling for food, medicines and International Collective in Support other needs”. He highlighted how of Fishworkers (ICSF) and the small-scale fishers together with the Cooperative for Social Solidarity indigenous peoples have succeeded (CoopeSoliDar R.L,) started a in placing the SSF Guidelines discussion on how to move towards within the framework of the Costa the implementation of this important Rican government policy for instrument at a regional workshop in implementation. 7 Puntarenas, the central port on the The general objective of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, on 1—3 Central American workshop was to December 2015. The Workshop was attended by about 30 participants from the Central American region. Fishers and “If you are here now, it is due to the fact that you had fishers’ organizations from Costa Rica, great struggles in the past...” Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Panamá were present. There was also participation from the FAO, represented by John Jorgensen, Fisheries and Aquaculture Officer, move towards a plan of action for FAO Sub-regional Office for the implementation of the SSF Mesoamerica, Panama and Octavio Guidelines in the Central American Ramirez, FAO Representative in Costa region. The following specific Rica. objectives formed the basis for the The implementation of the SSF discussions during the workshop: Guidelines at the regional level would • Integrate the efforts of civil society require creative and innovative organizations of small-scale action where dialogue, strategic fisheries, indigenous peoples and alliances, negotiation, consensus fishers, and the Confederation and commitment would be needed of Artisanal Fishers of Central to make it a reality. So the Workshop America (CONFEPESCA) for was an important milestone in the implementation of the SSF this context. Guidelines. Gustavo Meneses, Executive • Define priorities at the regional President, Institute of Fisheries and level for the implementation of the Aquaculture (INCOPESCA), Costa Rica, SSF Guidelines. mentioned at the regional workshop’s • Define a roadmap to ensure opening: “If you are here now, it is progress toward the main strategies This report is by Vivienne Solis Rivera due to the fact that you had great defined for the implementation of ([email protected]) struggles in the past—struggles for the SSF Guidelines. of CoopeSoliDar R.L, and Member, ICSF
APRIL 2016 COSTA RICA
• Support organizations of civil ii. Seek information on resources society and artisanal fishers in that form the basis of the SSF capacity building and policy making Guidelines. geared to the implementation of iii. Respect the views and knowledge the SSF Guidelines. of local communities and The workshop began by recalling organizations of fishers, and take that prior to the adoption of the SSF them into account, prior to the Guidelines, meetings were held in adoption or establishment of the Central American region, namely, marine protected areas and in Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, continental reserves. Nicaragua and El Salvador with iv. Encourage the authorities to adopt the support of the ICSF. A regional in principle the concept of the meeting was also held in Tárcoles, ecosystem approach to fisheries, Costa Rica. within the legal framework. There was general agreement among the participants that the Social development and SSF Guidelines marked a path for employment the development of a process that Priority actions: would help eradicate poverty and i. Recognize the importance of the reduce marginalization of the most small-scale fisheries sector for vulnerable sectors in the small-scale the region’s economy and food fisheries of Central America. security. The proposals prepared by the ii. Create a mechanism for social artisanal fishermen and fisherwomen and financial support to fishing and other representatives at the communities. 8 regional workshop were important iii. Bring fishers within the ambit inputs for negotiations at the meeting of medical insurance, pension, of the Organization of the Fisheries old-age benefit and financial credit. and Aquaculture Sector of Central iv. Create a legal framework for the America (OSPESCA) that took place in social and economic development El Salvador during 15—16 December of fishing communities in their 2015, where agreements for regional territories through replicable implementation of the SSF Guidelines pilot models. This legal were developed. framework should factor in the The priorities for the regions were: implementation of all aspects of the governance of tenure in small-scale SSF Guidelines. fisheries and resource management, social development and employment, Gender equality gender equity, addressing risks from Priority actions: natural disasters and climate change, i. Identify communities where the capacity development, and monitoring role of women in the fishing sector and control. is relevant for the fishing culture For each priority, fishers suggested and value chain (for example, New clearly-defined actions and discussed Armenia and La Ceiba, Honduras). the possible limitations in ii. Conduct a regional meeting to implementation efforts. The priority define strategies for action. actions defined for each subject are iii. Review and follow up the meeting discussed below: on women in fisheries conducted in El Salvador. Governance of tenure in small- scale fi sheries and resource Addressing risks from natural management disasters and climate change Priority actions: Priority actions: i. Create the ideal mechanism to i. Demonstrate that the small- implement the SSF Guidelines scale fisheries sector is the most and develop a strategic plan led vulnerable to climate change. by OSPESCA and supervised by ii. Prepare a regional project on CONFEPESCA. small-scale fisheries and climate
SAMUDRA REPORT NO. 73 SSF GUIDELINES
change, prioritizing coastal areas on the part of governments, lack and islands and continental water of economic resources, lack of bodies. organization at the community iii. Disseminate to the communities level, and finally, the lack of the reasons for, and the effects of, qualified personnel (fishermen climate change. who are prepared to discuss iv. Prepare a programme for the and create the necessary legal adaptation to climate change. framework). The fishers also said v. Identify communities that have that change in authority makes been, or will be, directly affected by it difficult to implement the climate change to generate grants proposed actions, and there are to support them. also difficulties in training on the ecosystem approach to fisheries. Capacity development for In the context of social fi shers and their organizations development and employment, they Priority actions: rued the lack of political and moral i. Impart training for young will on the part of the authorities, fishermen in education, politics, which makes it difficult to implement biology and technology. actions at a regional level. ii. Establish a training centre for They also considered gender- artisanal fishing. oriented actions difficult in the iii. Help fishermen strengthen their follow-up and dissemination of identity. the priority actions. For instance, iv. Encourage fisherwomen to fight OSPESCA held a meeting on gender for gender equality. and small-scale fisheries, which did v. Train fishermen in leadership not have any follow-up and very little 9 skills, in acquiring knowledge of has been done to date. national and international legal The fishers were also concerned frameworks, including the SSF about the absence of resources for Guidelines, and also prepare programmes of adaptation to climate literacy programmes adjusted to change, specifically for fishing the schedules of the fishermen, communities, and the unwillingness and impart knowledge of of the governments to prioritize the computing, administration and sector. In this sense, they felt, the accounting. SSF Guidelines provide a good effort vi. Produce radio programmes to to turn the focus of attention of the train fishermen in the above authorities to the most vulnerable mentioned issues. and marginalized communities. Perhaps the most important Monitoring and control agreement of the regional workshop Priority actions: was to request the Central American i. Create programmes that discuss States to make a commitment to the legal framework in each fishing take the SSF Guidelines forward country, perhaps via the radio. in a binding manner by adopting a ii. Publicize the SSF Guidelines at all regional plan of implementation. levels (in communities and with OSPESCA representatives and the all the relevant authorities and governmental authorities who institutions). participated in the regional workshop iii. Teach federations of fishermen to left with a clear mandate of informing For more manage economic resources. the El Salvador OSPESCA meeting of www.coopesolidar.org/ iv. In the context of implementation the discussions and recommendations CoopeSoliDar of these priority actions, the from this important fishers’ regional fishers discussed several important workshop. www.sica.int/ospesca/ limitations: lack of vision Ospesca towards sustainable use of marine resources, mega development projects that affect fishermen and their communities, lack of will
APRIL 2016 Report SSF GUIDELINES Towards Blue Growth
A consultation workshop on East Africa recognized that, if applied well, the principles of the SSF Guidelines can advance small-scale fi sheries in the region
he East Africa Consultation fishers and fishworkers in the region Workshop on improving small- and contribute substantially to food Tscale fisheries in the context of security and livelihoods through their food security and poverty eradication, role in providing nutritious food and hosted by the FAO Sub-Regional generating local and national incomes. Office for Eastern Africa, was held in Inland fisheries are particularly Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during 15—18 important in many countries of the September 2015. The workshop was region. There are many aquatic attended by 38 participants from resources, including freshwater and Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, marine resources that are shared Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, by two or several countries, and the Tanzania and Uganda, and included regional aspects of small-scale fisheries representatives of governments, are hence important. regional organizations/regional The workshop noted the many 10 fishery bodies (RFBs), civil society already ongoing initiatives, good organizations (CSOs)/non-state actors, practices and opportunities for NGOs, research institutions, academia, supporting small-scale fisheries in the region. Some important activities hhad already taken place (for example, The workshop acknowledged the comprehensiveness of cconsultation meetings in Tanzania and the SSF Guidelines as well as the need to take a holistic SSomalia, and a regional meeting for nnon-state actor organizations convened and human-rights-based approach to small-scale fi sheries bby the African Union Inter-African governance and development. BBureau for Animal Resources and the NEPADN Planning and Coordinating AgencyA (AU-IBAR/NPCA). Yet, there are other relevant actors as well as FAO manym challenges and constraints to staff and resource persons. address before secure and sustainable The overall objective of the small-scale fisheries are a reality. workshop was to facilitate the Accordingly, the workshop called understanding of the principles of the upon all stakeholders to promote the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing application of the principles of the Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries in the SSF Guidelines at all levels. The role Context of Food Security and Poverty of CSOs was particularly emphasized Eradication (SSF Guidelines) and and the need to collaborate with their application in order to support governments stressed. sustainable small-scale fisheries and ‘blue growth’. During the workshop, Comprehensive participants examined the current The workshop acknowledged the status of small-scale fisheries in the comprehensiveness of the SSF region, shared experiences through Guidelines as well as the need to take country and topical presentations, and a holistic and human-rights-based discussed priorities and actions for approach to small-scale fisheries This report is by Editrudith Lukanga implementing the SSF Guidelines at governance and development. The ([email protected]), Executive Director, regional and national levels. links between the SSF Guidelines EMEDO, Tanzania and Co-President World The workshop noted that small- and the Voluntary Guidelines on the Forum of Fish Harvestors and Fish Workers (WFF) scale fisheries employ the bulk of Responsible Governance of Tenure
SAMUDRA REPORT NO. 73 SSF GUIDELINES of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the making processes relating to small- Context of National Food Security scale fisheries governance. Also, were also acknowledged and their structures for co-management and relevance to fisheries noted. shared decision making need to The workshop recognized that the be established/strengthened at all implementation of the SSF Guidelines levels. should be anchored at the local and • There is a need for harmonization national levels but that regional of policy frameworks and fishery attention and support would also be regulations on shared water bodies required to address trans-boundary and for shared fishery resources. fisheries-related issues. The role of Management plans should be the African Union (AU) and the work developed accordingly and done by AU-IBAR/NPCA on developing experiences from other parts of an African Policy Framework and Africa shared. Reform Strategy for Fisheries and • Inter-ministerial collaboration—as Aquaculture was appreciated. well as coordination with other This strategy includes a thematic actors—on small-scale fisheries area on sustainable small-scale governance and development fisheries development, with specific is needed. A first practical step reference to the SSF Guidelines. The towards establishing a structure importance of the Lake Tanganyika for such collaboration and Authority (LTA) and the Lake Victoria coordination at the national Fisheries Organization (LVFO) was level could be for the fisheries acknowledged, as also the need for authority to request an inter- strengthened collaboration among ministerial technical consultative concerned countries with regard to meeting. 11 other shared resources. • The application of the ecosystem The workshop proposed key priority approach to fisheries (EAF) as a areas of action to be considered model for developing small-scale further in national and regional fisheries management should be implementation planning processes promoted. Social development, included: employment and decent work • Governance of tenure in small- and gender equality (chapter 6+8 scale fisheries and resources of the SSF Guidelines) should be management (chapter 5 of the SSF addressed. Guidelines): Securing tenure for • Access to amenities, facilities and small-scale fishing communities services for small-scale fishing with regard to fishery resources communities should be improved and land needs to be ensured. as part of fulfilling basic human Land-use legislation to contain and social needs. Existing regional provisions for consultations with information should be analyzed all stakeholders, specifically to improve this. Linkages with including small-scale fisheries relevant government agencies, actors, and land-use plans should mobilization of community action be developed with the involvement and lobbying by CSOs in this respect of small-scale fishers and will be required. fishworkers. • The current focus of fisheries • Existing zones and preferential management should be shifted to a access arrangements for small- more people-focused approach to scale fisheries need to be protected. small-scale fisheries governance. Participatory enforcement Small-scale fisheries actors should mechanisms should be developed, be part of relevant processes, building on existing good practices fisheries management structures in the region. should allow for their effective • The capacity and organizations of participation and small- small-scale fisheries actors need to scale fisheries organizations be strengthened so that they can strengthened to ensure true effectively participate in decision- representation at all levels.
APRIL 2016 REPORT
• The availability of financial • Fish value chain actors should services and insurance schemes be actively involved in for small-scale fisheries actors decision-making processes and should be enhanced, based representative forums, inclusive of on assessed needs of small- all small-scale fisheries value chain scale fisheries, strengthening actors, need to be established. fisher groups, and facilitating • Women, and vulnerable and communication regarding the use marginalized groups should be fully and need for financial instruments engaged in a dignified and respected between fisheries actors and banks. manner, and their contribution to Relevant good practices, including small-scale fisheries recognized. the development of small and Access to market information and medium enterprises, should be amenities, capacity building— shared across the region. including on technical skills and • The poor standard of living (often), social awareness—should be lack of decent working conditions provided to these groups. and discriminatory policies need • Appropriate infrastructure for to be addressed, including through small-scale fisheries needs to be the professionalization of small- developed, post-harvest losses scale fisheries, compliance with reduced to a minimum and value existing labour instruments and addition enhanced. Bottlenecks and guidance, such as safety at sea, opportunities should be identified occupational safety and health and capacity building with respect (OSH) regulations, and capacity to fish handling, processing, value development of fishers. At the addition and marketing promoted. 12 regional level, harmonized • Enabling regulations, guidelines operationalization of safety-at-sea/ and harmonized fish product quality security instruments, including standards should be promoted to adoption of ILO Work in Fishing provide an enabling environment. Convention, and IMO standards for Disaster risks and climate change training, should be promoted. (Chapter 9 of the SSF Guidelines) • Efforts should be made to build must be addressed. entrepreneurial capacity for • Small-scale fisheries actors need to alternative and complementary leverage existing climate-change livelihood opportunities to help strategies within their countries to reduce the vulnerability of small- have access to funds and insurance scale fisheries actors and mitigate for climate-change adaptation, and their reliance on fisheries as the their needs should be integrated in main source of income. disaster-risk and climate-change • Compliance with, and studies, policies and action plans. implementation of, existing • To realize the proposed actions, gender instruments needs to be broad collaboration and support strengthened, including through are needed from governments, empowerment of, and affirmative national and regional organizations action for, women. Value chains, including RFBs, and other actors. post-harvest and trade (chapter 7 This will require raising awareness of the SSF Guidelines) should be and political will. The workshop addressed. identified the next steps to promote • Improved landing, processing collaboration and make progress and marketing infrastructures on SSF Guidelines implementation (including access roads) and at the national and regional levels. enhanced data collection and Some were identified as immediate information systems need to be follow–up in 2015 such as raising established for promoting equal awareness and dissemination of market access for small-scale the SSF Guidelines at all levels, fisheries actors. Fishery-related and introducing SSF Guidelines trade laws need to be reviewed and as agenda in other meetings and harmonized in the region. events; workshop results to be
SAMUDRA REPORT NO. 73 SSF GUIDELINES
presented at AU-IBAR/NPCA ‘Think among stakeholders and actors in tank meeting on governance the region. and management of small-scale • Governments, RFBs and CSOs fisheries in the African context should investigate possible and its contribution to the African partnerships and develop proposals agricultural transformation for funding by development agenda’; RFBs to submit the SSF partners. Guidelines to statutory bodies • Governments and RFBs should for consideration, adoption and report on progress with regard to monitoring of implementation; SSF Guidelines implementation to translation of the SSF guidelines the FAO Committee on Fisheries into national/local languages by (COFI) and the Sub-Committee on the governments or simplified fish trade. version as appropriate; sharing • Governments should initiate or the guidelines by CSOs; organize continue the alignment of policies World Fisheries Day celebrations with the principles of the SSF to promote the principles of the Guidelines and develop national SSF Guidelines. plans of action to ensure their implementation. Beyond 2015: • CSOs should support the • Workshop participants should strengthening of small-scale fisheries organize, in collaboration with actor organizations at local and partners and small-scale fisheries national levels across the region. actors, national workshops to raise • The ‘Too Big To Ignore’ (TBTI) awareness on the SSF Guidelines research network should engage and to initiate the establishment with small-scale fisheries 13 of national-level multi-stakeholder stakeholders in the region. platforms. Governments and other • The AU-IBAR/NPCA should report stakeholders are advised to on the workshop results and communicate research needs to follow-up actions at the national the TBTI. level at the next Conference of • Ongoing and planned regional African Ministers of Fisheries and and national projects (like Aquaculture (CAMFA) meeting in SMARTFISH) should be encouraged 2016. to integrate or continue their • The AU-IBAR/NPCA in collaboration efforts to promote the SSF with the FAO, should organize Guidelines implementation in their consultative workshops in other work plans. African regions along the lines of • FAO should continue to provide this Eastern African workshop. technical support, including For more The AU-IBAR/NPCA should with regard to raising awareness also continue to support SSF and implementation planning rea.au.int/en/sites/default/fi les/AU- Guidelines implementation at the processes, and the development and IBAR%20-%20Fisheries%20Policy%20 continental level, including dissemination of information and Framework%20and%20Reform%20 regional activities identified by communication materials. Strategy.pdf the workshop, as appropriate AU-IBAR - Fisheries Policy and required, and continued Framework and Reform Strategy, engagement in the non-state actor NEPAD platform. www.nepad.org/system/fi les/CAMFA%20 • RFBs should support the -%20Theme,%20sub-themes,%20 celebrations of the World Fisheries aims%20and%20objectives.pdf Day at the regional level by The Conference of African organizing a follow-up event with Ministers of Fisheries & a view to evaluate progress and Aquaculture (CAMFA) further disseminate information on small-scale fisheries. • RFBs should support experience sharing and communication
APRIL 2016 Algeria SSF GUIDELINES Looking Ahead
The regional conference on ‘Building a Future for Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea’
he regional conference on GENERAL CONCLUSIONS ‘Building a Future for Sustainable In the light of the UN Sustainable TSmall-scale Fisheries in the Development Goals which, among Mediterranean and the Black Sea’, other issues, stress the importance held at Algiers, Algeria during 7—9 of providing access for small-scale March 2016, was attended by over artisanal fisheries to marine resources 200 participants, including and markets, the importance of the policymakers, scientists, practitioners, regional conference on ‘Building a fishers’ representatives, fishworkers, Future for Sustainable Small-scale civil society organizations (CSOs), Fisheries in the Mediterranean and non-governmental organizations the Black Sea’ was acknowledged. (NGOs), research institutions, Widespread support was expressed international organizations, among by conference participants for others. the conference objectives to raise 14 The conference was organized by awareness, share knowledge and the General Fisheries Commission for devise future strategy to promote this the Mediterranean (GFCM) and the crucial fishing sector. In particular, the following general proposalsp were made: • Tailor implementation of the The conclusions are put forth to urge actions in support Voluntary Guidelines for Securing of sustainable small-scale fi sheries in the Mediterranean Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries and the Black Sea. in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) to the Mediterranean and Black Sea context and provide Fisheries and Aquaculture Department support to GFCM contracting of the Food and Agriculture parties in the implementation of Organization of the United Nations these guidelines. (FAO), including its Mediterranean • Launch a comprehensive and regional projects, in collaboration with region-wide survey to develop the Algerian Ministry for Agriculture, accurate, timely and complete Rural Development and Fisheries baseline data on the value and and in partnership with CIHEAM-Bari, economic impact of small-scale MedPAN and WWF. fisheries, with a view to ultimately The following conclusions have informing policy interventions. been developed based on the • Launch wide-ranging consultations, outcomes of the regional conference. including a mechanism for the The conclusions are put forth to urge sustainable development of the actions in support of sustainable small-scale fishing sector and small-scale fisheries in the specific actions to develop a Mediterranean and the Black Sea. coordinated policy to support this This article is based on the Conclusions They are grouped, first, under a sector. To this end, implement Document, of the Regional Conference on cluster of general and transversal a joint regional strategy which ‘Building a future for sustainable small-scale proposals and, next, under five clusters builds on existing regional fisheries in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea’, brought out by the General Fisheries relating to the specific thematic networks and platforms and Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) sessions of the conference. promotes a level playing field
SAMUDRA REPORT NO. 73 SSF GUIDELINES
throughout the Mediterranean and communities in the Mediterranean the Black Sea. and Black Sea, but also the impact • Develop a regional programme of small-scale fishing on related aimed at providing support and sectors such as fish processing and technical assistance, in particular tourism. Furthermore, an analysis of to developing countries, in order the interaction of small-scale fishing to build capacity in the field of with other sectors, particularly small-scale fisheries. Carry out, at those also engaged in Blue Growth the national level, where necessary, strategies (in marine transportation, an analysis of legislation and oil and gas, tourism, etc.) is needed institutional mechanisms which for a better understanding of both ensure the full participation of the wider economic and social impacts small-scale fishers in all activities of small-scale fishing, as well as the regarding the sustainable risks these other sectors may pose development of the sector to small-scale fishing communities. (development of alternative Examine the economic impact of activities, co-management, financial small-scale fishing under different support, labelling, traceability, exploitation arrangements with a view right to decent work, social to identifying circumstances under protection, etc.). Build the political which this activity might generate will to invest in small-scale an investable surplus and undertake fisheries as a crucial tool to studies to estimate the potential transform fisheries management, size of this surplus. Similarly, efforts particularly within the context of should be made to identify points of the Blue Growth initiative and the entry for technological, management, implementation of the reformed marketing and policy interventions 15 EU Common Fisheries Policy. that would facilitate the above It was suggested that the GFCM mentioned favourable circumstances. member countries, the European Identify relevant parameters—having Commission and FAO provide joint acknowledged the need to develop leadership in this regard (that a common definition of small-scale is, through the organization of a fisheries—for the classification of high-level event). Disseminate ‘small-scale fishing’ in the the conclusions of the regional Mediterranean and Black Sea, based conference on ‘Building a Future for on relevant regional characteristics Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries (dimension of the vessel, gear in the Mediterranean and the used, activities of non-vessel based Black Sea’ to relevant international fisheries, etc.) and in relation to the meetings, such as GFCM regular harvested resources. Disseminate sessions, the FAO Committee on information on the effectiveness of Fisheries (COFI) and relevant the GFCM Data Collection Reference European Union (EU) meetings. Framework (DCRF) and promote its use as a data collection tool for SPECIFIC CONCLUSION S OF THE PANELS small-scale fishing. Provide technical PANEL I assistance in the practical application Supporting the sustainable develop- of the DCRF in the collection of ment of small-scale fisheries in the standardized data on small-scale Mediterranean and the Black Sea fishing in the Mediterranean and under the Blue Growth perspective: the Black Sea. Produce a desk study In the light of discussions held at on the social protection systems and the panel, it is proposed to: Develop national legislations in place and indicators to measure the economic available to small-scale fishers in and social impact of small-scale fishing, the Mediterranean and Black Sea both in quantitative and qualitative riparian States, with a view to terms. In particular, efforts should be identifying and promoting the most made to estimate not only the value successful options. Identify policy of the output produced by such fishing interventions which facilitate income and its economic impact on coastal and livelihood diversification for
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small-scale fishers. In particular, benefit small-scale fisheries at the efforts should be made to identify regional scale. Map fishing activities opportunities for crossover between in order to provide relevant the small-scale fishing and small-scale information to be integrated into aquaculture sectors. marine spatial planning processes. Develop, in collaboration with Such processes are crucial to securing GFCM members, a pilot programme tenure rights and access to the that would test ways to better resources for small-scale fishers, integrate small-scale fisheries into and thus ensuring livelihoods and a Blue Growth approach, as well as the sustainable development of better integrate small-scale fisheries communities reliant on small-scale in the decision-making processes of fisheries. The GFCM, on behalf of its other sectors whose Blue Growth member countries, should advocate activity may have an impact on small- for this issue at a high level with scale fisheries. the European Commission, prior to the commencement of the marine PANEL II spatial planning processes. Establish Strengthening the role of stakeholders a capacity-building programme in the context of management and devoted to supporting stakeholder co-management schemes: roles in small-scale fisheries In the light of discussions held co-management and tailored to at the panel, the following actions different targets (institutional, marine are proposed: Conduct an analysis protected areas administration, local to assess national and international administrations, natural and social legal frameworks with a view to scientists, civil society, small-scale 16 identifying institutional contexts fishers and other resource users). that allow for the establishment of small-scale fisheries co-management PANEL III schemes and with a view to defining Improving the efficiency of marine general rules for the engagement protected areas (MPAs) as fisheries and compliance of small-scale management tools and benefits from fishers with these schemes. Prepare involving the small-scale fisheries best practice guidelines for the sector: enforcement of small-scale fisheries In the light of discussions held at co-management schemes in the the panel, it is proposed to: Mediterranean and the Black Sea. • Adapt and draw lessons from Such guidelines should be linked the experience of MPAs with directly to the SSF Guidelines and, in no-take zones and regulated buffer addition to providing advice on the zones that have been successful in institutional and legislative context, involving fishers in management should provide direction for the decisions and in processes that elaboration and implementation safeguard wild resources, while of participatory processes, also preserving the livelihoods co-management settings and tools, upon which small-scale fishers approaches for monitoring, control depend. Given the socioeconomic and surveillance schemes and benefits obtained by small-scale indicators to monitor the effectiveness fishers in these exemplary MPAs, of management measures. Provide learning from such cases would support to currently ongoing co- provide guidance on how to sustain management processes in the economic, social and cultural Mediterranean and build commitment aspects of the profession. To for their multiplication across the support replication of these region. A regional programme, based successful MPAs, adequate legal on a solid institutional framework frameworks, political will and and building on existing experiences financial and human capital would and partnerships, should be be required. established to offer a longer-term • Replicate examples of collaboration vision on how co-management can at the inter- and intra-ministerial
SAMUDRA REPORT NO. 73 SSF GUIDELINES
level that demonstrate the made to protect this investment successful management of small- from risks, such as conflicting scale fisheries in and around MPAs marine-based activities and land- when working ‘hand in hand’. based pollution. Such integrative models could • Safeguard the small-scale fisheries encourage top-down and bottom- sector in and around MPAs, up processes in many riparian including by setting up countries for securing the future cooperatives, through strategies sustainability of the profession, that are integrated in development while also providing international plans devised by local authorities technical guidance. and that provide a market edge • Improve the management of MPAs, in favour of responsible and including multiple-use MPAs, sustainable fisheries practices. by relying on the scientific and traditional knowledge of fishers, PANEL IV by involving concerned users/ Enhancing small-scale fisheries value stakeholders and by using adaptive chains: approaches. To this end: In the light of discussions held at º tailor management in the light the panel, it is proposed to: Identify of the outcomes of long-term best practices for value creation, comparative monitoring of especially in the fields of labelling, biological features, ecological direct sale, processing, diversification, effects of small-scale fisheries inter-sectoral integration and vertical and socioeconomic benefits in coordination. Additional case studies and outside MPAs; should be carried out to further º develop adaptive participatory examine such best-practice 17 approaches for management interventions and to promote their plans for small-scale fisheries replication in various Mediterranean in and around MPAs, based on and Black Sea contexts. Model biological and socioeconomic successful value chains, particularly data, which could be jointly in cases where clustering of various formulated, implemented and coastal economic activities occur, to revised by MPA practitioners and identify entry points for innovation fishers; and to better understand the scope º adopt regulations to overcome for fisher cooperation in resource conflicting uses of MPAs which management and in product could have a negative impact marketing. Establish a capacity- on the livelihood of small-scale building programme to support fisheries, having regard to stakeholder roles in the creation relevant conservation objectives; of cooperatives, formulation of and agreements with public and private º consider participative institutions, development of management, in cases of use partnerships and projects for coastal conflicts, specifically those development. Better study and between small-scale fisheries analysis of issues related both to credit and recreational fisheries, to and financial institution support. create a balance between the Public institutions should provide sustainable development of basic infrastructures and services to small-scale fisheries and, where foster value chains and to prevent applicable, the sustainable market failure. Access to formal development of responsible finance is a crucial concern. This tourism, so as to achieve includes access to both formal credit conservation objectives. for capital expenses and financing • Consider conservation efforts, for fishing operations. Facilities and and MPAs in particular, as an financial products can be developed investment in natural capital in partnership with banks for rather than as a public medium- to long-term investment. expenditure. Efforts should be Formal financing schemes (production
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contracts, storage receipts) can • Strengthen the GFCM engagement be applied with the participation of with small-scale fishing fishers, traders and public authorities. communities by establishing a mechanism for supporting PANEL V organizational development and Putting the principles of the SSF agreeing on a modus operandi Guidelines into practice: The case of for meaningful collaboration. the Mediterranean and the Black Sea In particular, FAO’s work on small- The SSF Guidelines constitute an scale fisheries should be taken important tool for supporting actions into account and special efforts to securing sustainable small-scale should be made to collaborate with fisheries in the Mediterranean and existing small-scale fisheries the Black Sea. These guidelines take organizations and platforms, as a holistic perspective on the needs of well as to include women and small-scale fisheries and recognize marginalized groups in such that the implementation of these collaborations. guidelines will necessarily be cross- • Promote, without compromising sectoral. With a view to adapting these environmental sustainability, the guidelines to the regional context, improvement of socioeconomic key elements to operationalize the conditions within small-scale principles of the SSF guidelines fisheries, particularly through were explored: (i) policy and legal the promotion of livelihood frameworks, (ii) main stakeholders, diversification as appropriate, (iii) institutional structures, (iv) key and the endorsement of the entry points and (v) collaboration principle of decent work, as 18 with other initiatives. The panel defined by the Work in Fishing noted the importance of action at the Convention (C188) of the local level and the need for effective International Labour Organization participation of fishing communities. (ILO). Furthermore, ratification of There are already positive this Convention by GFCM member developments taking place in the countries should be encouraged. region in support of the SSF Guidelines • Promote and facilitate the implementation. For example, the development of a forum for existence of regional organizations small-scale fisheries associations and platforms such as the Maghreb of northern and southern Platform for sustainable small-scale Mediterranean riparian countries, fisheries, the Mediterranean Platform particularly through specific of Artisanal Fishers (MedArtNet), projects financed by member Low Impact Fishers of Europe countries or by other international, (LIFE) and the Mediterranean governmental or non-governmental Advisory Council (MEDAC), and the entities. development of national policies and initiatives (for example, Aquapêche 2020 in Algeria, SSF national action plan proposals in EU countries). In the light of discussions held at the panel, it is proposed to: For more • Establish a GFCM working group on small-scale fisheries to www.fao.org/gfcm/meetings/ facilitate the implementation of ssfconference2016/en/#jfmulticontent_ the SSF Guidelines in the GFCM c382958-4 region by developing national GFCM Event Website action plans and taking into account recommendations from relevant events and existing experience within the region and beyond.
SAMUDRA REPORT NO. 73 Report SSF GUIDELINES Better Understanding Needed
The Near East and North Africa Regional Consultation on SSF Guidelines focused on raising awareness and support for implementation of the guidelines.
he Near East and North The workshop noted the socio- Africa Regional Consultation economic and cultural importance TWorkshop, ‘Towards the of small-scale fisheries in the region. Implementation of the Voluntary Small-scale fisheries contribute to Guidelines for Securing Sustainable livelihoods, food security, and local Small-scale Fisheries in the Context and national economies. Fish is very of Food Security and Poverty important for nutrition, especially Eradication’, was held in Muscat, for population groups with limited Oman, during 7—10 December purchasing power, and small-scale 2015. It was jointly organized by the fisheries are a main contributor to Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries local fish supplies. of the Sultanate of Oman, the Food It is of great importance that the and Agriculture Organization of implementation of the SSF Guidelines the United Nations (FAO) and the be carried out within the framework General Fisheries Commission for the of food security and poverty 19 Mediterranean (GFCM). The workshop eradication and takes local needs was attended by 40 participants into consideration. It was noted from countries in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region—Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, The workshop noted the socioeconomic and cultural Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Tunisia—including representatives of importance of small-scale fi sheries in the region. governments, fisherfolk organizations, civil society organizations (CSOs), academia as well as representatives of regional and international that small-scale-fisheries-dependent organizations, NGOs and other livelihoods go beyond fishing, and relevant actors. encompass social, economic and The overall objective of the cultural values as well. The workshop was to raise awareness comprehensiveness of the SSF and support the implementation of Guidelines was acknowledged and the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing the need to take a holistic approach Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries to small-scale fisheries governance in the Context of Food Security and development was recognized. and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) in the region. During Women’s work the workshop, participants reviewed Women make significant the situation and current status of contributions to small-scale fisheries, small-scale fisheries in the region, mainly in post-harvest processing shared experiences through regional and trading but also in other down- and topical presentations and and upstream activities, although discussions, and made suggestions the rate of women’s participation This report is by Abdellatif Belkouch with regard to the implementation varies from one country to another. ([email protected]), of the SSF Guidelines in the region, Women also play an important role at Managing Director, Centre for Marketing Information and Advisory Services for including identification of priorities the community and household level. Fishery Products in the Arab Region and recommendations for action. However, women’s work is often (INFOSAMAK), Morocco
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invisible and hence not sufficiently regulatory framework does not recognized. grant preferential access rights. There are encouraging develop- Countries should develop or ments in the region with regard to improve legislation, policies, reviews of policies and strategies, strategies, plans and institutional recognition of the socioeconomic structures to grant fair access dimensions of small-scale fisheries, and user rights for sustainable and increasing emphasis on the small-scale fisheries, both to men participation of small-scale fisheries and women. • Existing institutional frameworks do not always enable the participation of all relevant small- Data and information necessary to support sustainable scale fisheries actors to achieve management of small-scale fi sheries are often lacking sustainable management. At or insuffi cient. the regional level, producer organization platforms and other appropriate mechanisms/ organizations are needed to actors ini decisiond i i makingki on resource contribute to participatory decision management and development. making. These organizations need However, challenges persist, training and capacity development including—with some differences in relation to sustainable use and between different countries— management of resources. At the insufficient or weak organizational national level, these organizations structures of small-scale fisheries can play an important role in 20 actors, poor infrastructure facilities supporting the development and services, heavily exploited fishery and strengthening of fishers and resources and a strong influence of fishworkers, including women, and demand on production, especially in their associations. the context of exports, and increasing • Data and information necessary risks from climate change and to support sustainable management disaster impacts. of small-scale fisheries are often The regional consultation lacking or insufficient. The consolidated summary conclusions awareness of all stakeholders and recommendations on issues, about the importance of data and challenges and opportunities in information needs to be raised relation to the implementation of and the capacities to process and SSF Guidelines in the NENA region in use data should be developed, a final plenary session. In addition including at local levels, so that to the summaries of each working small-scale fisheries actors can group, the workshop agreed on a participate in data collection. vision for the region for the SSF Guidelines implementation, the need SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, EMPLOYMENT for political support and on broad AND DECENT WORK AND GENDER objectives and principles of a Regional EQUALITY Plan of Action and related next steps. • Small-scale fisheries actors in Key priority areas of actions to be the region, particularly deprived considered further in national and categories, women and migrants, regional implementation planning are not always sufficiently processes proposed by the workshop organized to actively participate included: in fisheries management and policies. It is expected that GOVERNANCE OF TENURE IN SMALL- increased participation could also SCALE FISHERIES AND RESOURCE contribute to create additional MANAGEMENT employment possibilities. • The small-scale fisheries sector is • Small-scale fishers and fishworkers, constrained by the lack of specific in particular women and deprived small-scale fishing areas and the groups, often lack access to
SAMUDRA REPORT NO. 73 SSF GUIDELINES
social security protection. Better marketing facilities following organization of small-scale successful experiences of ‘model fisheries actors and the provision of fishing villages’. At the regional awareness raising and training on level, better coordination among the benefits of social protection governments is needed to negotiate and on how to access these trade agreements with importing schemes should be provided. countries, taking small-scale • Safety at sea and other decent fisheries into consideration. working conditions, including for • The links between trade (demand) women, are currently insufficient and production need to be better in small-scale fisheries. A regional understood and considered. workshop on decent working Adverse impacts of international conditions (including safety at sea trade on resource utilization and and occupational safety and health) local food security should be should be organized with relevant avoided by creating awareness partners. In this context, the impact among middlemen and consumers of climate change on working on the resource implications conditions in fisheries should also of demand. Diversification of be considered. small-scale fisheries products • In order to enable small-scale should be promoted and the access fisheries to be a driver for of small-scale fisheries actors to development, integrated knowledge on new markets and approaches that reconcile products should be facilitated. environmental, social and economic • The organizational structures of development are needed. All small-scale fisheries actors need to countries in the region should use be strengthened along the value 21 the SSF Guidelines as a reference chain to enhance their negotiating framework when developing power with other segments of policies and strategies. Research, the market and allow them to in particular on socioeconomic get better returns from their aspects, should contribute production activities. to improved conditions for • The availability of trade-related small-scale fisheries. information facilitating the access • In general, the small-scale fisheries to domestic, regional and sector is often characterized by international markets needs to limited access to education and professional development opportunities, in particular for children and women. The links between trade (demand) and production The implementation of the International Labour Organization need to be better understood and considered. (ILO) guidance on decent work should be promoted to support better professional development in the sector. be iimproved.mproved AAppropriateppropriate llinksinks and networks for sharing and VALUE CHAINS, POST-HARVEST AND exchanging information should TRADE be strengthened, making use of • Small-scale fishers need to be relevant regional organizations empowered to reap more of and structures. the benefits of, and income • There is a lack of adequate from, the sales of their produce. conditions and controls to ensure Their marginalization should be the quality and prices of fishery eliminated and their self-esteem products. Small-scale fisheries improved. At the national level, actors need capacity development fisheries departments need to to improve their handling provide support, for example, and marketing opportunities, through establishing better based on international good
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INFOSAMAK CENTER
Small-scale fi shermen in Morocco. The small-scale fi sheries sector is constrained by the lack of specifi c areas and the regulatory framework does not grant preferential access rights
practices to increase the value of the small-scale fisheries sector their products. needs to be included in national • Investments are needed for climate change adaptation small-scale fisheries in appropriate strategies. 22 infrastructure and equipment, The workshop confirmed the marketing facilities, financial importance of small-scale fisheries support, as well as in the in the region as a contributor to development of technical and poverty alleviation, food and nutrition human capacities for value security, and socioeconomic addition and reduction of post- development, and that the SSF harvest losses. Small-scale fisheries Guidelines will be an important actors should be supported with tool for securing sustainable regard to the improvement of small-scale fisheries governance product quality and value addition. and development. • The context of food security and poverty eradication is essential and priority should be given to improved value added to the benefit of small-scale fishing communities and the improvement of their well-being, but also remembering the needs of consumers. For more CLIMATE CHANGE AND DISASTER RISKS • Climate change and disasters www.infosamak.org/english/news. negatively affect small-scale cfm?id=459 fisheries in the region (for example, Centre for Marketing Information through sea level rise, changes in and Advisory Services for Fishery water temperature and salinity, Products in the Arab Region damage to infrastructure by (INFOSAMAK) storms, red tides and human- induced pollution, such as chemical discharge). Studies to better understand the impact of climate change and disasters at the regional level are needed, and
SAMUDRA REPORT NO. 73 Report INDIA In One Voice
A public hearing of women fi shworkers in the south Indian state of Kerala was held in the capital, Thiruvananthapuram, on 16 February 2016
he women fishworkers in the small-scale fisheries sector have also Self-Employed Women’s been diminishing due to the large TAssociation (SEWA) in Kerala, catches out at sea. The women who India, have, for several years now, sell frozen fish said: “This is the only been complaining that life is getting way we get fish for sale but we know increasingly difficult for them. While it is not of good quality. Moreover, some of their issues are being taken consumers do not have much money up by the union, they still complain to buy, so they purchase this bad- of the difficulty of surviving amidst quality fish”. increasing competition of all kinds In such discussions, women and how the growing numbers of understood that this is the case with male vendors and male domination all food. Even vegetables today are in markets were making life a daily of bad quality and so there are now struggle. SEWA then undertook a organic shops where people can buy more detailed study of the vendors, good-quality vegetables even if for a 23 their access to fish, and the issues slightly higher price. Would they be they faced in the market. willing to sit in separate markets so The study revealed that there have been significant changes in the sector over the past six to seven years, and these have had a tremendous bearing They realized that they would have to reach a consensus not only on the work of women in among themselves and be willing to speak in one voice the fisheries but also on the quality to convince the authorities and the consumers. of fish that is reaching the market. The findings of the study were discussed in depth with the women in February 2015. The women that consumers could have the choice highlighted the two major problems to buy either fresh or frozen fish? as (i) growing male domination in Although they could not fathom fish vending and in the markets, and this in the beginning, the women (ii) competition from poor-quality gradually began to understand and frozen fish that prevented fresh fish wondered how they could work from fetching its rightful price. towards such a process. They realized While both the women who sell that they would have to reach a fresh fish and those who sell frozen consensus among themselves and fish were present at these discussions, be willing to speak in one voice to they all seemed to understand that convince the authorities and the they are together victims of similar consumers. processes of change taking place in fishing itself. As the boats get bigger Public hearing and more capital-intensive, landings Hence it was decided to organize have become more centralized. Fish a ‘Public Hearing’ to ensure better is frozen during long voyages and publicity for the issue, after which dumped in harbours. This fish then negotiations could be undertaken travels back to the seashore for sale at different levels to move towards to women vendors in the fishing greater food safety and decent This article is by Nalini Nayak communities, as the catches in the working conditions for women. But ([email protected]), Member, ICSF
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this would be a long struggle and ‘modern’ equipment, and how the would women be willing to give the communities lived off these resources. time for it? Several women were She said that this is due to the willing to put in the effort for this. knowledge accumulated over They agreed to come for regular generations of both the fishers and meetings, develop arguments and the women who sell, salt and dry then prepare their testimonies to be fish. This knowledge is the source of ably communicated to the jury. livelihood for thousands of coastal While it is normally very difficult people and since it is based on to get women to free themselves for the rhythms of nature, it is also such activities, a group of around sustainable. This knowledge should 20 women kept coming for the be protected. meetings on a regular basis for around Mercy, a young woman, spoke nine Sundays over five months. about the debt she had fallen into They had to first understand what a as her husband tried to keep abreast public hearing is. Then they had to of the new methods of catching fish understand the logic and connection with outboard engines, global between the issues they were going to positioning system (GPS), larger communicate, and afterwards think nets and powerful lights. As new of alternatives. They also had to equipment is introduced every week, choose who would speak on which all the fishers think they have to topic, and prepare themselves buy it. Mercy said they had borrowed accordingly. Rs 3 lakhs (US$ 4500) five years ago SEWA managed to get together an and now had a debt of Rs 10 lakhs interesting jury for the public hearing, (US$ 15000). Their entire catch 24 comprising the chairman of the seems to go to the companies who Famine-cum-Relief Fisheries Welfare produce the technology and the oil Fund who is a retired High Court to run the engines. They are left in judge, the Director of Fisheries, the debt as they ended up fishing not Commissioner of Food Safety, the to sustain themselves but to sustain Chief Executive Officer of Matsyafed the companies. “Why does the (the state fisheries co-operative government not control this”, Mercy federation), the Chairman of the wondered. Fisheries Development Corporation, Punitha, Carmel, Mary Varghese the Chairperson of the Head Load and Jaya then spoke of the problems Workers Welfare Board, a senior they had in accessing fish. Punitha, woman scientist from the Central who only procures fresh fish, spoke Institute of Fisheries Technology, about the burden of travelling to and an activist on fisheries and different shores, starting in the wee coastal issues. hours of the morning, to get fresh fish At the hearing, Sonia, the secretary after bearing the high transport costs. of SEWA Kerala, introduced the Carmel spoke about the competition reason for conducting the hearing. at the Kollam harbor to buy fish at She said that there are over 50,000 the auctions. Mary narrated how they women in small-scale fisheries, are cheated on weights and quality mainly in three coastal districts by the wholesale merchants at the in Kerala—Thiruvananthapuram, markets. Jaya spoke about the bad- Kollam and Kasargod—and they face quality frozen fish that comes to numerous issues in earning their their seashore in insulated vans from livelihood. The hearing would only distant harbours, and how they are raise issues of the women who directly cheated by the merchants again. engage in fish vending. Subsequently, They have no idea how old the the women began with their fish is, but it is much cheaper than testimonies. the locally caught fish, whose prices Philomi spoke about the traditional are thus driven down. knowledge of the small-scale fishers Reaching the market is another and how they managed to bring back ordeal. Stella spoke about the large catches without any so-called problems she has had getting into
SAMUDRA REPORT NO. 73 INDIA the state transport buses as they are Merina, women from Kollam, had not allowed to travel in them, and similar stories to tell. the bus conductors treat them Alphonsa and Vimala spoke very badly. She shared her painful about the fate of the women who sell experience of being literally thrown dry fish. They explained that the only out of the bus with her container. fish they get to dry these days comes Achamma spoke about the Matsyafed from the vehicles that bring frozen bus that takes them to the harbour at fish. Since this fish is of bad quality, Kollam and brings them back to the disguised with ammonia or formalin, market, which is a great service, but it has no shelf life even when it is that there are only four such buses dried. Hence they have to dispose in the state. Kochu Thresia spoke of it fast and the price they get is about the costs of hiring private very low. Moreover, they have to go vehicles, which drains them of all their to distant markets to sell the fish, to earnings. She demanded that areas where no other fish reach. Matsyafed provide a bus exclusively To wind up, Amala spoke about for the over 100 women vendors from the living conditions of the fishing her village. community. In many areas there is no Worse are the experiences access to potable water and women of women in the market itself. have to buy water. There are no Selvarani, Silvamma and Punitha drainage and sanitation facilities, and spoke about the extortionist headload many areas are water-logged, posing a workers who demand large sums major health hazard. Several villages just to take out the fish baskets from face threats of coastal erosion, and the autorickshaws at the market and houses are damaged during the rains. then demand festival allowances as This is caused by the stone retention 25 well. There are other problems as walls that are being built all along well—high market taxes, lack of the coast, which is no way to save the running water and toilets even in coast from erosion. Amala claimed refurbished markets, lack of space for that the sea receives all the pollution consumers, slippery tiled floors that from inland sources and nobody dissuade consumers from venturing cares about the lives of the people who in, among others. They spoke about live on the coast. the poor drainage for water runoff. Sita, who compered the hearing, All the prime spots are occupied by wound it up by saying that the policy male merchants who were earlier for modernizing the fishery had led absent. Finally, Annamary, who to these effects on people’s work had put up a big fight at the market and food, and that the government, where she sells fish, explained in while only thinking of increasing detail how they, the members the fish catch through modernizing, of SEWA, who had managed to get the does not pay heed to these aspects. panchayat to refurbish the market, This has led to a greater were forced to sit out in the sun. masculinization of the fishery, and When the panchayat finally did the women bear the brunt of it. construct the market, the women were Hence it is important for the local not allotted spaces to sit under the and state governments to find ways shelters—these were occupied by the to solve these issues to ensure that men. This is because the municipal the fisherwomen get their legitimate market is auctioned and the man rights to a decent livelihood. who bid for it has been in control After listening attentively, the for decades. He makes the rules and jury gave its responses, which are treats the women with disrespect. summarized below: He has now also become a big • Maintaining the quality of fish is merchant of frozen fish himself and an important aspect of food has engaged male vendors to sell the safety. The Department of Food fish for him. These men do not pay Safety will train fisherwomen in any tax and they occupy the prime aspects of quality management. spots in the market. Shusheela and Such experiments are presently
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being undertaken in north Kerala should be able to find ways of and the same can be adopted in collecting more authentic data Thiruvananthapuram as well. This so that planning and budgeting must eventually be conducted for this sector becomes more through the entire value chain. meaningful. • If and when women are trained, • Presently, there is a mismatch means of branding the high-quality between the loan schemes of the fish can also be undertaken. various departments and the needs • Women-only markets selling of the women. Efforts will be made only good-quality fish should be to develop, in collaboration with developed in other districts to SEWA, some creative participatory facilitate the process of informing alternatives that can be of more the consumers of good-quality fish, beneficial to the women. so that the small-scale fishers also • All technical institutions should get better prices. reach out more to women’s groups to • Markets are developed by the develop their capacities in financial Fisheries Department/Fisheries management and quality control. Corporation and handed over Financial support through Corporate to the Municipal Corporation or Social Responsibility (CSR) could local bodies. In future, criteria also be sought for this. will be developed when handing • More attention should be given to over markets to local bodies so the implementation of the Street that the rights of women vendors Vendors Act so that the street are safeguarded, and maintaining vendors are not arbitrarily evicted infrastructure of sanitation, lighting and also to ensure that the various 26 and waste disposal will be made requirements of the Act—portable mandatory. shelters, access to public toilets and • Discussions should be held water, garbage clearance—are also between the women vendors and put in place, thereby serving both the headload workers through the vendors and the public. their representative organizations, in which the Headload Workers Welfare Board will proactively help, to see that charges are made only as per rules and to sort out other disputes and reduce the harassment of the women. • As the market is their workplace, any harassment of women should For more be dealt with according to the igssf.icsf.net/en/page/1064- Harassment at the Workplace Act. Background%20Papers.html • While Matsyafed still runs a few Changes in the labour roles of buses for women vendors at women in the small-scale fi shery great cost, efforts will be made to in Kerala introduce buses on routes that will be viable, particularly from m.dailyhunt.in/news/india/english/the- the Adimalathura area towards new-indian-express-epaper-newexpress/ Neyyatinkara. kerala-women-fi sher-folk-raises-voice- • All women should actively about-their-woes-in-sewa-hearing- participate in gram sabhas so that newsid-47400143 they can demand their rights from Kerala women fi sherfolk raises the local government and stand voice about their woes in SEWA united against the marginalization hearing and harassment they now face. • More comprehensive data is required regarding women who work in different aspects of fisheries. The Fisheries Department
SAMUDRA REPORT NO. 73 Norway SAFETY AT SEA Land Ahoy !
In pursuit of its mandate to raise the safety standards in the country’s fi shing fl eet, the Norwegian Maritime Authority will rely on dialogue with the industry
ver the last decade, Norway’s be satisfied until we have similar fishing fleet has undergone results as in 2008, when, for the Osignificant structural changes first time in history, no professional that have led to fewer vessels and fishermen in Norway lost their lives a smaller number of professional at work, as shown in Figure 3. fishers. This is due to the merging The legislation administered by of allowable amounts of catch and the NMA is meant to contribute to also due to more efficient vessels increased safety. When inspections and improved profitability for many. uncover non-compliance with the There has also been a significant legislation, this is often explained by upgrade of the vessel fleet, both in poor attitudes towards safety or lack terms of new building and of a safety culture. This is not modification of existing vessels, which necessarily the case, since attitudes entail an upgrade of the standard depend on how the risk is perceived. of accommodation conditions, Individual experiences, personal improving the working and living abilities and aspects of the working 27 conditions for fishers working on environment in general play a board. An improved inspection regime significant role in the understanding during vessel construction and more of risks. detailed periodical inspections have also led to safer vessels. A review of the accident statistics We know that occupational accidents are being for Norwegian-registered fishing under-reported in the fi shing fl eets below 15 m, and vessels shows that most of the damage the big picture would be more nuanced if we had access to vessels happens as a result of to all the data. grounding or fire on board, as shown in Figure 1. The smallest fleets of less than 15 m in length are the most FForor yyears,ears, tthehe NMANMA hashas workedworked accident-prone. purposefully towards increasing the Figure 2 illustrates a positive trend in the number of occupational focus on safety in the Norwegian accidents in the fishing fleet. The fishing fleet, both through increased Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) supervision and stricter regulatory hopes that this trend is a result of requirements, but also through the increased focus on preventive attitudinal and behavioural measures. measures over the recent years. We We have an organized cooperation see a significantly higher number of with other authorities, fisheries reported occupational accidents in organizations, insurance companies the fleets above 24 m, but the and research communities. This statistics probably do not give us the cooperation focuses on health, whole story in this case. We know environment and safety for fishermen, that occupational accidents are being and the goal is to find common under-reported in the fishing fleets measures in order to improve the below 15 m, and the big picture would health, environment and safety level be more nuanced if we had access to in the fleet. all the data. This article is by Torben Vik Even if the number of fatal Liable party ([email protected]) and Hilde accidents has decreased in the According to Norwegian law, the Stange ([email protected]), Senior Advisers, Norwegian Maritime Norwegian fishing fleets, we will not company is the main liable party Authority, Norway
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Figure 1: Marine (not occupational) accidents distributed by length (as per the Ship Safety and Security Act). The company has an overall duty to ensure that the construction and operation of the ship is in accordance with the Act, and that the master and other persons working on board comply with the legislation. As regards employment rights, Norway gives seafarers and fishermen equal rights to a greater degree than what is done internationally. Fishermen have the same rights as seafarers to an employment agreement in writing, salary, holiday and leave of absence. In connection with the implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) in 2008, the requirement for an employment agreement in writing was introduced for all fishing vessels regardless of size. For Norwegian fishing vessels, the Ship Safety and Security Act provides Figure 2: Development of occupational accidents, 2011—2015 the main provisions for safety and working environment on board. The Regulations on working environment, 28 safety and health for persons working on board ships give more detailed provisions and guidelines on how the requirements of the Act shall be satisfied, and these Regulations apply to the entire vessel fleet, regardless of size. They include, among other things, a requirement for documented risk assessment of hazards on board. Through cooperation with the fisheries industry and our neighbours in Denmark (the Danish Working Environment Council), the NMA has developed an online utility programme to make it easier for Norwegian fishermen to carry out risk assessments. The programme Figure 3: Fatal accident rate in the Norwegian fishing fleets (see www.fiskrisk.no) is available for everyone free of charge (but, for the time being, available only in Norwegian). The Regulations also include requirements for personal protective equipment and the construction and arrangement of working equipment so that the employees are protected against accidents and injuries to health. Safety measures shall also be implemented to avoid long-term effects on health, which may be caused by exposure to chemicals, vibrations or noise in the working environment. The company has a duty to ensure that persons working on board are given the necessary training and
SAMUDRA REPORT NO. 73 SAFETY AT SEA information about safety and No. 188. We will, in addition, introduce health risks related to their work. a requirement stipulating that a The fishermen or their safety specification of crew shall be sent to representative shall be consulted and the designated person ashore have the right to make proposals in (company), which is not being connection with any issue which may practised by all fishing vessel affect their health or safety. companies today. On Norwegian fishing vessels, it is Technical requirements and currently possible to use young people supervision schemes for fi shing under the age of 16 as paid labour. vessels under 15 m This rule will nonetheless be changed Norway has a number of national following the implementation of ILO regulations on construction, outfitting Work in Fishing Convention No. 188. and operation of fishing vessels. Provisions related to the Fishing vessels of between 10.67 and accommodation, diet, potable water 15 m in overall length (OAL) have, and cleaning for fishing vessels of since 2001, been subject to a more than 15 metres are laid down supervision scheme where it is in a separate set of regulations. required to have valid vessel These regulations will implement instructions on board. The vessel the requirements of the ILO instructions are issued by approved Convention No. 188 into Norwegian companies on behalf of the NMA. legislation without further adaptation. In connection with the entry Norway has separate regulations into force of new regulations for the covering rest period requirements construction of fishing vessels of for all persons working on board under 15 m, fishing vessels of fishing vessels, which means that the between 8 and 10.67 m OAL must fishermen shall have at least 10 hours also be subjected to an initial survey 29 of rest in any 24-hour period and by an approved company, and 77 hours in any 168-hour period. The these vessels are now also covered interval between consecutive periods by the requirement for valid of rest shall not exceed 14 hours, and vessel instructions. After 2022, one of the rest periods shall be at least all sailing fishing vessels of more than six hours in length. 8 m will be required to have valid Compliance with the legislation vessel instructions. on hours of rest may, in some cases, The NMA is rarely directly involved be a challenge for parts of the fishing in the issuance of vessel instructions, fleet. There are several reasons for but the company may appeal a this, one of them being that the entire decision to the NMA. We also assist crew is often involved in fishing the approved companies by preparing activities that may be difficult to plan the necessary guidelines and report in advance. Some vessels, however, forms, and by providing the necessary are probably understaffed in relation clarifications and information about to their operational pattern, and it is decisions of principle. our impression that the regulations The ship-owner shall, first and on hours of rest are not well known foremost, carry out the inspection in among all fishermen. order to safeguard his crew, himself Risk assessments carried out by and his vessel. The inspection shall the NMA show that challenges related ensure that all fishing vessels maintain to fatigue is an important contributing a common safety standard, and the cause of accidents, both groundings vessels instructions are a confirmation and occupational accidents. In 2016, of this. we will, therefore, have a particular When a vessel is to be presented for focus on hours of rest and manning inspection, the ship-owner or master in our unscheduled inspections, must contact an approved company to and in connection with certificate arrange an inspection. In connection supervision where company’s control with this, the ship-owner or master is required. Norway does not require must first carry out a control of the safe manning documents on fishing vessel (company’s control). The vessels, but regulations for this will company’s control is carried out in be introduced in connection with the accordance with the report form implementation of ILO Convention prescribed by the NMA. The report
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form and other useful guidelines can In the years to come, the NMA be found on the NMA’s website. wants to place greater importance Approved companies will review on the active prevention of accidents the vessel documentation and carry and the use of safety-management out inspections on board the vessel. systems. It is a deliberate policy that When an inspector from the approved fishermen are being included, to a company has been on board and has greater degree, in requirements for found the vessel and documentation systematic safety activities and quality to be in order, vessel instructions assurance, which characterise the are issued. Norwegian working life in general. Vessels of under 9 m shall only All fishing vessels used for be subject to an initial survey by an commercial purposes are required to haveh a Safety Management System whichw can be documented and The NMA places great importance on keeping a good verifiedv in order to identify and dialogue with the industry and its various organizations controlc the risks and also to ensure in the ongoing work to raise the safety standard in the compliancec with requirements laid downd in, or pursuant to, a statute or fl eet. inin the actual Safety Management System.S The contents, scope and documentationd of the Safety approved company, and thereafter ManagementM System shall be adapted to periodic company controls. Vessels to the needs of the company and its of between 9 and 10.67 m shall, activities. Fishing vessels of 500 gross after the initial survey, be subject to registered tonnage (GRT) and upwards periodic controls by an approved shall have a certified ISM Safety 30 company every 60 months. Vessels Management System. of over 10.67 m shall, after the initial It has, however, become survey, be subject to periodic controls apparent that there is also a need for by an approved company every developing more specific regulatory 30 months. requirements in order to supplement Apart from the above mentioned the Act’s requirements related to control by an approved company, safety management for small vessels. the NMA carries out unscheduled The NMA is, therefore, well under inspection of the fleet. This will, in way in developing more detailed practice, take place by inspectors regulations for fishing vessels of from the NMA showing up in the port under 500 GRT. The fishermen’s and carrying out an inspection on organizations and insurance board the vessel without prior companies in Norway have, in notification. This is a good way turn, developed detailed safety- of checking the safety standard in management manuals for their the fleet. members, as tools to implement If the inspection uncovers proper safety management on non-compliance on the part of the board the vessel. The NMA places vessel, this could result in the NMA great importance on keeping a good issuing orders to rectify, with a dialogue with the industry and deadline for rectification, or it could its various organizations in the lead to the vessel being detained ongoing work to raise the safety until the non-compliance has been standard in the fleet. rectified. The NMA also has the possibility of issuing a coercive For more fine if the deadline is exceeded. In serious cases, a violation fine may www.sjofartsdir.no/en/ be imposed on the company or the Norwegian Maritime Authority individual seafarer, or they may even be prosecuted in particularly serious www.sjofartsdir.no/en/legislation/#laws cases. The Norwegian Coast Guard Legislation relevant to Marine also has limited access to control Ship and Safety vessels, either alone or in cooperation with the NMA and the Directorate of Fisheries.
SAMUDRA REPORT NO. 73 Document SSF WORKSHOP A Vision for Southeast Asia
Participants at a recent workshop in Bali sought to develop a draft Southeast Asian Regional Plan of Action (RPOA) to support the implementation of the SSF Guidelines in the region
he Southeast Asia Regional majority of fishers and fishworkers Consultation Workshop on the are employed in the small-scale fishery Timplementation of the Voluntary subsector. Guidelines for Securing Sustainable There is significant diversity Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of amongst the small-scale fisheries of Food Security and Poverty Eradication the region in terms of activity and (the workshop) was held in Bali, context, but there are also some Indonesia, on 24—27 August 2015. common characteristics. Small-scale It was co-organized by the Ministry fisheries are typically characterized of Marine Affairs and Fisheries by open access, low levels of (MMAF) of the Republic of Indonesia empowerment and a general lack of and the Food and Agriculture organizational structures and formal Organization of the United representation in decision-making Nations (FAO) in collaboration processes. Small-scale fisheries also with the Southeast Asian Fisheries typically involve rather complex 31 Development Center (SEAFDEC) livelihood strategies combining fishing and the FAO Bay of Bengal Large and other activities. Marine Ecosystem (BOBLME) Project. The workshop was attended by 116 participants including representatives of governments, Across the region, small-scale fi sheries contribute to regional and international livelihoods, food security, and local and regional organizations, fisherfolk organizations, economies... civil society organizations (CSOs), non- governmental organizations (NGOs), academia and other relevant actors. The objectives of the workshop Threats to small-scale fisheries were to raise awareness and develop include declining resources, habitat a draft Southeast Asian Regional degradation, Illegal, unreported Plan of Action (RPOA) to support the and unregulated (IUU) fishing, post- implementation of the Voluntary harvest quality issues, increasing Guidelines for Securing Sustainable competition for access to resources Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context and fishing areas between small-scale of Food Security and Poverty fisheries and commercial fisheries and Eradication (SSF Guidelines) in the other sectors, high levels of poverty region. Over three and a half days, and vulnerability to natural hazards participants examined the current and climate change and low levels of status of small-scale fisheries in the formal representation. region, shared experiences through country and topical presentations, A vision for the implementation of and discussed elements of a regional the SSF Guidelines This document is based on the Conclusions plan of action to support the Based on the focus of the workshop from the Proceedings of the Southeast Asia implementation of the SSF Guidelines. and its discussions, a vision for the Regional Consultation Workshop on the Across the region, small-scale future was proposed: Implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines fisheries contribute to livelihoods, • Resource management, rights, for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and food security, and local and regional and social and economic Poverty Eradication. 24–27 August 2015 economies. In most countries, the constraints are addressed through Bali, Indonesia
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the implementation of the SSF • Soliciting support for the Guidelines, leading to increased implementation of the SSF empowerment, improved livelihood Guidelines by national and regional and food security, and increased partners and projects. Encourage resilience of small-scale fisheries recognition and incorporation of and those people who depend the SSF Guidelines implementation upon them. priorities in the future and, to the extent possible, current Ensuring that the implementation of regional projects and initiatives the SSF Guidelines receives adequate (as exemplified by the BOBLME political and policy support Strategic Action Programme—SAP). Promotion of a Southeast Asian RPOA for implementation of the SSF Overarching objectives of an RPOA Guidelines, to be led by Indonesia • Regional and national government and coordinated by the Southeast policy commitment to promote an Asian Fisheries Development Center NPOA for the implementation of (SEAFDEC): the SSF Guidelines. • The workshop appreciated the • Sustainable and equitable Government of Indonesia’s management of small-scale initiative to develop its National fisheries and access of their Plan of Action (NPOA) for small- products to markets. scale fisheries, and for taking • Small-scale fishers and their a leading role in the region in communities are empowered to promoting implementation of the participate in, and benefit from, SSF Guidelines. sustainable development associated 32 • The workshop further welcomed with the fisheries and resources the commitment by SEAFDEC to upon which they depend. support the development and • Improved livelihoods and working implementation of a Southeast conditions of small-scale fishing Asian RPOA for securing communities. sustainable small-scale fisheries • Gender considerations are in the context of food security and mainstreamed as an integral part of poverty eradication, for subsequent small-scale fisheries development introduction to the Southeast Asian strategies. Nations (ASEAN) for consideration • Reduced vulnerability to natural hazards, climate variability and The workshop identifi ed the need for climate change, and increased additional activities: climate resilience. • Further consultations addressing specific issues, to inform and Approach and guiding principles of guide national and regional an RPOA implementation planning. The workshop acknowledged the • National programmes for awareness importance of all principles of the raising and mainstreaming of the SSF Guidelines for the region and that SSF Guidelines into policies and these must guide implementation. actions at all levels (following the The workshop acknowledged example set by Indonesia). that the comprehensive nature of the • Proactive partnership and SSF Guidelines requires a holistic and cooperation with relevant human rights-based approach to non-fisheries institutions and small-scale fisheries governance organizations, including National and development. It was further Commissions for Human Rights, recognized that actions must to resolve small-scale fisheries take regional, national and local issues relating to labour, social characteristics into consideration development, rights and tenure, and be inclusive of all stakeholders. which may not lie within the direct This includes the mainstreaming area of competence of fisheries of gender considerations in agencies or agriculture Ministries. implementation.
SAMUDRA REPORT NO. 73 SSF WORKSHOP
The workshop recognized that • Review existing tenure rights the implementation of the SSF systems (for fisheries and land) Guidelines should be anchored at to protect small-scale fisheries the local and national levels, but that including legalizing or recognizing regional attention and support would customary tenure systems of also be required to address shared indigenous peoples, to ensure concerns and transboundary issues. access to resources, including to The workshop emphasized the role coastal/waterfront areas as well as of governments in the implementation inland waters. of the SSF Guidelines as well as • Follow an ecosystem approach regional and local fisheries to fisheries (EAF) and apply a organizations, communities and the human rights-based approach private sector, to ensure ownership (HRBA) to achieve sustainable, of the SSF Guidelines. The workshop productive use, healthy ecosystems called upon these stakeholders to be and improved well-being of fishing proactive in the implementation of the communities. A change in attitude SSF Guidelines. This implementation will be needed from seeing small- should take place in the same scale fisheries as recipients to rights inclusive and consultative spirit which holders, and processes should characterized the SSF Guidelines include consultations, capacity development process. development and empowerment at The workshop recommended that regional and national levels. implementation of the SSF Guidelines • Ensure equitable participation would require the initiation of new of small-scale fisheries in actions, but would also build on the co-management and other existing experiences, good practices initiatives and frameworks 33 and processes supporting small- (such as integrated coastal zone scale fisheries in the region, some of management, and blue economy which have been identified during and marine protected area [MPA] the workshop. development). Fisheries advisory bodies need to be established Principal areas for action identifi ed that include small-scale fisheries by the working groups representation. The working groups identified • Ensure that appropriate fora, objectives and actions. Potential including regional human rights and priority areas for actions to be legal mechanisms, exist to address considered further in national and transboundary issues, including regional implementation planning in relation to transboundary processes proposed by the workshop resources and migrants, and are based on the following three migratory fishers and fishworkers. thematic areas, which follow Part 2 of LUKMAN the SSF Guidelines.
Governance of tenure in small-scale fi sheries and resources management (Chapter 5 of the SSF Guidelines) The workshop identified six possible priority areas for SSF Guidelines implementation: • Improve current arrangements for access to fishery resources for small-scale fisheries. Existing zoning systems giving exclusive access for small-scale fisheries in coastal and inland waters need strengthening and enhanced systems of user and access rights The Bali workshop recommended that implementation of the SSF Guidelines must be considered. would require the initiation of new actions, good practices and processes
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• Include small-scale fisheries—and of Labour and the Fisheries not only fisheries in general—in Department as well as a better national and regional climate- understanding of issues in relation change adaptation and disaster to transborder/boundary issues risk management legislation, at local level (for example, on the strategies and plans. Early-warning risks of IUU fishing, and migration systems, vulnerability assessments, for labour) and efforts to seek disaster-related social security humanitarian and responsible and insurance systems and other solutions. arrangements should be adapted to • Enable access to education for all cater for small-scale fisheries. to achieve informed and educated coastal communities. Study visits Social development, employment at the regional level, the and decent work and gender participatory development of equality (Chapters 6 and 8 of the curricula and the exploration of SSF Guidelines) new technology for education The workshop identified six could be supportive in this context. possible priority areas for action in • Improve living and working relation to this theme, which also conditions and social protection considered the issue of climate change in SSF to contribute to ensuring and disaster risk and gender: decent work in the region. This • Empower small-scale fishing should be based on International communities through an Labour Organisation (ILO) guidance integrated ecosystem/holistic and good practices, in particular approach for small-scale fisheries in relation to migrant labour and 34 development. The establishment of work in fishing. The sharing of national platforms representing all experiences in relation to national related stakeholders to support the social protection schemes in this SSF Guidelines implementation in a context could support change in participatory manner (as indicated the region. in particular in paras. 13.4, 13.5 • Actively promote and realize and 10.1 of the SSF Guidelines) and gender equality and equity in the promotion of interdepartmental small-scale fisheries through the collaboration within each country development and implementa- outside the Fishery Departments tion of gender-sensitive legal, are key in this context. This regulatory and policy frameworks. includes the incorporation of the This could be supported, inter alia, SSF Guidelines into the agenda through targeted programmes and of the ASEAN Ministerial-level on the gathering and sharing of best Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF). practices on the empowerment of This process could be supported women, also through social media by thematic research on small- and cultural campaigns. scale fisheries by the ASEAN • Ensure effective climate-change Intergovernmental Commission adaptation, emergency response on Human Rights, a mapping and disaster risk management of ongoing related initiatives, in small-scale fisheries by and sharing about current including fisheries and fishing empowerment conditions in the communities, including region. indigenous people, in related • Address tensions generated by national policies and plans at all transboundary and transborder levels. At the regional level, the issues to support an environment ASEAN Declaration on Climate for small-scale fisheries Change and Resilience should be communities that have decent taken into account in this context work and living conditions. and pilot projects should be This would require, in particular, initiated at the national level to collaboration between the Ministry learn and inform a regional of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry programme.
SAMUDRA REPORT NO. 73 SSF WORKSHOP
Value chains, post-harvest and trade to information through suitable (Chapter 7 of the SSF Guidelines) information and communications The workshop identified the technology (ICT): Proposed following five priorities under this actions include identification of theme the information needs of all • Small-scale fisheries meeting players in the supply chain, local food-security and human- ensuring regional scalability and development needs, participate compatibility of ICT, providing up- as partners in domestic, regional to-date and transparent market and global value chains, and price information system, and receive a fair share of the establishment of fishers’ markets. benefits: Proposed actions include • Organize small-scale fisheries conducting small-scale fisheries associations, facilitate their value-chain assessments and evolution and strengthen them risk analysis, market analysis, to encourage a fair and inclusive improvement of traditional value- environment, improve their added products and promotion of bargaining positions through small-scale fisheries products and an inclusive legal framework, inclusion in traceability systems. and promote community-based • Reduction of fish losses and resource management combining ensuring quality of the product local wisdom and scientific to increase fishers’ income and knowledge: Proposed actions support sustainable fisheries include creating and strengthening management: Proposed actions fishers associations and include regional assessment empowering them to get involved on sustainable fish catch and in resources management and 35 processing capacity and most capacity building, empowering critical fisheries, potential causes of regional EAF management working fish losses, promoting best practices groups to support small-scale for handling and distribution fisheries, and conducting regional and establishment of a regional reviews on how traditional systems platform to promote exchange of have evolved and adapted. experiences among small-scale fisheries. Immediate next steps as follow-up • Develop a conducive policy to the regional workshop and business environment The follow-up actions identified to encourage investment in by the workshop to progress the RPOA infrastructure appropriate to and further promote implementation small-scale fisheries: Proposed of the SSF Guidelines have been actions include identifying best clustered thematically according policies for facilitating investment to the structure of Part 3 of the SSF in infrastructure, establishment of Guidelines. regional and national organizations for fishing port managers, capacity Policy coherence, institutional development for the maintenance collaboration and coordination and management of landing sites/ • Identify key partners at national fishing ports and small-scale and regional levels (NGOs, fisheries business skills, and private sector, other government encouraging innovation in the departments), including indigenous appropriate technology on peoples and NHRCs. infrastructure for small-scale • Map regional projects/initiatives fisheries. to explore synergies and • Establish transparent market opportunities for implementation information systems for local and of the SSF Guidelines (for international markets and trade, example, BOBLME, Arafura and facilitate networking between Timor Seas Ecosystem Action small-scale fisheries and end Programme and the Indonesian users, and promote better access Seas Large Marine Ecosystem,
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which already include references Implementation support and to the SSF Guidelines). monitoring • Prepare the zero draft of the Information, research and Regional Action Plan and organize communication a SEAFDEC regional technical • Each participant should bring back consultation to discuss the zero the learning from this workshop draft (for subsequent introduction to colleagues. into the ASEAN mechanism). • Support lobbying at national level • Initiate national processes to with the government to implement develop an NPOA for small- the SSF Guidelines. scale fisheries for each country • The SSF Guidelines should be (e.g. example from Indonesia) by translated into national languages sharing the results of the regional (simple version). workshop with all relevant • Develop mechanisms for stakeholders (e.g. in Thailand). alternative reporting (by CSOs/ • Identify small-scale fisheries NGOs) on how the SSF Guidelines “hotspots” (most numerous, most can support the improvement of dependent, most vulnerable, most small-scale fisheries. poor, women, indigenous people, • Select one to two major market etc.) and develop pilot activities and trade activities at the regional at the subnational level to level (for example, assessment of demonstrate change through the the value chain of small-scale application of the SSF Guidelines fisheries or organization of a (requires criteria on identifying regional event to promote small- hotspots and financial support 36 scale fisheries products). for piloting). • National- and local-level • Organize virtual working groups workshops organized to raise to work on specific topics and awareness on the SSF Guidelines define outcome. (including fishers, local and • Create channels to report on national governments, partners, progress on implementation to e.g. International Collective in relevant regional institutions. Support of Fishworkers). • Report progress on SSF Guidelines • Raise awareness on the SSF implementation to the FAO Guidelines by Mangroves for the Committee on Fisheries (COFI) in Future through steering committee 2016. and national coordinating bodies. • Aim for a comprehensive review of the implementation of the SSF Capacity development Guidelines in five years’ time. • Understand needs and support • BOBLME, subject to a second capacity building at the national phase, should support the further level, targeting public institutions. development of an RPOA for • Provide support to CSOs/fisheries implementation of SSF Guidelines. organizations that supported The workshop extended its development of the SSF Guidelines gratitude to the MMAF of the and/or are following up on their Government of the Republic of implementation on the ground, Indonesia for hosting the workshop. including sharing of best practices among small-scale fisheries groups. For more • Strengthen small-scale fishers’ organizations. www.fao.org/documents/card/ • FAO to support development of en/c/01970d80-9a4c-46cf-b202- guidance on implementation of e1a9d2216a54/ the SSF Guidelines (in partnership Towards the Implementation with thematic experts/countries), of the SSF Guidelines in the and specific thematic small-scale Southeast Asia Region fisheries issues.
SAMUDRA REPORT NO. 73 Report SRI LANKA Moving On
Promoting a rights-based approach to sustainable small-scale fi sheries development through participatory and consultative processes was discussed at a workshop in Colombo
he South Asia FAO–BOBLME explained the status of fisheries in Regional Consultation on the their own countries. The country TImplementation of the Voluntary representatives stressed the Guidelines for Securing Sustainable importance of SSF in the region due Small-scale Fisheries in the Context of to the large numbers of rural Food Security and Poverty Eradication populations engaged in fishing, both (SSF Guidelines) was held in Colombo, marine and inland, and the greater Sri Lanka, during 23—26 November share of SSF in the total fish landings. 2015. The event was organized by the The major issues highlighted by Food and Agriculture Organization all included the need to promote of the United Nations (FAO) and the the sustainable use of fisheries Bay of Bengal Large Marine resources, promote participatory Ecosystem (BOBLME) Project. It decisionmaking and management, was co-hosted by the Ministry of empower small-scale fishers, provide Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of them with market access, strictly 37 Sri Lanka, and additional financial enforce laws, and protect the aquatic support was provided by the resources. Moreover, emphasis was Government of Norway. About 42 participants from Bangladesh, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka attended the The country representatives stressed strongly the workshop, including representatives importance of SSF in the region due to the large numbers of governments, regional and of rural populations engaged in fi shing, both marine international organizations, fisherfolk and inland, and the large share of SSF in the total fi sh organizations, CSOs/NGOs, academia landings. and other relevant actors. The overall objective of the workshop was to raise awareness laid on gender concerns, concerns especially the and support the implementation of need to empower women. Everybody the SSF Guidelines in the region. The stressed the need to identify and workshop started with an introductory recognize the rights of fishers. Some presentation by FAO, explaining of the important considerations that how the process of preparing the emerged during discussions included Guidelines took place since 2008, the importance of the ecosystem with the enrolment of about 4,000 approach to fisheries management, stakeholders who interacted with one engagement of fishing communities another in a series of conferences, in decisionmaking, integration of workshops and consultations held in research outputs into policy, and a number of countries. The role capacity development of all parties of BOBLME in this initiative by concerned in the implementation of contributing to institutional the SSF Guidelines. Several voids in coordination, information, research, fisheries research were also identified, communication and capacity building which included, among others, the was also explained. need to find out the most appropriate interactive platforms, mechanisms The status of SSF in South Asia of empowering fishing communities, This report is by Oscar Amarasinghe ([email protected]), Professor, An array of presentations by public, guiding technological change and University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, and private and civil society actors institutional change along a socially Member, ICSF
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optimal direction, and addressing and proposed that efforts should issues of legal pluralism. be made by CSOs and academia/ The country representatives also researchers to identify and document discussed issues specific to their such rights and advocate their countries. Both India and Bangladesh recognition by governments. The need expressed serious concern about to identify and document incidences the process of marginalization of of human rights violations and fishers, including women in the address them in collaboration with processing sector. Maldives pointed fisher community organizations and out that sea level rise (due to climate national human rights institutions change) is a serious risk to SSF, while was also highlighted. The absence for Bangladesh, vulnerability was of a ‘fisher voice’ in the process of strongly related to ‘ownership of decisionmaking was also a major fishing assets slipping out of the concern. hands of the small-scale fishers’. Participants stressed the Sri Lanka expressed increased importance of effective and concern on safety of fishers and meaningful consultation of fishing the lack of alternative employment communities. Co-management was opportunities for fishing populations. recognized as an effective mechanism Participants also discussed the for incorporating fisher interests, good practices adopted by their including those of women and countries in dealing with some of marginalized groups, into fisheries the above issues. Sri Lanka boasted management. This needs capacity of a very strong legal framework building and empowerment of fishing and the functioning of a number of communities, who will engage in 38 co-management platforms (especially effective resources management in lagoon fisheries), rights of access both at the local and national levels. to resources established through the Establishment of multi-tier platforms construction/declaration of beach to address regional management access roads, and recognition of beach issues and transboundary fishing seine padu and stake-net fisheries. issues was also proposed. The Participants from India explained participants added that governments how self-help groups and cooperatives should ensure that the United Nations deal effectively with social and Convention on the Law of the Sea economic issues, while fishworker (UNCLOS) and international human unions deal with the ‘rights’ of small- rights conventions, including the scale fishers. Representatives from International Labour Organization Maldives and Bangladesh explained (ILO) conventions, are applied to all how small-scale fishers are granted fisheries activities. access to land for fish processing. Maldives have also been able to set ii. Social development, employment, a floor price for tuna. With respect decent work and gender equality to transboundary issues, the shared Development of human capacities in management plan for the Hilsa fishery SSF was identified as one of the most between Bangladesh and India was urgent needs and a prerequisite to highlighted. adopt holistic approaches to fisheries development. Training of fishers and Concerns and suggestions fisherwomen to earn decent incomes Through group discussions, the and financial support to start up participants identified the key areas productive activities and improvement of concern and the actions proposed in the provision of information (for to deal with them. example, through information and communications technology ICT) i. Governance of tenure in SSF and were also recognized as important. resources management The participants stressed the need to The participants recognized the need provide basic needs, such as housing, to legalise customary tenure rights, secure tenure rights, sanitation and both in fisheries resources and land, drinking water. The need to develop/
SAMUDRA REPORT NO. 73 SRI LANKA strengthen and operationalize public fishing inputs, effective dissemination health schemes, fisheries insurance of market information and the need schemes and subsidized loan schemes to support post-harvest infrastructures (in particular for women) was also were suggested as remedial measures. brought to light. The participants Another important concern of the expressed concern on the issue of participants was the issue of ‘safety empowerment of fishing communities. at sea’. It was suggested that safety Not only the establishment of of small-scale fishers be improved community organizations, but also through the provision of safety the provision of capacity development equipment, training on safety at sea, and strengthening of the link between designing effective insurance schemes, community organizations and the and improved communication and government, was emphasized. It early warning systems. was also observed that the small- scale fisheries sector often fails to The way forward provide equal opportunities and a The following were identified as safe and fair source of income, in the steps to be taken by diverse particular for women and in inland stakeholder groups to actively fisheries. The poor bargaining power promote the implementation of the of fishing communities vis-à-vis the SSF Guidelines at the national and middlemen, had pushed down fishing regional levels: incomes, which could be addressed by developing alternative means of Role of government actors and other support generally rendered by participants merchants. It was suggested The government participants agreed that minimum wage schemes for to establish the SSF focal points in 39 small-scale fishworkers be examined, their fisheries administrations and as also the development and/or other authorities, as appropriate. implementation of policies in support All participants agreed to organize of gender equality and gender formal and informal debriefing mainstreaming. Strengthening and meetings to provide information about expansion of regional collaboration the outcomes of the workshop within among CSOs to share experiences on their respective administrations and the implementation of the organizations and to disseminate SSF Guidelines and resolving the SSF Guidelines and the outcomes transboundary and other common and recommendations of the issues were also strongly workshop to relevant meetings. recommended. It was also suggested to advocate for the establishment of a regional iii. Value chains, post-harvest and oversight committee with at least trade one government and one CSO member The role of women in post-harvest per country (with due attention to activities received great attention. gender balance) to follow up and Organizing women into cooperatives, monitor (for example, through training on entrepreneurship, email groups) the process, building promoting micro-finance assistance, potentially on existing initiatives provision of low-interest credit, (like the Asia Alliance on Small-scale promotion of community saving and Fisheries). credit schemes, were all recognized as important steps in facilitating Role of CSOs, CBOs and NGOs women’s involvement in the fish The CSOs agreed that they should value chain. Distribution of benefits develop additional language versions from trade and returns from fish and of the SSF Guidelines, with the help fishery products were noted to of the respective governments and the be ‘unfair’. The need for fisher FAO. The NGOs and CBOs/CSOs are to organizations to involve in bargaining prepare posters, simplified versions, vis-à-vis buyers, collective purchasing short movies, and radio features, by cooperatives, reducing cost of again with the support of their
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governments, in order to raise the implementation of SSF guidelines awareness about the SSF Guidelines. and promoting interaction with CSOs also agreed to appoint national relevant non-fisheries ministries focal points for the implementation and departments at all levels, and of the SSF Guidelines. mainstreaming of SSF Guidelines in relevant policies, strategies, plans as Role of international organizations, well as public-private partnerships FAO and BOBLME in support of the SSF Guidelines were The participants thought that it is best also recognized. for the FAO to provide guidance for the preparation of National Plans of A concluding remark Action to support the implementation In summary, there was general of the SSF Guideline and support the agreement among the participants at monitoring of the implementation the workshop that sustainable of the SSF Guidelines. It was also development of small-scale fisheries suggested that the BOBLME project shall be based on proper governance should include support to follow up and management of the natural activities after the workshop and the resource base and the people implementation of the SSF Guidelines who depend on it, through the at regional and national levels establishment of effective interactive during its proposed second phase. platforms, such as fisher community organizations and appropriate Role of research institutes and co-management platforms, which universities will adopt holistic and integrated It was recommended that academia approaches, while ensuring that 40 and researchers should contribute the rights and responsibilities of a chapter on the SSF Guidelines the participating actors, including implementation to a planned women and marginalized groups, are publication of the research network clearly laid down and respected, and Too Big To Ignore (TBTI). It was also that decisions are made through a proposed that the research institutes process of consultation, collaboration and universities need to look into and coordination of all actors new research areas relevant to the concerned. Such a process shall application of the SSF Guidelines, encompass capacity building and which might include socioeconomic empowerment of small-scale fishers, data collection, design and providing them with the required implementation (including gender- social protection, and meeting their disaggregated data), provision of well-being aspirations through proper information on the socioeconomic social development interventions status of fishing communities and the and adoption of appropriate legal aquatic habitats through participatory instruments. research, and making initiatives to integrate the SSF Guidelines in fisheries course curricula. Finally, the participants noted the For more need to secure funding, which, among other things, include engagement igssf.icsf.net/en/page/1066- with international and regional Interesting%20articles%20on%20 development partners through SSF%20Guidelines.html bilateral donors and embassies at the Small-scale Fisheries Guidelines country level, and with new projects www.fao.org/srilanka/news/detail-events/ (including BOBLME phase 2). The need en/c/356820/ to explore opportunities of joining FAO-BOBLME South Asia Regional hands with NGOs operating outside Consultation on SSF Guidelines fisheries and working with human rights and social development institutions was also brought to attention. Provisions to be made for
SAMUDRA REPORT NO. 73 Tanzania SSF GUIDELINES Learning, Sharing, Acting
A workshop held at the coastal town of Bagamoyo during 17—18 August 2015 addressed the role of the SSF Guidelines in meeting the challenges of coastal communities in Tanzania
he adoption of the Voluntary The workshop paid tribute to the Guidelines for Securing memory of Chandrika Sharma, the TSustainable Small-scale Fisheries former Executive Secretary of ICSF, in the Context of Food Security and who was very closely involved in the Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) process leading up to the adoption by the Committee on Fisheries (COFI) of the SSF Guidelines, but who was of FAO in June 2014 has established sadly lost when the Malaysian a firm foundation for organizing Airlines flight MH370 disappeared on and facilitating activities that will 8 March 2014. enhance the profile of small-scale The total number of participants fisheries around the world and at the Bagamoyo workshop was 36, promote their role as diligent actors of whom 10 were female and 26 male. in the fight against global poverty. The main objectives of the workshop These Guidelines resonate with the were to: situations that coastal fisheries in i. continue the participatory process 41 Tanzania face. Coastal Tanzanian of creating awareness of the SSF communities have to confront a number of challenges in improving their livelihoods from fisheries, not The workshop paid tribute to the memory of Chandrika the least of which is the increase in Sharma, the former Executive Secretary of ICSF, who was destructive fishing methods, including very closely involved in the process leading up to the the common use of explosives. adoption of the SSF Guidelines... Additionally, the role of women in the small-scale fisheries value chain is largely unrecognized, in terms of GuidelinesGuidelines andand ttheirheir aapplicabilitypplicability their role in gleaning and fish in the local context of Tanzania; processing and selling. ii. explore how current legislation In response to the move to reflects the SSF Guidelines and disseminate the SSF Guidelines, where there might be room for Tanzanian member of the improvement; International Collective in Support of iii. stimulate local awareness Fishworkers (ICSF), in collaboration amongst members of the marine with MWAMBAO Coastal Community fishing community in Tanzania Network of Tanzania, conducted a of the breadth of their rights both workshop with policy-makers and in the national and international representatives from marine fishing context; and communities during 17—18 August iv. identify ways in which fishing 2015 at Bagamoyo. communities can begin to MWAMBAO is an evolving implement the SSF Guidelines on network of coastal communities in the ground. Tanzania that is working to build the The workshop was conducted in capacity of communities and bring the coastal town of Bagamoyo and them together while also linking up involved participants from different This report is by Lorna Slade with scientists, government locations and at different levels of ([email protected]), institutions, practitioners and experts governance, from policymakers to Ali Thani ([email protected]) of Mwambao Coastal Community Network, to facilitate cross-learning, information fishers themselves. Zanzibar fisheries Tanzania, and Rosemarie Myaipopo sharing and joint action. were not included in the workshop ([email protected]), Member, ICSF
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largely for logistical reasons but also for the government to recognize because Zanzibar fisheries legislation their traditional governance differs from that of the mainland. system. In order to facilitate easier b. A Cry for Rights, is a participatory communication with participants, video facilitated by MWAMBAO a Kiswahili translation of the SSF with the fi sher communities Guidelines was prepared. in Lamu, Kenya, regarding the A brief introduction was given on need for community consultation the development of the SSF Guidelines with regard to a major local until their adoption on 1 June 2014 so port development which that the members would appreciate will signifi cantly impact their the participatory efforts taken to fi shing grounds, livelihoods and involve and consult stakeholders culture. from different levels of the fisheries community. These included (ii) Clarifi cation of small-scale representatives of governments, fi sheries governance issues from a small-scale fishers, fishworkers and central government perspective their organizations, researchers, At the workshop, it was elaborated development partners and other that the fisheries sector, being an relevant stakeholders from over 120 important livelihood sector for the countries in six regions and over people and economy of Tanzania, is a 20 civil society organizations. multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder The methodology for the sector, within which a number of workshop involved: rights and responsibilities have been • appreciative inquiry; developed in order to ensure the 42 • giving priority to the rights and desired functioning of the sector. responsibilities in small-scale Governance responsibilities are fisheries; outlined by the national policy, legal • sharing of related experiences and institutional framework. Key of small-scale fisheries in other instruments include the National countries using a community film; Fisheries Sector Policy and Strategies • presentation on key issues; and Statement (NFSPSS) of 1997; the • group discussions and deliberations. Fisheries Act No. 22 of 2003 and the Principal Regulations of 2009 and 2012, Highlights of the workshop usually reviewed from time to time. (i) Sharing of experiences using a Local participation through community fi lm decentralized management of the Two videos were shown from fisheries sector is enshrined in these two different parts of the world to instruments through which the illustrate the rights of small-scale government recognizes the central fishers and the issues which they are and significant role of small-scale currently facing. fisheries and fishing communities a. Voice of Fishers, Panama, which in the country. In addition to fishers was produced under the ‘Voices having the right to make demands of Fishers’ project conducted in on the government for information, relation to the development of facilitation and other services to the Voluntary Guidelines on the enable them to benefit from fisheries Responsible Governance of Tenure resources, small-scale fishers also bear of Land, Fisheries and Forests in responsibility for protecting resources, the Context of National Food and ensuring sustainable use and Security. The documentary compliance to sensitive management production involves testimonies practices on the marine environment from members of the fi shing guided by their own bylaws. community of Kuna Yala, Comarca, who talk about their (iii) Group discussions and vision and the reality of issues deliberations by participants relating to tenure and rights over Five groups were formed, each traditional fi sheries, and the need assigned under one of the major
SAMUDRA REPORT NO. 73 SSF GUIDELINES themes of the SSF Guidelines, namely, wa Mwambao Tanzania, but these (a) Governance of tenure; (b) Social are area-specific and do not have a development, employment and decent coordinated outreach for the coastal work; (c) Value chain (including fishers in the country. In addition, post-harvest and trade activities); community-based systems such as (d) Gender equity; and (d) Climate Beach Management Units (BMUs) or change and disaster risk. Village Liaison Committees (VLCs) From the ensuing discussions, have been formed, but the some of the experiences regarding effectiveness of these structures is also fishers’ rights noted that overall, area-specific, and their operations there was a lack of a clear mechanism are sometimes challenged by lack of or platform for voicing the rights capacity, non-compliance or inability of small-scale fishers. It was noted to stand for small-scale fishers’ rights. that some organizations have been • Specifically, the following issues formed, such as Muungano wa Wavuvi were mentioned:
Issues Issues Policy and legal issues Interlinkages for management • Fishers do not have the absolute right of ownership of • Poor linkages with the Meteorological Department fishing grounds deny fishers adequate information on the weather • Conversion of land areas to other uses such as situation, making it difficult for them to prepare tourist hotels is limiting the right of access of fishers for disasters to fishing grounds • Inadequate savings and credit facilities to satisfy 43 • Lack of participation of small-scale fishers in the and motivate fishers. These need to be upscaled coastal land-use planning processes is affecting • Low entrepreneurship skills for small-scale fishers small-scale fishers’ rights • Poor dissemination or coordination of market • Fisheries laws and policies are not commensurate information with small-scale fisheries situations, and hence need to be reviewed • There is need to endorse BMU regulations Ecological, environmental issues Health issues • Inadequate knowledge makes it challenging for • Limited health services available for small-scale communities to engage in sustainable management of fishing communities (especially healthcare for resources (like mangroves, beaches and coral reefs) women and children) • Degradation of marine ecology from both climate • Inadequate knowledge of HIV/AIDS among small- change and anthropogenic factors scale fishers • Rise in sea level and destruction of beaches related to climate change • Climate-change-related decline in seaweed production Gender-related concerns Small-scale fi sheries management concerns • Women’s involvement in decision-making is low (only • Few developed and equipped landing sites 30 per cent) • Inadequate access to appropriate fishing tools or • Women do not have adequate knowledge of the technologies, which affects more women and the fisheries youth • Women in small-scale fishing communities are less • Permission for non-government actors to manage educated (low schooling levels) compared to men marine resources (for example, in creation of • Tough competition for women from more able fishers artificial reef structures) and buyers • Poor or lack of efficient tools, low-standard tools, • Women’s low engagement in the value chain is due to gear and equipment, and lack of capital to invest in inadequate support and lack of capital fishing and related activities • Gender-based violence is experienced throughout the value chain (in employment, business, etc.)
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Prioritisation of issues g. improving women’s access to fi sh Each working group prioritized markets. two actions as priority outcomes iv. Prepare a Social and Environmental from the workshop and these were Management Plan for small-scale summarized under the major themes as fisheries. This plan will outline follows: small-scale fisheries management i. Forming an umbrella national aspects, disaster mitigation fishers’ organization starting at the aspects, and information sharing village level and coordination among the The responsibility of this national different stakeholders—village- small-scale fishers’ organization will local government (district) and be to (a) mobilize and collect people’s the central government. The plan views and increase their awareness will also outline mechanisms for and sensitization on key issues improved communication and confronting small-scale fisheries; for technical/expert support on (b) unite groups that already exist; fisheries and the environment to (c) provide advice and guidance; and small-scale fishing communities. (d) collaborate with the government v. Prepare and enforce bylaws to and the village to develop a common help in the prevention of gender- goal. The organization will also have based violence among small-scale to develop a constitution. fishing communities and across ii. Encourage further formation of the value chain. The programme savings and credit groups should include strategies to Forming savings and credit control HIV/AIDS transmission, as groups to promote the sensitization, well as liaison with the Ministry 44 mobilization and formation of a of Health and Social Welfare to sound savings and credit system obtain appropriate guidelines. with reasonable reach among the In order to jump-start the process small-scale fishing community, which and to ensure its sustainability, the will also be accessible and affordable. workshop facilitators agreed to This will be done in cooperation proceed with the following steps: with current leaders and advisers of • forming a task force involving ICSF, VICOBA (Village Community Banks). MWAMBAO and the government iii. Improve collaboration among, and • formulating an action plan between, fishing communities in as the Tanzanian chapter for the protection of landing sites the implementation of the SSF This proposal will include the Guidelines, and formulation of a decision-making • developing a monitoring plan with protocol for landing-site management. established indicators. This protocol will involve the following: a. preparation of bylaws and guidelines for (coastal) investors (in particular, tourism developers). These bylaws will be formulated through the sensitization of the For more small-scale fi shing community at igssf.icsf.net/en/page/1070-Tanzania.html the village level; Report of the Workshop to b. allocation of roles and Introduce the FAO Voluntary responsibilities; Guidelines for Securing c. consideration of gender equity; Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries d. encouraging increased hygiene at in the Context of Food Security the landing sites by BMU and other and Poverty Eradication (VG-SSF) stakeholders; in Tanzania e. follow-up on security issues at landing sites; f. follow-up on byelaw enforcement; and
SAMUDRA REPORT NO. 73 Report SSF GUIDELINES A Huge Struggle
A recent workshop at New Delhi discussed capacity building for the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries (SSF Guidelines)
national workshop on the world over, and how we need to ‘Capacity Building for the carry on the fight in her honour. AImplementation of the In the spirit of the SSF Guidelines, Voluntary Guidelines for Securing the workshop brought together a Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries range of actors of relevance to the (SSF Guidelines)’ was held during small-scale fisheries sector, in an 21—22 March 2016 at the India attempt at developing a coherent International Centre, New Delhi. intersectoral response. Nearly 96 While this was the first in a series participants attended the workshop. of workshops supported by the There were distinguished participants International Fund for Agricultural not only from marine and inland Development (IFAD) to be organized fishing communities across India, but in various countries and regions, also from a cross-section of ministries, for India it was the culmination of a departments and agencies, both at the series of workshops and consultations Union and state level, dealing with 45 held across the country since early human rights, rural development, last year. decentralization and local governance, The national workshop was organized by the International Collective in Support of Fishworkers (ICSF), in collaboration with the The workshop also aimed to highlight the small-scale World Forum of Fisher Peoples fi shery organizations’ efforts at empowering the fi shing (WFFP) and the World Forum of Fish communities and valorizing the subsector Harvesters and Fish Workers (WFF) to promote awareness about the SSF Guidelines and to mobilize support for their implementation. The labour and employment, disaster workshop also aimed to highlight preparedness, finance, tribal the small-scale fishery organizations’ affairs, planning, marine and inland efforts at empowering the fishing fisheries as well as representatives communities and valorizing the of CSOs/NGOs, research institutions, subsector; and to discuss how Indian FAO, IFAD and BOBP-IGO. Panel policies and legislation to protect discussions focusing on each the lives and livelihoods of small- component of the SSF Guidelines scale fishers, fishworkers and fishing brought forth a range of information, communities can benefit from the opinions and experiences from SSF Guidelines. different stakeholders. Group The New Delhi workshop was discussions on the second day helped planned to coincide with the second concretize recommendations towards anniversary of the disappearance action plans based on what emerged of Malaysian Airlines flight MH370, from the panel discussions. which Chandrika Sharma, the former Executive Secretary of ICSF, was Concerns raised on board. At the workshop, International small-scale fishworker representatives from WFFP, WFF and forums, represented by their Indian This article is by Mariette Correa ICSF spoke about her support for the members, raised their concerns ([email protected]), struggles of small-scale fishworkers plaguing the sector and what needed Senior Programme Co-ordinator, ICSF
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to be done to protect their rights the imminent threat to coastal and promote their interests. These communities due to sea level rise, included the importance of securing global warming and acidification access to tenure rights to coastal of oceans adversely impacting and inland land and water bodies marine life. and protection of customary rights; The plethora of challenges the need for measures to ensure women faced was highlighted by their social development including several speakers. Fisherwomen had decent housing, sanitation facilities, low access to government finances, potable water, education and health were not recognized as ‘fishers’ and infrastructure; ways in which decent were therefore unable to lease inland water bodies without protracted sstruggles. As workers, they often rreceived less than the minimum Participants at the workshop explained how the tenure wwage, and their lack of collateral also rights of both men and women were weak and not llefte them at the mercy of middlemen guaranteed... aand moneylenders. They lacked ffacilities at landing centres, including aaccess to drinking water, leave alone wwater for cleaning fish. Among the work could be ensured for workers; mmany issues raised were—the lack of how the role of women in small-scale marketing facilities, exploitation of fisheries needed to be valorized, women in markets, lack of security their participation strengthened and as well as facilities for women capacities built for value addition, who travel intra - and inter-state 46 leadership and marketing; and, the to sell fish, work displacement of need to address the implications women caused by factors such as of climate change and natural male-friendly technology development disasters on small-scale fisheries. which decreased their access to fish, They discussed the importance of loss of access rights to traditional pensions for fisherpeople, safety at fish drying areas, and poor access to sea, insurance policies against education, health, entitlements and disasters, protection of fishers across property. Also, it was pointed out that territorial waters and the exclusive the high levels of alcoholism among economic zone, and compensation men in fishing communities were the during fish ban periods. Issues cause of great suffering for the women. concerning migrant workers on Participants at the workshop fishing boats were highlighted, the condemned the practice of giving need for facilities, insurance covers value to trash fish in the form of and registration in the places where fishmeal for poultry. They also spoke they work and that interdepartmental out against the government coordination between fisheries and incentivising the export sector, labour is needed at the national and adversely affecting the domestic state levels. Suggestions were made market and food security. They also regarding zoning, including reserving condemned the dumping of toxic areas for traditional small-scale waste in oceans, large-scale fishers, and for different gear groups to destruction of mangroves for reduce inter-gear conflicts. ‘development’ projects, flattening Participants at the workshop of sand dunes for sand mining, and explained how the tenure rights of the lack of a system of punishments both men and women were weak and for violations of environmental laws. not guaranteed, and pointed to their poor access to health, housing, water Framework and sanitation facilities, and how The workshop participants felt that fishing communities were especially the SSF Guidelines now provide a affected by natural and man-made framework to address these issues. disasters and developments in the Government representatives from a coastal and inland areas, including wide range of ministries and research
SAMUDRA REPORT NO. 73 SSF GUIDELINES institutions as well as international Plan for Fisheries, with fishing agencies welcomed the SSF licences accompanying a mandatory Guidelines and highlighted its requirement of sharing catch data. importance in a country like India The workshop participants were where 95 per cent of its fisherfolk are given a glimpse of FAO’s efforts in the small-scale subsector. They towards implementation of the SSF recognized the threats to small-scale Guidelines. There was recognition fisheries and said that though some that the Indian Constitution and aspects of the SSF Guidelines were human-rights law place great value reflected in the 2004 Comprehensive on the human rights principles Marine Fishing Policy, the draft 2015 reflected in the SSF Guidelines, but National Marine Fisheries Policy and the reality is different and poltical the Marine Fishing Regulation Acts will is needed to ensure that these at the state level, some issues like principles are actually protected and disaster risk reduction and climate- promoted to ensure the human rights change mitigation were new to the of small-scale fishing communities. fisheries authorities. They spoke It was acknowledged that the SSF about the role they could play and Guidelines are unique in that they how the SSF Guidelines could provide are developed within the framework guidance for legislation, policies and of two main approaches—the research of relevance to fisheries and human-rights-based approach as fishing communities. well as an ecosystem approach to Attention was drawn to how fisheries—which, therefore, attempt existing policies and legislation deal to achieve better benefits for small- with life and livelihood issues of both scale fisheries and fishworkers as men and women and how gaps in well as sustainability of fishery 47 legal and policy instruments resources. The participants of the as well as the gap between the workshop enumerated the positive research conducted and the realities steps taken, including key climate confronting the communities could finance initiatives by the National be meaningfully addressed by Bank for Agriculture and Rural implementing the SSF Guidelines. Devleopment (NABARD), which The roles that local bodies or have helped to build resilience panchayats can play in economic, and to improve efficiency, IFAD’s infrastructure and social development post-tsunami livelihood programme, and the importance of fisheries the aquarian reforms in Kerala cooperatives were highlighted. As the where fishing is restricted to fishing
National Human Rights Commission ICSF (NHRC) has started monitoring flagship social protection programmes of the government, fishing communities can bring to the notice of NHRC their particular vulnerabilities or poor access to these flagship programmes. At the New Delhi workshop, data and information gaps were pointed out, and participants expressed the need for baseline documentation of traditional rights on inland and marine fisheries in order to protect traditional rights from getting extinguished. They also discussed data on landings, a data bank of migrant-sending and receiving states, an inland fishery survey, and the need for gender-disaggregated data to make the role of women in David Brown, Ujjaini Halim, M Illango and V Vivekanandan at a panel disscussion at the fisheries more visible. There was also National Workshop on Capacity Building for the Implementation of the SSF Guidelines, New Delhi, India a call for a National Data Acquisition
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communities, and NHRC’s responses small-scale fishworker organizations to safeguard the collective rights of to freely engage with one another and communities. exchange views and recommend What came across throughout the action plans on how to take the workshop was a concern about the concerns of small-scale fisheries on future of small-scale fisheries, and board. how the sector has changed drastically Small-scale fishing community over the years with changes in representatives were exposed to technology, depletion of fish stocks policies and schemes of various and exploitation of resources leading ministries and how they can be to a change in the livelihood patterns applied to their communities; they of SSF communities and their were also told about the gaps increasing vulnerabilities. SSF that needed to be filled. Ministry communities are the most vulnerable, representatives, on the other hand, exposed to the vagaries of nature, heard the voices and concerns of prone to the maximum number of small-scale fishworkers, and were natural calamities, and difficult to made aware of the SSF Guidelines reach, both geographically and and the role that they can play in politically. Many communities its implementation, including the have benefitted from advances in possibility of developing policies and technology, but the SSF sector has measures or implementing existing actually worsened, while others, ones that protect the interests of including trawl fisheries and tourism, the subsector. are threatening the entitlements of The SSF Guidelines, in fact, SSF to coastal and marine resources. can give guidance on how various 48 At the New Delhi workshop, the national and state schemes offered importance of active participation by many different ministries can of small-scale fishing communities be extended to small-scale fishing in fisheries management, research, communities and how each level and in decision-making bodies as of government up to the panchayat well as in community-based resource level has a role to play. The need for management systems for monitoring a plurality of agencies to address the implemention of the SSF the needs of the small-scale fisheries Guidelines was underscored by sector was recognized as was the both fishworker organizations and need for a concerted response. The government representatives. importance of a National Plan of Action for implementing the VGSSF wwas acknowledged, with the lead ttakena by the Department of Animal The timing of the workshop was appreciated as a new HHusbandry, Dairying and Fisheries national legislation is taking shape for marine fi sheries... (DADFD ) under the Ministry of AAgriculture and with the active iinvolvementn of FWOs and CSOs. CCapacity building of the various ddepartments responsible for dealing The New Delhi workshop wwith SSF would be a necessary helped to inform all the participants prerequisite. The government about the guiding principles of the expressed willingness to develop SSF Guidelines, highlighting the indicators, with the participation small-scale fishery organizations’ of FWOs, to monitor the progress of efforts at empowering the fishing the implementation of the SSF communities and valorizing the Guidelines and to measure the subsector. The importance of SSF was outcome. The timing of the workshop recognized as a major contributor was appreciated as a new national to poverty eradication and food legislation is taking shape for marine security. Most importantly, the fisheries and the recommendations workshop provided a space for supporting SSF could still be government representatives and incorporated in the new marine
SAMUDRA REPORT NO. 73 SSF GUIDELINES
ICSF
The New Delhi workshop provided a space for government representatives and small-scale fi shworker organizations to freely engage with one another and exchange views and recommend action plans on how to take the concerns of small-scale fi sheries on board fisheries policy. The need for a in terms of policy and legal changes National Inland Fisheries Policy was with benefits reaching the small- felt if one wanted to adopt the SSF scale fisheries sector is far from Guidelines in the inland context. It easy. Much more needs to be done 49 was hoped that the workshop would to formulate ideas and action plans provide avenues for cooperation for implementation as well as to and collaboration between FWOs, ensure that the multiple players work the government, civil society and together for a coordinated response. research institutions. The federal system with its Much more needs to be done multi-layered governance structures to understand the inland fisheries can be a blessing and a challenge sector which is very complex in India. when it comes to converting the SSF While it was felt that semi-intensive Guidelines into practical measures or intensive aquaculture was for implementation. Action plans negatively impacting the SSF, some or interventions towards other participants at the workshop implementation need to be pointed to the mariculture advantage, contextualised and developed at where the gender issue can be the national, state and local levels. addressed by giving more rights to Further, the SSF Guidelines place the women. These issues need to be responsibility for implementation on looked into further. The lack of private multiple stakeholders—government, sector participation is also a matter of civil society, private sector, concern, particularly as the SSF fishworker organizations—leaving Guidelines include them as one of it to those with ‘greater’ stakes For more the stakeholders and because to push for its implementation. their interests could clash with the Though sustainability of lives, sites.google.com/site/ssfguidelines/home/ SSF sector. livelihoods and natural living india-national-workshop-on-capacity- The New Delhi workshop was just resources are considered global and building-for-the-implementation-of-ssf- one step towards the implementation national priorities reflected in the guidelines| of the SSF Guidelines. The challenges Sustainable Development Goals India National Workshop on ahead are huge in a country as and country plans, in reality, there Capacity-building for the diverse as India where even the is always a huge struggle to reflect Implementation of the Voluntary definition of what constitutes a these in action. Guidelines for Securing small-scale fishery is difficult. Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries Moving from awareness and capacity building to actual implementation
APRIL 2016 Roundup NEWS, EVENTS, BRIEFINGS AND MORE... FISHERIES LEGISLATION For his part, the FAO Besides economic BBNJ Director-General strongly damage, such practices can IUU Fishing welcomed Cuba’s accession. threaten local biodiversity First Session “I am sure it is an example and food security in many uba’s accession to accord which will be followed by countries. Port State measures of Preparatory Csignals important step in many other countries in the set standards for inspection global anti-rogue fishing effort. Caribbean region”, of foreign vessels that seek to Committee 2016, Rome—Cuba has Graziano da Silva said. enter the port of another he first session of the helped to edge forward global The Agreement, which State. Importantly, the Preparatory Committee efforts targeting illegal fishing will create binding obligations, measures allow a country T on the elements of a draft by acceding to a FAO-brokered comes into force when 25 to block ships it suspects of text of an international legally international pact that now countries or regional economic having engaged in illicit binding instrument under the requires the adherence by just blocs have deposited their fishing and thereby prevent UN Convention on the Law one more party before coming instrument of adherence with illegal catches from entering of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the into force. the FAO Director-General. With local and international conservation and sustainable On 25 March 2016, Cuban Cuba’s adherence, 23 countries markets. use of marine biodiversity Ambassador to the United and the European Union, on To assist countries in of areas beyond national Nations agencies in Rome, behalf of its members, have building their capacity to jurisdiction (BBNJ) convened Alba Soto Pimentel, formally deposited 24 instruments of implement the Agreement, from 28 March – 8 April 2016 at presented FAO Director-General adherence. Among the latest FAO has convened a series of UN Headquarters in New York. José Graziano da Silva with are Barbados, Guyana, Republic regional workshops around Meeting in plenary and Cuba’s instrument of accession of Korea, South Africa and the the world, with participation informal working group to the Agreement on Port State United States. from over 100 countries. settings, the Committee Measures to Prevent, Deter and Graziano da Silva has By becoming party to, considered: the scope of an Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and expressed confidence that the and implementing, the international legally binding Unregulated Fishing. target of 25 could be reached by Agreement, States will be instrument and its relationship “Cuba’s accession to July this year. in a position to better achieve with other instruments; this international treaty is Illicit fishing, which the objectives of the voluntary guiding approaches and a sign of the political will of includes operating without 1995 FAO Code of Conduct principles; marine genetic the Government of Cuba to authorization, harvesting for Responsible Fisheries, resources, including questions 50 contribute in an effective and protected species, using which seeks to promote the on benefit-sharing; area- concrete way in support of outlawed fishing gear and long-term sustainability of based management tools, measures for the protection and violating quota limits, may the sector. including marine protected sustainability of ecosystems account for up to 26 mn tonnes a areas; environmental impact and the preservation of marine year, or more than 15 per cent of Source: http://www. assessments; and capacity biodiversity”, Ambassador Soto the world’s total annual capture fao.org/news/story/en/ building and marine technology Pimentel said. fisheries output. item/397479/icode/ transfer. Delegates engaged in frank discussions, outlining their detailed positions on ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE the various elements related to the 2011 “package.” On the Haor Farmers and Fishers Alliance (HFFA) final day, they agreed to a procedural roadmap outlining the structure of PrepCom 2, and aor Farmers and Fishers Committees, a District/Main an enabling environment for on having a Chair’s summary of Alliance is a platform Committee and a Technical farmers and fishers to identify H the meeting and an indicative to raise the voices of farmers Committee. their legitimate rights and list of issues circulated during and fishers of Bangladesh. HFFA has finalized and appropriate responsibilities, the intersessional period, to (Haor is a wetland ecosystem set its objectives with the and (iii) enhance the facilitate preparations for of Bangladesh.) HFFA seeks to consultations with its members capacities of farmers and PrepCom 2. establish young leadership to and free stakeholders. fishers to utilize resources Source: http://www.iisd. ensure meaningful lives for ‘Objectives of HFFA’ is a result of sustainably. ca/oceans/bbnj/prepcom1 farmers and fishers who face HFFA believes in a rights- many challenges, including the based approach to enable impacts of climate change. HFFA HFFA farmers and fishers to lay claim VERBATIM held its 8th General Assembly to their legitimate rights. It on 22 January 2016, where also seeks to sensitize the ‘duty The economics of fisheries representatives of farmers and almost two years of continuous bearers’ towards the needs of is related to forestry, water, fishers selected their leaders for knowledge gathering and the rights holders. and even non-renewable the next three years. The newly sharing. Considering that the resources by the notion of formed central committee also The main objectives youth of Bangladesh are not optimal investment and reviewed the organizational of HFFA, which were set in showing enough interest in status of HFFA. consultation with its members agriculture, HFFA tries to disinvestments, or when HFFA has 13,000 members and stakeholders over a two- engage with young farmers, and how much to subtract (8,000 men and 5,000 year period, are to (i) establish fishers and community leaders or harvest. women). Its organizational knowledge-based farmers’ and to help revive the fisheries and — FROM THE ECONOMICS OF THE structure is divided into Upazila fishers’ communities, (ii) create farming sectors. ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES BY QUENTIN GRAFTON ET AL
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FISHERIES STATISTICS point to a decline of about economic sustainability of 10 per cent to US$ 130 bn. the sector, There are several reasons for • the growing concern of the The Role of Trade in Fisheries this contraction, including general public and the retail the weakening of many sector about overfishing of ish and fishery products in emerging economies. This key emerging markets and certain fish stocks, Fare among the most traded expansion in demand has lower prices for a number of • the role of the small-scale food commodities worldwide. been driven by a combination important species. However, sector in fish production and Trade plays a major role in the of population growth, rising the primary underlying cause trade, fishery industry as a creator incomes and urbanization, of this decline is the strong gain • the increasing concern about of employment, food supplier, and facilitated by the strong of the US dollar versus multiple social and labour conditions income generator, contributor expansion of fish production currencies, particularly those within the industry and its to economic growth and and more efficient distribution of major seafood exporters suppliers, development, and to food and channels. International trade such as the European Union • IUU fishing and its impact on nutrition security. For many plays an important role in this (EU, Member Organization), the value chain as well as on countries and for numerous respect, allowing countries to Norway and China. The decline labour conditions within the coastal, riverine, insular and diversify consumption, thus should be only in value terms, sector, inland regions, fishery exports providing wider choices to whereas traded volumes should • the impact on the domestic are essential to the economy. consumers. remain rather stable or slightly fisheries and aquaculture Fishery trade has been Despite the overall increase. sector from a surge in expanding considerably in increase in the availability Trade in fish and fishery imports of farmed products, recent decades, with the of fish to most consumers, products is, to a large extent, • the globalization of supply fisheries sector operating in growth patterns of per capita driven by demand from chains, with growing an increasingly globalized apparent fish consumption developed countries, which outsourcing of production, environment. Fish can be have been uneven, for example, dominate world fishery • the significant increase of produced in one country, remaining static or decreasing imports, although with a processed in a second and in some countries in sub- eco-labels and their possible declining share in recent effect on market access for consumed in a third. Sustained Saharan Africa. Availability years (73 per cent share of demand, trade liberalization and disposable income are not developing countries, world imports in 2014 vs 81 policies, globalization of the only factors to boost fish • the requirement for new per cent in 2004 and 85 per food systems, technological consumption. It is evident that traceability systems, cent in 1994). Their imports of 51 innovations as well as changes socioeconomic and cultural • the economic instability products from capture fisheries in distribution and marketing factors also strongly influence and the risk of increased and aquaculture originate have significantly modified the level of fish consumption protectionism using from both developed and the way fishery products are among countries and within non-tariff barriers or high developing countries, giving prepared, processed, marketed countries in terms of quantity import tariffs, many producers an incentive to and delivered to consumers. and variety consumed. The • the impact of mega produce, process and export. During the last two long-term challenge for trade agreements in the This is a major reason years, the global fishery policymakers is to sustain and international flow of fishery for the low import tariffs on and aquaculture sector has to improve the intake per capita products, fish in developed countries, continued to expand, with of fish as a source of proteins • the volatility of commodity albeit with a few exceptions sustained growth in overall and essential micro-nutrients prices in general and the (that is, some value-added production, trade and not readily found in other impact on producers as well products), and has allowed consumption, despite high foods. In the next decade, as on consumers, developing countries to supply prices for many important major expansion in demand is • the currency exchange fishery products to markets species. The shift towards expected to occur in developing volatility and its impact on in developed countries relatively greater consumption countries, but consumption will trade of fishery products, without facing prohibitive of farmed species, compared increase in all continents, with • the prices and distribution customs duties. This trend with wild fish, hit a milestone Asia showing the fastest growth of margins and benefits follows the expanding in 2014, when the farmed rates. However, in sub-Saharan throughout the fisheries membership of the World sector’s contribution to fish Africa, per capita consumption value chain, Trade Organization (WTO), the food supply overtook that of may decrease in scenarios with • the need for competitiveness entry into force of a number wild fish for the first time. very high population growth. of fish and fishery products of bilateral and multilateral A growing share of A significant share of total vs other food products, trade agreements, and rising fishery and aquaculture fish production (about 36 per • the incidence of fraud in the disposable incomes in emerging production is directed to cent, live-weight equivalent) denomination of commercial economies. In several cases, human consumption, as more is exported, reflecting the names of fish and fishery the most important barriers people worldwide appreciate sector’s degree of openness and products, the health benefits of regular integration into international for developing countries to increase their exports • the difficulty to meet the fish consumption. Fish and trade. In 2014, more than three- stringent rules for quality to developed countries are fishery products play a crucial quarters of the quantity of fish and safety by several non-tariff measures, such role in nutrition and global and fishery products exported countries,; as the difficulty to adhere food security, accounting for were destined for direct human • the perceived and real about 17 per cent of the world consumption. to quality and safety import requirements. risks and benefits of fish population’s intake of animal International trade of consumption, and proteins. World apparent per fish and fishery products has Some of the major issues of international fish trade are: • the perception of aquaculture capita fish food consumption significantly increased during by stakeholders. increased from about 18.7 kg the last few years, peaking at • the relationship between to more than 20 kg during US$ 144 bn in 2014. However, fisheries management policy, Source: Excerpted from the 2011—2015, with major growth preliminary estimates for 2015 allocation of rights and the Trade sub-committee report
APRIL 2016 Roundup NEWS, EVENTS, BRIEFINGS AND MORE... INFOLOG: NEW RESOURCES AT ICSF FLASHBACK
ICSF’s Documentation Centre (dc.icsf.net) has a range of information resources that are regularly updated. A selection: Guiding Small-scale Fisheries
Publications he Twenty-ninth Session of the Committee on Fisheries Voices from African Artisanal Fisheries: Giving the Floor to Those T(COFI) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the Who Live from Fishing. March 2016 United Nations (FAO), held in Rome in early 2011, agreed on From Senegal to Togo, from Guinea-Bissau to Mauritania, from the important role played by the small-scale fisheries sector Tunisia to Ghana, communities living from maritime fisheries show and decided to give it high priority and adequate visibility. the same attachment to the sea and face the same challenges. The Committee approved the development of a new international instrument on small-scale fisheries. A set of Between September 2014 and November 2015, the West African international voluntary guidelines that would draw on relevant Network of Journalists for Responsible Fisheries (rejoprao), existing instruments complementing the Code of Conduct for in collaboration with the African Confederation of Fisheries Responsible Fisheries, to address both inland and marine small- Professional Organizations (CAOPA), went to meet artisanal fisheries stakeholders in these six countries. In each country, they visited fishing sites, had exchanges with groups of men and women living from fishing, made individual interviews and did documentary research. The outcome document provides a better understanding and honestly describes the realities in which fishing communities have to live and work, and the challenges they face. It also shows that, beyond the often unreliable statistics, African artisanal fisheries are composed of men and women who want to be heard. Built around a series of six field reports, this publication gives the floor to artisanal fisheries stakeholders, who share their fears and hopes for the future. For the full report, please visit: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/517fe876e4b03c6b scale fisheries in developing countries, will be developed. This 86a4b81b/t/ 56ea7c3e7da24f3656a4840d/1458207810052/ is to be done with the involvement of all stakeholders. The FAO 52 Voices+from+africa_eng.pdf Council subsequently lent support to COFI by including the work on small-scale fisheries in the Programme of Work and Budget The Seas Will Save Us: How an Army of Ocean Farmers are Starting (PWB) for the year 2012-13. an Economic Revolution The workshop-cum symposium on sustainable small- This article demonstrates the various issues in fishing over the scale fisheries, organized by the National Fishworkers’ Forum years, and also demonstrates different aspects of aquaculture. (NFF), India, in collaboration with ICSF, and held at Kolkata in September 2011, was intended to contribute to the process of The article focuses on the new face of environmentalism, as food developing the proposed FAO guidelines. systems are pushed out to sea, and how privatization can be At least nine similar meetings are scheduled to be held under blocked. the auspices of civil society organizations such as the World https://medium.com/invironment/an-army-of-ocean-farmers- Forum of Fisher Peoples (WFFP) and the World Forum of Fish on-the-frontlines-of-the-blue-green-economic-revolution- Harvesters and Fishworkers (WFF) during the next three months d5ae171285a3#.i3k21pva6 to contribute to the guidelines process. This is the first time that several meetings are being Videos organized under the auspices of civil society organizations Training Material on the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing in preparation for a proposed FAO fishery instrument. These Sustainabe Small-scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security meetings and their pertinent outcomes should be seen by and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) the FAO Member States and the Secretariat as an opportunity CoopeSoliDar has produced a number of training materials on the to benefit from a bottom-up process to develop meaningful SSF Guidelines in Spanish, with English titles. The videos relate voluntary guidelines on securing sustainable small-scale to different aspects of the SSF Guidelines such as access rights, fisheries, to complement the Code of Conduct for Responsible participative governance, capacity strengthening and food security. Fisheries. They should also be seen as a promising beginning to These are available as Flash presentations for different users at broadening the participation of civil society organizations in the http://igssf.icsf.net/en/page/1066-Interesting%20articles%20 fisheries work of FAO. on%20SSF%20Guidelines.html —– from Comment in SAMUDRA Report No. 60, November 2011
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MEETINGS and benefi t-sharing for aquatic genetic SSF Guidelines Implementation https://sites.google.com/site/ resources. ssfguidelines/home Committee on Fisheries (COFI) This website is part of a joint effort 32nd Session , by the World Forum of Fisher Peoples Combating unacceptable forms of (WFFP), the World Forum of Fish work in the Thai fi shing and seafood 11 - 15 July 2016, Italy, Rome WEBSITES Harvestors and Fish Workers (WFF), industry Port State Measures for IUU fi shing Amongst other things, the 32nd Centro Internazionale Crocevia and This project, funded by the EU, aims to Session of the COFI, will also discuss the FAO’s theme page on Port State measures, the International Collective in Support address working conditions that deny implementation of the SSF Guidelines provides information on latest news, key of Fishworkers (ICSF), as part of the fundamental principles and rights at work facts, and statements from different offi cials efforts to disseminate information on the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental in the Thai fi shing and seafood processing besides providing the complete text of the implementation of the SSF Guidelines, Technical Working Group on industry. Agreement and Ratifi cation Status. especially through capacity building and Aquatic Genetic Resources http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/ www.fao.org/port-state-measures/ awareness-raising workshops in different public/---asia/---ro-bangkok/documents/ 20 - 22 June 2016, Italy, Rome en/?utm_source=faohomepage&utm_ parts of the world. projectdocumentation/wcms_460872.pdf The meeting will focus on access medium=web&utm_campaign=featurebar
SAMUDRA REPORT NO. 73 INFOSAMAK CENTER
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Dawn at Sea he water by the sun’s first rays Tis friendly, soft, serene, An orange glow enhanced by haze surrenders things unseen. A white sail as the mist unfurls takes shape above a sloop, A startled fish sends up great swirls The bait fish jump and sea birds swoop. This moment strangely mystical Is salve upon my soul A phenomenon unequaled by man’s most lofty goal. Surely Heaven abounds with such evanescent majesty to savour like a heady wine for all eternity. A honking horn, a barking dog assails my ears from shore to herald life’s realities Another dawn is o’er. — Jack Jay Burns