REPORT Siem Reap Workshop and Symposium Itqs in Iceland Salmon

Home , Archi (Hindu goddess), Artisanal fishing, Maluku Islands, Maurice Glaize

SAMUDRA Report No.47, July 2007

Item Type monograph

Publisher International Collective in Support of Fishworkers

Download date 24/09/2021 08:31:49

Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/1834/33075 No. 47 | July 2007 issn 0973–1121

REPORT samudrathe triannual journal of the international collective in support of fishworkers

Siem Reap Workshop and Symposium ITQs in Iceland Salmon Aquaculture in Chile MPAs in France Social Issues in Small-scale Fisheries Work in Fishing Convention

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 the Chennai offi ce. Non-Governmental International Organizations. It also has Liaison Status with FAO. ICSF has offi ces in Chennai, India, and Brussels, The opinions and positions expressed in the articles are those Belgium. of the authors concerned and do not necessarily represent the offi cial views of ICSF. As a global network of community organizers, teachers, 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

RANDEE CABACES

ccover.inddover.indd 2 77/24/2007/24/2007 9:55:079:55:07 PMPM REPORT FRONT COVER THE TRIANNUAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL COLLECTIVE IN SUPPORT OF FISHWORKERS NO.47 | JULY 2007

ICSF

Detail of bas relief at Bayon Temple, Angkor, Cambodia Photo by Rolf Willmann

PUBLISHED BY Chandrika Sharma for 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

PRINTED AT Nagaraj and Company Pvt. Ltd., REPORT FRANCE Chennai Asserting Rights, An Integrated Approach ...... 34

ILLUSTRATIONS BY Defi ning Responsibilities ...... 4 The French experience of the potential benefits Sandesh (sandeshcartoonist@ An account of the Siem Reap Workshop and of marine protected areas for fishermen gmail.com) Symposium, organized by ICSF in collaboration FOR LIMITED CIRCULATION ONLY with the Royal Government of Cambodia REPORT SAMUDRA News Alerts Focus on the Small-scale Sector .....38 SAMUDRA News Alerts is a free service designed SYNTHESIS Social issues in small-scale fisheries were to deliver news reports and analysis on fi sheries, aquaculture and related issues, on a daily or The Responsibility discussed at the recent session of the Committee weekly digest basis, in plain text or HTML format. of Stewardship ...... 18 on Fisheries (COFI) of the FAO The service often features exclusive, original stories on small-scale and artisanal fi sheries, The Siem Reap meet demonstrated collective particularly in the regions of the South, as well as issues that deal with women in fi sheries and goodwill and an impressive commitment to REPORT safety at sea. Apart from news and stories on strengthening rights Work in Fishing Convention ...... 42 fi sheries, the service also focuses on environmental and oceans issues. Please visit http://www. icsf.net The ILO Work in Fishing Convention addresses to subscribe to SAMUDRA News Alerts. ICELAND issues related to working conditions of fishers BACK COVER The Quota Conundrum ...... 22 Icelandic small-boat owners seem to REVIEW have negotiated their own space within By, For the Villagers ...... 46 the ITQ system A review of a study of a traditional Indonesian resource management system CHILE Mucho Moolah, Sweatshop Standards ...... 29 COMMENT ...... 3 Despite its leading export status, Chile’s salmon aquaculture industry is plagued by poor ROUNDUP ...... 50 Fishworker at Royapuram Fishing SAMUDRA FOR SIEM REAP Harbour, Chennai, India standards SUPPLEMENT: ...... 26 Photo by KG Kumar

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KG KUMAR/ICSF

SAMUDRA REPORT NO.47 Fishermen ferrying their catch at the Rameswaram fish landing centre in the south Indian State of Tamil Nadu

ssam47.inddam47.indd 2 77/20/2007/20/2007 3:41:243:41:24 AMAM A Useful Toolkit TheThe WorWorkk in FisFishinghing Convention, 2007, aims to bbetteretter worworkingking and living conditions for millions in the ﬁ shing sector COMMENT hursday, 14 June 2007, will go down in his- On the matter of compliance with the tory as a particularly significant day for requirements of the Convention, the flag States fishers and fishworkers all over the world. are required to undertake inspections, reporting, That was the day the 96th Session of the In- monitoring, complaint procedures, appropriate ternationalT Labour Conference (ILC) of the Interna- penalties and corrective measures. There are tional Labour Organization (ILO) adopted the Work further port-State provisions, albeit weak, to report in Fishing Convention, 2007, which seeks to guaran- to the flag State, about non-confirmation to the tee innovative new labour standards to improve the requirements of the Convention by a fishing vessel conditions for millions of men and women working that calls at its port, and even to take measures to in the fishing sector worldwide. rectify any conditions on board such a vessel Adopted in the year of the that are hazardous to safety or health. silver jubilee of the 1982 United Except for minimum age, the Nations Convention on the other provisions of the Convention Law of the Sea, the Fishing that would apply to the small- Convention is the first ILO scale and artisanal subsector instrument in fishing since the are non-prescriptive; it has adoption of the 200 nautical been left to the ILO member mile exclusive economic zone countries to adopt laws, regime by coastal States in regulations or other 3 the 1970s. This time around, measures to implement unlike at the 93rd Session of them. It is thus now the ILC in 2005, more countries, important to press for including China, which accounts for the largest campaigns at the national level to identify, through share of fishing capacity and the largest number of a consultative process, categories of fishers and fishers in the world, voted for the adoption of the fishing vessels that should be included within the Convention (see report on page 42). scope of the Convention, and to ensure its maximum The Convention has a three-tier structure. coverage. In particular, countries with large fisher First, all provisions of the Convention, upon its populations and fishing fleets, such as China, India ratification, would apply to fishing vessels above and Vietnam, which voted for its adoption, should 24 m in length, and fishers working on board such ratify and implement its provisions at the earliest. vessels. Second, many of the provisions would apply The Work in Fishing Convention, 2007, is just to the majority of commercial fishing vessels and a toolkit. The ball is now in the court of national fishers working on them, regardless of size of the governments. They should consult all relevant vessel. Third, some of the prescriptive provisions stakeholders, especially organizations representing would apply to fishing vessels below 24 m over fishworkers, and use the Convention to develop an unspecified period of time. The latter tier, effective measures to protect the working and living presumably, applies to industrial fishing operations conditions of fishers, both in large- and small-scale employing vessels below 24 m. fishing.

New look, new beginnings With this issue, SAMUDRA Report adorns new garb in the form back-of-the-book section that contains short news items and of a bolder and more contemporary look. This is the first major tidbits, Web flagposts have been used liberally to point readers design overhaul in almost 15 years, and, while the redesign to additional information resources on the Internet. And, as brief was to impart a fresh vitality and energy to the journal, the new tagline points out, our focus remains on “Fisheries, we have tried to maintain continuity with change. The fonts, Communities, Livelihoods”. graphics and other design elements have been chosen to make The redesign was developed by Design Difference in the reading experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Yet the collaboration with the SAMUDRA Team. We hope you like the new makeover has not sacrificed sections and features that have been version and we welcome your comments and suggestions. Please longstanding favourites with readers. Apart from a revamped email us at [email protected].

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Asserting Rights, Defining Responsibilities

A report on the Siem Reap Workshop and Symposium, organized by ICSF, in collaboration with the Royal Government of Cambodia

workshop titled “Asserting to the continuous possession or enjoy- Rights, Defining Responsibili- ment of coastal residential habitats and A ties: Perspectives from Small- other lands traditionally used by them, scale Fishing Communities on Coastal is of paramount importance. and Fisheries Management in Asia”, These rights are currently being was organized by the International Col- threatened in various ways, due to de- lective in Support of Fishworkers (ICSF), velopments both within and outside in collaboration with the Royal Govern- the fisheries sector. At the same time, ment of Cambodia (RGC), in Siem Reap, recognition of these rights, within the 4 Cambodia, from 3 to 5 May 2007. framework of sustainable utilization of The workshop was followed by a living natural resources, is necessary if two-day symposium where the partici- fishing communities are to progressive- pants were joined by representatives ly share the responsibility of managing of the governments of some South and coastal and fisheries resources. Southeast Asian countries. The work- These were the issues that were shop aimed to: discussed at the three-day workshop, • review the experiences of traditional which attracted 56 participants from 10 and modern rights-based approaches countries of Asia, namely, Bangladesh, to fisheries management, and dis- Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, cuss their relevance and scope in the Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thai- Asian context; land and Vietnam. Apart from repre- • contribute to improving the overall ef- sentatives of various fishworker organ- fectiveness of fisheries management izations (FWOs) and non-governmental by promoting responsible small-scale organizations (NGOs), researchers, ac- fisheries and the rights of small-scale tivists and representatives of regional fishing communities; and and multilateral organizations also • advocate for policies that recognize participated in the workshop. the rights of fishing communities to the coastal lands and resources cus- Siem Reap Statement tomarily used by them. The recommendations of the work- Since its inception in 1986, ICSF has shop—in the form of the Siem Reap been working on issues that concern Statement—were shared with partici- small-scale and artisanal fishworkers, pants of the two-day Symposium that with a particular focus on seeking rec- followed, to which government policy- ognition for the rights of small-scale makers and representatives of regional fishing communities to fisheries and and multilateral organizations were other coastal resources, as well as their invited. right to participate in decision-making Prior to the workshop, studies processes that affect their lives and live- were undertaken in five countries— lihoods. For fishing communities, both Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Philip- This report has been filed by Ranjana marine and inland, safeguarding their pines and Thailand—on rights-based Das ([email protected]), Consultant, ICSF rights to access fisheries resources and fisheries management and attendant

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issues. Among other things, the studies on land. For ICSF, however, rights take aimed to document and explore the un- really substantive meaning only if they derstanding that fishing communities extend to all realms of life and liveli- have about their rights to fisheries and hood. coastal resources, as well as the obli- In his inaugural speech, HE Nao gations and responsibilities associated Thouk, Director General, Fisheries and with these rights, and to document and Administration of the Ministry of Ag- discuss their initiatives to assert these rights and fulfill their responsibilities. Information and analysis from the stud- Prior to the workshop, studies were undertaken in ﬁ ve ies formed the basis for discussions at countries—Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Philippines and the workshop. Thailand—on rights-based ﬁ sheries management and The workshop began with an in- attendant issues troduction by John Kurien, Member of ICSF, who traced the origins of the organization as an international network riculturericulture, Forestry and FisheriesFisheries, RGC, of individuals—currently from 20 coun- mentioned that the fisheries sector is tries—with a marked developing-coun- crucial for the livelihoods of the Cambo- try focus. Kurien said that one reason dian people and the national economy. for conducting the workshop in Cam- Consequently, the RGC has promoted bodia was to ensure that the concerns fisheries reforms by designating fisher- of inland fisheries were well reflected. ies as one side of its official ‘rectangular It was also the first time that ICSF was strategy’. In October 2000, the Prime conducting a workshop in collaboration Minister of the RGC initiated historical with a government, Kurien pointed out. changes in the fisheries sector by releas- Elaborating on the theme of the working more than 56 per cent of fishing-lot 5 shop, he said that even though many in- concession areas (536,302 ha) for local ternational agencies have now begun to people to organize community fisher- Fifty-six participants from 10 countries of talk about rights in fisheries, their focus ies. The reform aims to promote broad South and Southeast Asia gathered at Siem is largely on property rights at sea and local participation in fisheries manage- Reap, Cambodia, for the ICSF Workshop

KG KUMAR/ICSF

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ICSF for small-scale fisheries management in developing countries. Nomura concluded with some suggestions, namely, that small-scale fishers should be given preferential access to fishery resources; management responsibilities should be decentralized and shared; rights-based management should be encouraged; diversification of livelihoods and improved post-harvesting should be promoted; integra- tion and linkages with other sectors should be improved; and additional financing is required for the transition to responsible fisheries. Elaborating on the background and rationale of the workshop, Sebastian Mathew, Programme Adviser, ICSF, said that the rights of fishing communities are currently under threat in various ways, and the workshop would provide an opportunity to discuss them and lay out strategies to mitigate the problems that are prevalent. The first session of the workshop 6 saw presentations and studies from different countries of South and South- east Asia on the theme, “Fisheries and Coastal Area Management Regimes of Asia: What Rights and Interests of Arti- sanal and Small-scale Fishing Commu- nities Are Taken into Account?”.

Community perceptions Allan Vera of the Community-based Coastal Resource Management (CBCRM) Resource Centre, Philippines, discussed community perceptions of their claims and rights to resources, decision-mak- Muhammad Adli Abdullah of Panglima Laot, ment and the efficient, sustainable and ing processes, and basic services, and Indonesia (left), and Chandrika Sharma of equitable use of living aquatic resourc- the related legal framework. He also ICSF at the Siem Reap Symposium es, Nao Thouk said. highlighted some of the key threats fac- In his keynote address, Ichiro ing communities in recognizing and re- Nomura, Assistant Director General, alizing these rights. Some of the threats Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, arise from the use of destructive fishing Food and Agriculture Organization of gear; conflicts over resource use; the the United Nations (FAO), gave a brief overall context of fisheries liberaliza- general overview of the role and char- tion; lack of participation in policy- acteristics of the small-scale fisheries making and enforcement; and compet- sector. ing claims to fisherfolks’ settlements. “Governance of small-scale fisher- Vera also outlined community actions ies cannot be viewed by itself. It has towards management of coastal and to be considered in the context of pov- fisheries resources in some parts of the erty as defined in a broader sense and Philippines. encompassing social development,” In his presentation, Sim Buntheon Nomura said. He added that pro-poor of the Community-based Natural Re- criteria and principles should be used source Management Learning Institute when designing policies and strategies (CBNRM-LI), Cambodia, said that after

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the development of the community fisheries programme in Cambodia, fishing communities have become more aware of their rights to fish, and partic- Recognizing the rights of communities to collectively use ularly their right to prevent illegal fish- and manage—but not permanently own—their resources ing. They have also become more aware was essential of their responsibility towards fishery management and conservation. Wichoksak Ronnarongpairee of the Federation of Southern Fisherfolk (FSF), environment-friendlyenvironment-friendly and sustainable Thailand, and Supawan Channasong- fishing gear and methods, and conserv- kram of the Sustainable Development ing natural resources through replant- Foundation (SDF), Thailand, stressed ing mangroves and rehabilitating coral that the small-scale fisherfolk of their reefs. country believed that the sea and its Harekrishna Debnath of the Nation- resources belonged to all, and that eve- al Fishworkers’ Forum (NFF), India, pre- ryone had a shared responsibility to sented the country study prepared by protect them. The sea cannot be owned Direct Initiative for Social and Health by any individual, they said, reiterating Action (DISHA), about the community a common belief among Thai fisherfolk of fishers and fishworkers functioning that is based on religious principles. around traditional landing centres— Recognizing the rights of communities the khotis—in the Indian State of West to collectively use and manage—but Bengal. The main function of these not permanently own—their resources centuries-old organizations, which rep- was essential. While rights of commu- resent both boatowners and crew, is to nities to manage resources were recog- ensure harmonious fishing operations 7 nized in a legal sense, these rights were and functioning. These organizations, being violated in several ways, such as said Debnath, understood the concept through destructive fishing by push- of rights, only when faced with ‘wrongs’, nets and trawlers, efforts to privatize such as displacement by tourism and in- the sea, and so on. While the communi- dustry, and overfishing by mechanized ty has taken several measures to protect boats. They have taken various initia- its rights, the efforts have gone largely tives for responsible management of re- unrecognized, they concluded. sources. Only ‘aquatic reforms’, along Valentina D. Endang Savitri from the lines of the agrarian land reforms, Telapak, Indonesia, pointed to some of ICSF the threats facing small-scale fishing communities in Indonesia, including from industrial fisheries, expansion of aquaculture, centralized conservation programmes, and coastal tourism. In practice, most of marine waters are “free for all” and many fisheries are fully exploited or overexploited. The government efforts to promote decentralization offer an opportunity to shift from a State-based paradigm to a community-based one. However, they have also put more pressure on resources, as local governments sell off resources to increase their incomes. Communities have reacted in several ways to protect their rights, such as through the establishment of fisherfolks’ organizations, and sometimes through open, often vi- olent, clashes with the industrial fleets at sea. Realizing their responsibili- Jamaludin Mohammad, a ﬁ sherman from the Malaysian Inshore Fishermen Action Network, addressing the Siem Reap Workshop ties, communities are also promoting

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which confer non-transferable commu- to some commonly held perceptions of nity rights to the sea to the fishers as rights. Fishing communities believed, custodians, can bring about a positive for example, that fishing for livelihood change in fisheries management, Deb- is a right, that equitable and sustaina- nath concluded. ble resource use is a right, and that participation in management and staying close to fishing grounds is a right. They Only ‘aquatic reforms’, along the lines of the agrarian also believe they have a right to basic land reforms, which confer non-transferable community social services. All the case studies, said rights to the sea to the ﬁ shers as custodians, can bring Elmer, have identified perceived threats about a positive change in ﬁ sheries management to the realization of these rights, and have identified remedial measures. V Vivekanandan of the South In- Rafiqul Haque Tito of Unnayan dian Federation of Fishermen Societies Bikalper Nitinirdharoni Gobeshona (SIFFS), speaking on the role of tradi- (UBINIG), Bangladesh, stressed that fish- tional organizations in fishing commu- ing communities in Bangladesh firmly nities, said, “Finding a balance between believe that water bodies rightfully be- traditional and modern organizations long to fishers (as expressed in the Ben- is vital for the future of fisheries man- gali slogan, Jal jar jala tar). They also agement in Asia.” He also suggested perceive a right to security of profes- that traditional structures could act sion, life, property and human dignity, as control mechanisms, while modern rights that are being threatened by fac- organizations could provide content to tors such as unsustainable shrimp cul- the structure and make up for the weak- ture. Communities are aware of their nesses and limitations of the traditional 8 responsibilities to protect fish resources organizations. and water bodies from overfishing and pollution, and have taken several initia- Group discussions tives to fulfill them. At the end of the first day, work- Synthesizing the presentations shop participants were divided into from Southeast Asia, Elmer Ferrer of four, mainly language-based, groups, the CBCRM Centre, Philippines, pointed namely, (i) Cambodia, (ii) South Asia (Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), ICSF (iii) Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, and (iv) Philippines and Vietnam. The groups were asked to discuss the following questions: • What kind of rights/perceived claims to fisheries resources and coastal management do fishing communities have? • What are the main threats to the realization of these rights? • What have been the actions taken to protect rights/exercise responsibility towards protecting and managing fisheries and coastal resources? • What institutions—traditional or otherwise—exist to take forward the rights, and define the responsibilities? Day 2 began with the groups pre- senting the key points of their discussions. The Cambodia group mentioned that although community fisheries have been introduced in the country, lack of Participants from South Asia at the group discussion awareness of fishery laws and related session during the Siem Reap Workshop

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ICSF

The Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand group discussing issues at the Siem Reap Workshop

legal instruments is a major hurdle in ferent administrative levels. Vietnam’s recognizing rights. history of centralized planning has Participants from the South Asian hampered fishers from staking claims group highlighted various perspectives to their rights, but, with recent devel- on rights. While the Sri Lankans as- opments, they are growing more aware serted their right to fish anywhere, any- and taking the effort to assert their 9 time, within national waters, subject rights. In the case of the Philippines, to controls on destructive and harmful the central government provides the fishing methods and gear, the Bangla- legal framework, and encourages NGOs desh participants pointed to the need to support community initiatives. How- to recognize the rights of traditional ever, there are some gaps between the Hindu fishermen to fish in the sea, riv- policy objectives of the government at ers and inland water bodies, access to the national level, and the implementa- which is currently denied. Indian par- tion approach and capacity of specific ticipants stressed the need for fishing NGOs. The government’s allocation of communities to have exclusive access to marine-culture areas for investors is a fish in the sea and water bodies, while threat to the small-scale fishers, who the participant from Pakistan was con- lack the capital to compete with these cerned about the entry of outsiders into entrepreneurs. the fishing grounds, and the control The Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand of fishing areas by the rich, affecting group said that, in general, customary access of the small-scale. The South and/or traditional laws had existed in Asian group viewed the issue of entry their countries prior to the present rule of outsiders (non-traditional fishers) as a threat, considering that it has led to a disregard for traditional norms that protect fish resources (like traditional The South Asian group viewed the issue of entry of fishing bans during breeding seasons), outsiders (non-traditional ﬁ shers) as a threat the use of destructive gear and fishing methods, promotion of intensive shrimp aquaculture and hatcheries, and the formation of special economic of States/governmentsStates/governments. The group felt zones. that customary laws and rights should In the Vietnam-Philippines group, be recognized in national legislation. participants from Vietnam said that the The group highlighted various threats fisheries in some of their provinces are to their rights, from processes at the being decentralized, with the govern- international, national and community ment trying to devolve authority to dif- levels. They stressed the need to work

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with traditional and community-based to coastal/wetland resources and their institutions. management. All group reports stressed the vari- In their presentation, titled “Rights ous initiatives taken by fishing commu- to Coastal and Fisheries Resources: nities and their organizations to protect A Gender Perspective”, Nalini Nayak, their rights, ranging from policy advo- a Member of ICSF from India, and Du- cacy and conservation efforts, to mass angkamol Sirisook of SDF, Thailand, mobilization. Several issues came up for highlighted the invisibility of women discussion following the presentation despite their active contribution to the of group reports, particularly the issue fisheries sector. Nayak said that the of traditional institutions and rights. present developmental paradigm is ba- The participants from Aceh, Indonesia, sically patriarchal as it largely depends described their efforts to get recogni- on production for the market and on tion for the traditional practices and control of resources by a few in an un- institutions (like the Panglima Laot), sustainable way. If women’s roles are efforts that have borne fruit. They are made more visible and given value, and also seeking recognition of their rights their role in decisionmaking is taken se- (through bilateral agreements) to fish riously, there would be a greater focus in waters they were traditionally fish- on life and livelihood rather than mere ing in. profits from centralized production and In his presentation titled “Integrat- market-centred development. ing Fishing Community and Fisher- ies Concerns into Coastal/Wetland Questions discussed Management Initiatives and Policies Following the presentations, the in Asia: Present Situation and Possible groups, organized as earlier, discussed 10 Ways Forward”, Magnus Torell, Sen- the following questions: ior Adviser, Southeast Asian Fisheries • What kind of coastal/wetland man- Development Centre (SEAFDEC), high- agement policies are needed that fac- lighted the growing competition over tor in the concerns, interests, rights space in coastal areas from various sec- and responsibilities of fishing com- tors. In such a context, it is important munities? to consider how the traditional rights • How do we make the development of coastal people to live along the coast paradigm more life- and livelihood- centred? Nayak said that the present developmental paradigm is • How do we make women’s roles in basically patriarchal as it largely depends on production fisheries central to fisheries develop- for the market and on control of resources by a few in an ment? unsustainable way Responding to the first question, ttheh Cambodian group said that their FFisheries Law provides a strong base fofor all Cambodians to participate in community fisheries management. The and access resources can be secured, Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand group particularly in coastal/wetland-area said that the community should be con- management processes. sulted through an open, participatory As possible ways forward, he sug- process at all levels, information should gested that there should be fisheries be made available, and environmental representation in physical and econom- impact assessment (EIA) should be im- ic planning and in discussions on inter- plemented in a transparent manner. national conventions and agreements. Participants from the Philippines and He also stressed the need to create ‘un- Vietnam emphasized the need to recog- traditional’ alliances and co-operation nize preferential user rights for small- and co-ordination at all levels. In the scale fishers to the nearshore area discussion that followed, it was men- and to ensure that planning starts at tioned that the legal framework in some the community level. The South Asian countries, such as Cambodia, Thailand group stressed, among other things, and Vietnam, had some provisions that the need to develop and strengthen could be used to protect people’s rights

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local institutions to protect coastal re- tive ways. She also pointed out the sources. difficulties small-scale producers from Presentations on the remaining developing countries faced in accessing questions centred on the need to bal- export markets. She concluded that the ance short-term development goals current trade regimes undermined food with the long-term sustainability of security and curtailed the right of each natural resources, taking into consid- nation and its producers to develop a eration the culture of the community. sustainable fishing industry. Also stressed was the need for gender- Drawing on his experience in India, disaggregated data and an enabling V Vivekanandan of SIFFS gave an over- environment for the equitable par- view of technological changes in the ticipation of women in fisheries and fisheries sector in his presentation, in decision-making processes. Local titled “How Does the Introduction of institutions, and the capacity of women New Technologies Impinge On or Ex- in these institutions, should be devel- pand the Realms of Rights for Small- oped, apart from enhancing their role scale Fisheries?”. Technology has the in marketing fish, and guaranteeing power to transform livelihoods and them equal participation in the fisher- social relations, he said, and warned ies through appropriate legislation. that the stage of fisheries development, including the status of the resources Panel discussion being exploited, matters when technol- There were five presentations in the ogy is introduced. There are clear win- panel discussion on “Markets, Tech- ners and losers with the introduction of nologies, Traditional Organizations technology, he cautioned. and Human Rights”, chaired by John In his presentation, titled “How Can Kurien. In his presentation, Arjan Hein- We Use/Strengthen Traditional Organ- 11 an, Fisheries Management Facilitator, izations to Establish/Regain Rights in Netherlands Inland Fishers Organiza- Order to Protect the Identity and Dig- tion and Voluntary Adviser, Danao Bay nity of Riparian Communities?”, Mu- Resource Management Organization, hammad Adli Abdullah of the Panglima Philippines, posed the question, “How Laot, Indonesia, traced the history of Does Your Perception of the ‘State of Panglima Laot, a traditional fisher- the Fishery Resource’ Influence the men’s association in the Indonesian Manner in Which You Articulate Your ICSF Rights?”. Based on the responses of representatives of FWOs to this question, Heinan concluded that the most pressing rights are perceived to be the rights to: fish within existing rules; expand fishing operations; participate in formulating resource management measures; protection from outsiders and newcomers; market fish; participate in monitoring, control and surveillance, and revitalize traditional laws on fisheries management. In her presentation, titled “How Does the Expansion of Markets and the Related Growth of International Trade Affect the Rights of Fishers and Fish- ing Communities?”, Ma. Divina Muñoz from the Women of Fisherfolk Move- ment, Philippines, highlighted ways in which promotion of fish exports, cheap imports of fish and fish products, and the liberalized regime in coastal areas in the Philippines, are affecting small- Participants discussing the adoption of the Siem Reap Statement, which stressed just, scale fishing communities in very nega- participatory, self-reliant and sustainable development

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The Siem Reap Statement

1. We, 51 participants representing small- and towards the greater benefi t of all scale and artisanal fi shing communities, small-scale and artisanal fi shing com- fi shworker organizations, non-govern- munities, mental organizations, researchers and activists from ten South and Southeast And realizing that responsible fi sheries Asian countries, having gathered at the can be assured only if human rights of workshop on Asserting Rights, Defi n- fi shing communities, including the right ing Responsibilities: Perspectives from to decent work and labour standards, Small-scale Fishing Communities on and human development, are secure, Coastal and Fisheries Management in Asia, from 3 to 5 May 2007 at Siem Stress that just, participatory, self-reliant Reap, Cambodia, and sustainable development of coastal and inland fi sheries is of vital impor- Representing a diversity of geographical, tance to us. social, linguistic, cultural and economic backgrounds, but yet being bonded by a In view of the above, we draw attention commonality of interests and concerns, to the following issues:

Being aware of our duty towards Fisheries Conservation present and future generations, and our and Management accountability, 2. The protection of the inland, marine and 12 coastal environments and the sustain- And believing that natural resources of able management of fi sheries resources, bays, seas, rivers and inland water bod- are paramount concerns for small-scale ies are the common heritage of all and and artisanal fi shworkers and fi shing that they should not be privatized for communities in Asia. Many communities the benefi t of the few, in the region have been implementing measures to restore, rebuild and protect Further believing that these resources coastal and wetland ecosystems, draw- should be equitably and responsibly ing on traditional ecological knowledge shared for sustaining life and livelihood systems and deep cultural and religious values, reiterating the right of traditional ICSF and community-based organizations to conserve and co-manage coastal and inland fi shery resources, and to benefi t from them.

3. Fisheries conservation and management measures exist that are appropriate to the multi-gear, multi-species fi sheries of the region. There is thus no need for the blind adaptation of fi sheries management models from the temperate marine ecosystems, which stress individual rights and do not fi t the collective and cultural ethos of Asian countries.

Coastal/Wetland Area Management 4. Coastal/wetland habitats are under threat from pollution, indiscriminate conversion of ﬂ ooded forests and mangroves, upstream deforestation, The Siem Reap Statement, adopted at the Workshop through an interactive and damming of rivers, creation of special participatory process, was later presented to the Symposium

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economic zones, construction of ports Aquaculture and harbours, urban sewage, farm effl u- 8. The unregulated expansion of aquacul- ents and other waste disposal, defence ture, including mariculture, is leading to installations, industrial aquaculture, the privatization of inland water bodies, including mariculture operations, mega- marine waters and adjacent lands. Clear development projects, nuclear plants, guidelines, based on principles of social tourism, mining, and oil and gas explo- justice, prepared with the full and effec- ration, among others. tive participation of fi shing communities, are needed to ensure that aquaculture 5. As a result, coastal and inland fi shing operations, including mariculture, do not communities in Asia face deteriorating disrupt responsible fi shing operations or quality of life and the threat of eviction cause other negative impacts on cap- on an ongoing basis. Coastal/wetland ture-fi sheries-based livelihoods; on the area management policies that recog- quality of life of coastal communities; nize the preferential rights of coastal and on indigenous species, as through and inland fi shing communities to in- the introduction of alien and genetically habit lands, including lands traditionally modifi ed species. used for fi sheries-related activities, such as berthing boats, and drying fi sh, are Sustainable Fishing Gear and Practices thus essential. 9. The negative impact of bottom trawling, in particular, on fi sh habitats and fi shing 6. Article 10.1.2 of the 1995 FAO Code communities has been highlighted by of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries fi shworkers in several Asian countries. states: “In view of the multiple uses of Proscription of all forms of destructive the coastal area, States should ensure gear and practices, keeping in mind local that representatives of the fi sheries conditions and the status of fi sh stocks, 13 sector and fi shing communities are con- should, therefore, be considered. sulted in the decision-making processes and involved in other activities related to 10. Environmentally friendly small-scale coastal area management planning and and artisanal fi shing gear and prac- development”; and Article 10.1.3 states: tices should be promoted since they “States should develop, as appropriate, involve smaller quantities of gear in institutional and legal frameworks in greater diversity, often used in tandem order to determine the possible uses of with seasonal patterns in fi shing, which coastal resources and to govern access have potentially less negative impact on to them, taking into account the rights fi sh habitats and fi shery resources, and of coastal fi shing communities and their which employ more people per unit of customary practices to the extent com- fi sh output. patible with sustainable development.” These Articles should form the basis for Illegal, Unreported and the effective implementation of coastal Unregulated (IUU) Fishing area management. 11. Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fi shing and piracy, in waters under Marine Protected Areas national jurisdiction, affect the rights 7. Externally conceived, non-participatory of small-scale and artisanal fi shers to marine protected areas (MPAs) exclude a secure livelihood from fi sheries. Effec- access of small-scale fi shers—even tive monitoring, control and surveillance those using selective gear—to their (MCS) measures, particularly to control fi shing grounds, and displace them the illegal operations of foreign fl eets in from their habitations. Only the active waters under national jurisdiction, are involvement of local communities at essential in this context. all stages of planning and implementation of conservation and management initiatives will lead to responsible and Co-management and effective biodiversity conservation and Community-based Approach management. 12. While the State has a central role in developing the broad framework for fi sh-

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eries management, fi shing communities for waters under national jurisdiction have vital roles in co-managing fi sheries only after progressively exhausting the resources. Increasing the accountability possibility of employing smaller fi shing of national and provincial governments units, in conjunction with the use of se- to fi shing communities, devolution of lective fi shing gear and practices. power to fi shing communities, and efforts to enhance the capacity of commu- Trans-border Movement of nities in fi sheries management are thus Small-scale and Artisanal Fishers essential. 16. Unauthorized trans-border movement of small-scale fi shing vessels and the subsequent detention of fi shers is an issue of concern for several Asian countries. The human rights of fi shworkers, Women play important, though largely invisible, and the speedy release and repatriation roles in fi sheries and in sustaining fi shing communities of arrested fi shers on compassionate grounds, should be guaranteed. States, particularly archipelagic States, should recognize the traditional fi shing rights of fi shers from immediately adjacent 13. A community-based approach, built neighbouring States in certain areas upon negotiated rules of access, needs falling within their national waters to be recognized as a long-term conser- and should set up appropriate bilat- vation and management option. Such eral arrangements for recognizing these an approach, employed in conjunction rights. with legitimate input-control measures, 14 such as restrictions on gear, engine, size Women in Fisheries of vessel, fi shing area, and fi shing time, 17. Women play important, though largely in combination with effective MCS, and invisible, roles in fi sheries and in sus- enforcement measures, must be devel- taining fi shing communities. Coastal oped in consultation with fi shing com- and fi sheries management policies must munities, including fi shworkers. protect and ensure women’s rights to fi shery resources, to their legitimate Preferential Access of Small-scale spaces in the fi sheries sector, to coastal and Artisanal Fishers lands inhabited and used by them, and 14. Guaranteeing preferential access rights to decision-making processes affecting of traditional inland fi shing communities their lives and livelihoods. It is important to water bodies is an important require- that States extend support to women’s ment for protecting their life and liveli- work in fi sheries, including through hood. provision of credit and appropriate infrastructure for fi sh processing and mar- 15. It is important to create an enabling en- keting. Gathering gender-disaggregated vironment for small-scale and artisanal data on employment in fi sheries is es- fi shers to access fi shery resources within sential for policy formulation. waters under national jurisdiction. Such a policy of preferential access would be Trade in Fish and Fish Products consistent with the 1982 United Nations 18. In the absence of effective fi sheries con- Convention on the Law of the Sea and servation and management measures, the 1995 United Nations Fish Stocks international trade in fi sh and fi sh prod- Agreement, and the 1995 FAO Code of ucts has led to the overexploitation of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. Fish- fi sheries resources and has had adverse ery resources beyond territorial waters impacts on the livelihoods of small-scale provide an opportunity for expansion and artisanal fi shing communities. In and diversifi cation of small-scale and several instances, liberalized imports artisanal fi sheries. Fishing vessels that have depressed prices of local fi sh in are larger in size should be considered domestic markets. It should be ensured

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that policies and practices related to the Disaster Preparedness promotion of international fi sh trade, 22. In the context of coastal communities’ do not adversely affect the livelihood constant exposure to natural disasters, and nutritional rights of small-scale and it is important that disaster prepared- artisanal fi shing communities. Asian ness programmes be designed and im- governments should exercise caution plemented with the representation of in negotiating bilateral, multilateral and fi shing communities. other trade agreements that have adverse impacts on fi shing communities, Establishing a Coherent especially in the context of increasing Management Framework trade liberalization and economic glo- 23. The challenge in moving towards balization under the aegis of the World sustainable fi sheries and integrated Trade Organization (WTO), and explore coastal/wetland area management is the option of taking fi sheries out of the to develop, and implement, a coherent WTO negotiations. management framework for coastal areas/wetlands and the exclusive eco- Fair Access to Social Services, nomic zone (EEZ) in a consultative and Social Security and Credit participatory manner, taking into ac- 19. Considering the contribution of fi sher- count the environmental, ecological, so- ies to employment, food security and cial and economic dimensions of fi shing, foreign exchange earnings, the right of fi sh resources and fi sh habitats, as well fi shing communities to social security as the impacts of global warming. This and social services, including education requires the establishment of effective and healthcare, with special emphasis inter-agency mechanisms and the set- on the prevention and treatment of ting aside of adequate resources, includ- diseases like HIV/AIDS, should be recog- ing for capacity building of managers 15 nized. and communities engaged in coastal/ wetland conservation and management, 20. Access to credit and product markets fi sheries management and habitat proof small-scale and artisanal fi shers is tection. constrained by exploitative practices of middlemen. Mechanisms that provide Asserting Rights, Defi ning an enabling environment for fi shers to Responsibilities access credit and receive better market 24. While the above assertions pertain to prices, should be established.

International Labour Organization (ILO) Fishing Convention ...we are fully mindful of the responsibilities, obligations 21. Recognizing the need to provide decent and duties that we collectively have towards nurturing work and labour standards on board the fi shery resources... fi shing vessels, the adoption of the ILO Fishing Convention at the 96th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva in June 2007 should be supported. Considering the large number our perceptions of rights, we are fully of women and men employed as shore- mindful of the responsibilities, obliga- based fi shworkers, relevant provisions tions and duties that we collectively have of the proposed Convention should also towards nurturing the fi shery resources For more be extended to these workers when it and related habitats. These responsibili- comes up for adoption and implementa- ties, obligations and duties are neces- www.icsf.net/icsf2006/jspFiles/icsfMain/ tion at the national level. sarily oriented toward our collaborative statements/english/index.jsp relationship with our communities, the nation State and the international community.

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province of Aceh on the island of Su- ies departments of 10 countries from matra. One of the oldest organizations the South and Southeast Asian region, in the world, the Panglima Laot traces namely, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indo- its origins to 400 years ago, to the time nesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Pa- of the Sultanate of Aceh. Stressing its kistan, Philippines, Thailand and Sri continuing relevance and importance, Lanka, as well as the WorldFish Centre. Adli highlighted the role played by the Panglima Laot in the reconstruction of Inauguration Aceh following the December 2004 In- The symposium was introduced by dian Ocean tsunami. John Kurien of ICSF, and inaugurated by Nao Thouk, Director General, Fisher- iesie and Administration of the Ministry The Statement was based on the belief that the natural ofof Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, resources of bays, seas, rivers and inland water bodies are RGCRG . Rolf Willmann, Senior Fisheries the common heritage of all PlanningPl Officer, Fisheries Develop- mentm Planning Service, Fisheries and AquacultureA Development, FAO, deliv- ereder the keynote address on behalf of Edward Allison, Senior Lecturer, Ichiro Nomura, Assistant Director Gen- School of Development Studies, Uni- eral, Fisheries and Aquaculture Depart- versity of East Anglia, UK, in his presen- ment, FAO. tation, titled “How Can We Broaden the Ly Vuthy, Chief of Community Fish- Concept of Rights Beyond the Realm of eries Development, Fisheries Adminis- ‘Rights to Fishery Resources’ and Into tration, RGC, in his presentation, titled the Larger Social/Cultural Dimensions “Establishing Rights of Small-scale 16 of Life and Livelihood of the Commu- Fishing Communities to Coastal and nities?”, discussed the human-rights Inland Fisheries Resources in Cambo- perspective on responsible fisheries. dia”, shared the Cambodian experience Participation in ‘responsible fisheries’ on community fisheries management. is more effective if communities’ basic He detailed the legal and institutional human rights are secure, he stressed. framework put in place to support com- The workshop ended with a State- munity fisheries, and enhance network- ment—the Siem Reap Statement (see ing among the communities, leading to previous page)—formulated by 51 greater empowerment and develop- participants of small-scale and arti- ment of livelihood options. sanal fishing communities, FWOs, NGOs, researchers and activists from the 10 Government representatives South and Southeast Asian countries The following government representa- represented at the meet. The Statement tives of South and Southeast Asian was based on the belief that the natu- countries made presentations on “The ral resources of bays, seas, rivers and Efforts Being Made to Promote Re- inland water bodies are the common sponsible Small-scale Fisheries and the heritage of all, and that they should Rights of Fishing Communities”: not be privatized for the benefit of the few, and that they should be equitably Southeast Asia and responsibly shared for sustaining • Wimol Jantrarotai, Senior Fisheries life and livelihood and for the greater Foreign Affairs Advisor, Department benefit of all small-scale and artisanal of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture fishing communities. The Statement and Cooperatives, Thailand also stressed that responsible fisheries • Suseno Sukoyono, Director, Directo- can be assured only if the human rights rate of Fisheries Resource Manage- of fishing communities, including the ment, Directorate General of Capture right to decent work and labour stand- Fisheries, Ministry of Marine Affairs, ards and human development, are se- Indonesia cured. • Jessica C Munoz, Supervising Aqua- The two-day symposium that fol- culturist, Bureau of Fisheries and lowed the workshop had an additional Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Depart- 16 participants, representing the fisher- ment of Agriculture, Philippines

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ICSF • Dongdavanah Sibounthong, Depart- a co-man- ment of Livestock and Fisheries, agement Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, frame- Laos PDR work. Blake • Le Tran Nguyen Hung, Deputy Di- Ratner of rector, Component for Strengthen- the World- ing Capture Fisheries Management, Fish Centre National Directorate of Aquatic Re- spoke on source Protection, Ministry of Fisher- “Resilient ies, Vietnam Small-scale • Zainudin bin Abdul Wahab, Fisheries Fisheries: Officer, Planning, Development and The Role International Division, Department of Rights”. of Fisheries, Malaysia He emphasized South Asia the impor- • Ghulam Muhammad Mahar, Direc- tance of tor General, Livestock and Fisheries adopting Department, Government of Sindh, a human- Karachi, Pakistan rights • Shantha Bhandara, Senior Assistant perspec- Secretary, (Development), Ministry tive and of of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, securing Sri Lanka rights as • Zafar Ahmed, Principal Scientific Of- a corner- ficer, Marine Fisheries Survey Man- stone to 17 agement Unit, Chittagong, Bangla- improving desh fisheries • Fareesha Adam, Assistant Legal Offic- govern- As the Siem Reap meet ended, several delegations, like this one from er, Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture ance. Vietnam, used the banner as a backdrop for photo shoots and Marine Resources, Maldives On the The representatives of governments last day, and multilateral organizations detailed Edward Al- specific measures and steps, including lison and Arjan Heinan synthesized legal provisions at the national level, the discussions from the workshop and taken to support small-scale fisheries. the symposium. From the perspective The presentations were followed by a of supporters of small-scale fisheries, panel discussion, which served as an Allison said, the rights to fish are para- interface for participants to ask ques- mount, but not at the risk of alienating tions and get clarifications. the rights of others, for example, con- The Chair of the panel discussion, sumers, future generations and other David Thomson, Team Leader, Tonle users of the resource. Sap Environmental Management Project, Project Support Office (TSEMP- Stewardship PS), Cambodia, emphasized the inher- A strong message has been sent to gov- ent advantages of small-scale fisheries ernments and international bodies that from an economic, social, environmen- the transfer of the sea from a common- tal and technical perspective. Yasuhisa pool resource into private ownership Kato, Special Adviser, SEAFDEC, in his will be seen by the regions’ small-scale presentation, titled “Fisheries Co-Man- fishers as a violation of their rights. agement: Using Group User Rights for Ultimately, what is being request- Small-Scale Fisheries”, stressed the im- ed is a non-transferable community portance of user rights for community right—not only to use resources, but For more institutions, to achieve sustainable and to decide on how they are to be used. responsible fisheries. He also stressed With this comes the responsibility of rights.icsf.net the need for decentralization and del- stewardship, of equity of access and al- ICSF’s rights website egation of fisheries management re- location within communities, Allison sponsibilities to resource users within concluded.

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The Siem Reap meet demonstrated collective goodwill and an impressive commitment to strengthening rights, shouldering responsibilities and ﬁ nding spaces in the fast-changing coasts and wetlands of Asia

he Siem Reap Workshop and the link between responsible fisheries Symposium resulted in five days and wider rights. Tof intensive dialogue and learn- The shift in rights to Cambodia’s ing on the rights and responsibilities fisherfolk has been demonstrated in of small-scale fisheries in the context actual practice, with, for example, 509 of coastal and wetland management. community fisheries organizations now 18 It was a period of respectful exchange operating in the Tonle Sap Lake. The of experiences and views. As outsid- RGC’s pioneering and socially responsi- ers, we have gained the view of much ble actions in the fisheries sector are a collective goodwill, impressive com- fine example of what we are all striving mitment to strengthening rights and towards. shouldering responsibilities, and find- At the core of the Siem Reap Work- ing spaces in the fast-changing coasts shop and Symposium processes has and wetlands of Asia. been the series of case studies from This commitment was demon- fishing communities struggling to claim strated by fishworkers themselves, by what they are entitled to by law—in their supporters and by their govern- other words, their rights. It is impossi- ments, who have proved willing to un- ble, in this short summary, to do justice dertake wide-ranging reforms. There to that richness of experience and it is is also increasing consensus among invidious to pick out examples, so I will the international organizations. It is a generalize. good time to be fighting for your rights, because there are more people listen- Community action ing, and in sympathy, than there may We have heard from fishworkers and have been 20 years ago. So although their development partners in 10 Asian you may be fighting the same battles, countries how communities have mobi- you have more allies and sympathizers lized to: now, perhaps. But this is no reason for • demonstrate their commitment to complacency. While in the past, there responsible fishing and their ability may have been more ideological oppo- to manage their own resources when sition to small-scale artisanal produc- given the rights and responsibilities tion from the modernizing State, now to do so; there may be benign neglect from the • claim their space in the coastal zone, neoliberal State and world order. against competing interests from in- This synthesis of the Siem Reap Workshop The fight for rights also constitutes dustry, water resources management and Symposium is by Edward Allison a means of creating new institutions, and tourism, to name a few develop- ([email protected]) of the School of as exemplified by the efforts of the ment processes; Development Studies, University of East Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC), • press for their entitlement to rights Anglia, UK which seems to have fully appreciated on land and sea, and access to basic

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social services on a par with other mosphere in the 1970s and 1980s, when citizens in their countries; and many people in FAO and elsewhere en- • resist development processes incom- visaged the decline and replacement patible with sustainability and the of small-scale fisheries by larger-scale, cultural and economic survival of industrialized production, with the coastal and wetland communities. small-scale sector cast as the “occupa- We have clarified and explained tion of last resort”. to one another the inseparable links There has also been a growing between human rights and responsi- awareness internationally that devel- ble fisheries “to enable a life of dignity opment means more than economic while contributing to fisheries manage- growth, as shown by the series of glo- ment” and ensure “justice, participa- bal commitments to managing the en- tion, sustainability and self-reliance.” vironment and using the link between We have dwelt somewhat on prob- sustainable environment and sustaina- lems affecting small-scale fisheries, but ble livelihoods. There is now a recogni- we have also taken time to appreciate tion that economic growth alone is not and celebrate the dynamism, techni- enough to eradicate poverty, and that cal adaptability, self-help capacity and, rights, freedoms and social justice are not least, the singing, dancing and needed—not only to sustain growth, performance-poetry skills of the small- but as ends in themselves—to better scale fisherfolk of the region! reflect what it means to be ‘developed’. One of the most obvious broader The discussions at the Siem Reap issues to emerge from this workshop – Workshop and Symposium reflected and as demonstrated by the Statements this sense that the quality of life—man- to the Symposium from the Conven- ifested as wellbeing, job satisfaction, tion on Biological Diversity (CBD) and security, social cohesion and cultural 19 the United Nations Convention on the survival, among other factors—were Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)—has been the important considerations—not just fish sense of a growing recognition of, and and money. commitment to, the rights of small- Participants also emphasized that scale fishworkers by the international the rights to access resources are insuf- institutions. The International Labour ficient by themselves, to achieve the Organization (ILO), for instance, has desired level of security and wellbe- been working on the small-scale fisher- ing. That realization seems to spring ies sector—on issues related to safety at from a broader understanding of pov- sea, rights to decent work, migrant la- erty, vulnerability and marginalization, bour, child labour, and women’s rights with poverty being seen as arising not in the workplace, among others. just from low incomes but due to in- The UN General Assembly believes adequate command over economic re- that “…in order to achieve sustainable fisheries, States, and relevant national and international organizations should provide for participation of small-scale There is now a recognition that economic growth alone fishery stakeholders in policy develop- is not enough to eradicate poverty, and that rights, ment and fisheries management strate- freedoms and social justice are needed gies.” The Food and Agriculture Organi- zation of the United Nations (FAO) has begun to focus once more on its core sources such as fish stocks. mission—helping to create a world free Poverty reduction and sustain- of hunger (the right to food) and re- able fisheries thus become more than orientating its mission towards finding a moral responsibility or social choice effective ways to help countries meet —becomes then a legal obligation. This the Millennium Development Goals. recognition of legal entitlement to self- “We all agree there is an urgent need to determination is the first step towards restore and improve small-scale fisher- empowerment. ies,” Ichiro Nomura of FAO told the Siem In the midst of all the talk about Reap meet. Contrast this with the at- rights and international institutions

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VIEWPOINT More work needed

he Siem Reap Workshop and Symposium Bangladeshi participants could not have Twere among the more challenging meet- understood much, although they all did ings that ICSF has organized in Asia, not participate in the group discussions. least because of the high profi le, with fi sh- Several of the case studies could not eries bureaucrats from several South and be fully presented as they came in late. Southeast Asian countries present, together That must have hindered the participants’ with offi cials from the Food and Agriculture understanding of the different issues. There Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was not much of a focus on the geopolitics in a gathering co-hosted with the Royal of the two regions. Yet, on the whole, the Government of Cambodia. Workshop and Symposium processes were The Workshop focused on understand- participatory, and led to the Siem Reap ing how different fi shworker organizations Statement. (FWOs) and community representatives While the discussions did highlight the understood rights to, and responsibilities role and scope of traditional institutions to for, the coastal resources. The Symposium affi rm rights and execute responsibilities, provided a platform for the governments it is diffi cult to juxtapose such micro-insti- to explain their offi cial positions on the tutions—most of which are male-dominat- management of fi sheries. ed—with the State. There was a fairly good representation There was also some discussion on the of organizations and initiatives from the understanding of rights from a human- 20 different countries of the region, and a fair rights perspective or as a strategy within mix of men and women—though not the the struggle for a shift in the development desired 50:50 ratio—with the women being paradigm. People are asking for more than outspoken. As usual, though, translation use or property rights. They are asking for was a problem, and only the Thais, Indone- the right to also decide who can use the sians and Vietnamese got a full translation resources and for what purpose. Rights of the proceedings. The Tamil, Sinhala and imply entitlements, and the entitlement

and global networks of activists and ture, from the landward side, and by supporters, it has been encouraging to industrial fisheries and water resource see the continuing importance of local- abstraction, from the seaward side. ly distinct cultural and social practices. Decentralization of government, Traditional institutions may often be though cautiously welcomed as a fragile to external influences and may means to local-level empowerment and need formal/legal recognition. Strik- accountability, is not always beneficial, ingly enough, several governments as we learned from the experience of in the region, like those of Indonesia, Indonesia. There, although decentrali- Malaysia and Sri Lanka, have formally zation has increased the autonomy to recognized traditional rights. manage and control resources, it has Yet, despite increasing recogni- increased the pressure on the natural tion of their cultural and economic resources that are used by local govern- contributions, small-scale fisheries are ments to raise revenues, since they no squeezed out by coastal development longer enjoy budget allocations from and wetland reclamation for agricul- the central government. From the perspective of support- Strikingly enough, several governments in the region, like eers of small-scale fisheries, the rights those of Indonesia, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, have formally ttoo fish are paramount—but only if you recognized traditional rights ccan exercise them without alienating ttheh rights of others like consumers, fu- ttureu generations and other users of re-

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to self-determination is the main step to space in the fi sheries, and the general focus empowerment. remained on fi shing rights. There was little The Symposium highlighted a great time to analyze local, national and global contrast between the positions and pres- linkages, and how to strategize. Though entations of the South and Southeast Asian there is still an important role for union-type countries, with the latter displaying greater organizations, their existing dynamics are clarity and focus. The presentations of limiting, and they do not exist everywhere. SEAFDEC and the WorldFish Centre were also The Philippines is the only country that has interesting. While the former highlighted the a Fisheries Code using which organizations role of traditional institutions and knowl- can act. Cambodia also has a progressive edge in fi sheries management, the latter fi sheries policy, but organizations have to spoke of management being more about be built up. Aceh in Indonesia has very clear relations between people, and highlighted traditional laws and rights, and the fi shers the factors that infl uence livelihoods. there are able to negotiate their rights with There was general agreement that in the central government. multispecies fi sheries, there is no way of I feel the main problem in Asia contin- assessing stock size to assign community ues to be the lack of good FWOs that have quotas, but, in a context of co-management, an understanding of coastal rights and fi shers themselves can best determine how responsibilities, and can develop the means to regulate the fi shery if they are given to establish them. While meetings like the custodial rights. one at Siem Reap certainly give organiza- There was some focus on traditional tion leaders a broader vision, there is need community organizations. While I would for intensive work in each country to widen think they are still the only organizations in the understanding at the base level and 21 some Asian countries that can implement evolve strategies of action. common decisions, they are still male-dominated, and we would have to fi nd creative ways of drawing women into the decision- — These views come from Nalini Nayak making process. All along, it was admitted ([email protected]), a that there is no data on women’s role and Member of ICSF

sources. Claims for rights in small-scale fisheries have often arisen when faced by a wrong committed by someone else. We would not want to perpetuate a wrong on another group. A strong message has been sent out from Siem Reap to governments and international bodies that the transfer of the sea from a common-pool resource into private ownership will be seen by the regions’ small-scale fisherfolk as a For more violation of their rights. Ultimately, what is being requested rights.icsf.net/icsf2006/jspFiles/rights/ by participants at the Siem Reap meet staticPages/introduction.jsp is a non-transferable community right —not only to use resources, but also to decide on how they are to be used. With this right comes the responsibility of stewardship, of equity of access and allocation within communities.

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ssam47.inddam47.indd 2211 77/20/2007/20/2007 3:41:413:41:41 AMAM Iceland ITQs The Quota Conundrum

Icelandic small-boat owners have, through their organization, negotiated for their interests within the ITQ system, but issues related to the negative impacts on small coastal communities remain

celand is one of the world’s richest The history of the Icelandic nation countries, and, arguably, the only is inseparable from the history of its Ione so wealthy from wild capture fisheries. In 1902, after hundreds of fisheries. Less than a decade ago, over years of slavery to oars, the first engine 70 per cent of its currency income came was put on a small rowboat. The instal- from fisheries and fish products. Today, lation of that small engine marked the though this has decreased to 50 per beginning of the nation’s economic rev- cent, it still leaves the sector the largest olution of the 20th century. The Icelan- currency earner, well ahead of tourism dic fishing fleet was motorized, boats and other industries. got bigger, trawlers were built, and Some of the most productive fish- modern technology simultaneously 22 ing grounds are to be found within adopted. In a few decades, the nation the Icelandic exclusive economic zone rose from poverty to wealth. (EEZ). The Gulf stream from the south, and the cold currents from the north Foreign fleets create a mix in temperatures and nu- During the eventful 20th century, Ice- trients that produce a very favourable land moved its fishing limits four times environment for groundfish species between 1952 and 1975. The purpose was to push out foreign trawler fleets, mainly from Britain and Germany and gain sovereign rights over the fishing With around 6,000 fishermen, Iceland ranks grounds. This led to the so-called ‘cod among the 15 largest fishing nations in the world wars’, where small Icelandic coastguard vessels had to deal with large Brit- ish frigates—and won. Support from other nations was almost nil (with the like cod, haddock, saithe catfish and exception of Farøe Islands, which has a red fish, pelagic species such as capelin, population of 45,000), but, purely co- herring and whiting, and crustaceans incidentally, nations all over the world like shrimp. moved their EEZ limits to 200 nautical The population of Iceland is miles shortly after the final conflict on 310,000. Annually, 1,600 fishing ves- the Icelandic fishing grounds in 1975. sels catch 1.5–2.2 mn tonnes, of which- Although the Icelandic fishing approximately 400,000 tonnes are grounds were—and remain— pro- groundfish, while the rest are pelagic ductive, they have limits. In 1983, the species that go more and more for Icelandic Marine Institute (MRI) issued human consumption. With around a ‘black report’, stating that the status 6,000 fishermen, Iceland ranks among of the stocks was bad and fishing effort the 15 largest fishing nations in the had to be cut. This report led to the world and reports the highest landings enforcement of the individual trans- per fisherman (300–400 tonnes). Ice- ferable quota (ITQ) management sys- This piece is by Arthur Bogason (arthur@ landers are also close to the top of the tem in 1984. To begin with, the main smabatar.is) of the National Association of Small Boat Owners (NASBO), Iceland list for per capita fish consumption. purpose of this “temporary action” was

SAMUDRA Report No.47 itqs

purported to “build up and protect the NASBO has never split. There is no ques- fish stocks” and “secure regional de- tion that this fact plays a big part in its velopment”. Shortly afterwards, when success. it became obvious that the system was From the beginning, NASBO was the doing neither—besides the fact that only organization in the Icelandic fish- ‘common property’ was being handed eries to protest against the ITQ system. out to a selected group—strong debates The small-boat owners demanded that broke out around the nation about the their fisheries should not be treated pros and cons of the ITQ system. like other segments of the fishing fleet. Polls show that around 70 per cent They argued that the necessity for cut- of the Icelandic population disapprove ting down the fishing effort could, by of the ITQ system. However, this dis- no means, be traced to the small-boat content has never been reflected in the sector. The trawlers, whom most be- general elections. On 12 May 2007, Ice- lieved to be the main cause for the sta- landers voted for elections to the parlia- tus of the stocks, should shoulder the ment, and the only party with the main burden, they argued. The politicians policy of throwing out the ITQ system, seemed to have agreed with this rea- got less than 8 per cent of the votes soning, to a large extent. It also helped cast. The new government (Independ- that the general public was on the side ence Party plus Social Democrats, who of the small-boat owners. On the other command a large majority in the parlia- hand, other organizations in the fisher- ment) said in its manifesto that “stabil- ies turned against NASBO, and remain ity for the fisheries will be secured”. So unfriendly to this day. it appears that the ITQ system will stay. From 1984 to 1991, the Icelandic On 5 December 1985, less than two small-boat sector was more or less out- years after the enforcement of the ITQ side the ITQ system. Certain ‘mild’ re- 23 system, Icelandic small-boat owners strictions were put in place, but access founded their National Association of was open, and the number of boats in- Small Boat Owners (NASBO). The incen- creased day by day. In 1984, the small- tive was the new fishery management boat sector consisted of fewer than 900 system. Icelandic legislation defines boats, almost entirely old, wooden and boats with gross registered tonnage slow-going, and the average age of the (GRT) 15 tonne and less and 12–13 m in owners was high. In 1991, the number length, as small boats. of boats exceeded 2,000, mostly new, The small-boat owners were fortu- built of fibreglass and fast-going, oper- nate to realize early that an ITQ system ated by younger men. The small-boat can be a direct threat to small-scale arthur bogason fishermen. The founding of the association turned the tables completely for the small-boat owners, and is perhaps the best example of the necessity for small-boat owners, and coastal and artisanal fishers to unite for a say in their future. In 1984, when the ITQ system was enacted, the total quota granted to the small boats was 8,300 tonnes of cod and close to nothing of other species. In recent years, the small boats have fished 80–85,000 tonnes of groundfish, accounting for over 20 per cent of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC )of the main groundfish species. NASBO is the only organization for small-boat owners in Iceland, made up of 15 regional organizations. Despite numerous attempts by the trawler as- One of the new-generation small boats in Iceland that push the 15-tonne size limits, sociation, and even some politicians, equipped with auto-lines and other sophisticated technology

july 2007 iceland

sector’s fish landings rose accordingly, quotas going up, it was easier to justify enough for the government to give in to selling out. Some of those who sold out the pressure from other organizations later returned to the fisheries, but oth- and decide to force half of the small ers regret having sold their boats, and boats (1,043 boats, all above 6 tonnes are bitter and feel left out. GRT) into the ITQ system, along with the The remainder of the small-boat trawlers and larger ships. Resistance fleet (around 1,000) that was not forced from NASBO prevented the entire small- into the ITQ system started to develop. Though regulations were now much tougher to deal with, the legislator still With prices for quotas going up, it was easier to justify left several loopholes that enabled the selling out. Some of those who sold out later returned small-boat owners to build new boats to the fisheries, but others regret having sold their boats, that were bigger and much more effi- and are bitter and feel left out cient—and stay outside the ITQ system. The small-boat sector started to thrive again, and a substantial number of them operated for days at sea. Once landings started to increase, boat fleet from being forced into the ITQ history repeated itself. Constant pres- system. sure from other organizations forced However, there were no restrictions the government to include, slowly but in the legislation regarding transfer- surely, these small boats too into an ITQ ability of quotas, which brought to the system—but this time differently than surface one of the looming dangers earlier. In 2004, the last 300 boats were of the ITQ system: Between 1 Janu- included in the ITQ system, and, since 24 ary 1991 and 1 September 1994, the then, all small boats in Iceland operate big seafood companies bought 700 of under the ‘small’ ITQ system—except the 1,043 small boats, transferred the the 110 mentioned earlier which fall quotas to their trawlers, destroyed the under the ‘big’ ITQ system. small boats—they could not even be Unlike the 1991 instance, the small sold as pleasure boats—so they would boats are now allowed to use longlines not enter the fisheries again, and, as and handlines, with a firewall to pre- the icing on the cake, used the renewal vent transfer of quotas between them rights to enlarge their trawlers. Today and the rest of the fishing fleet. NASBO there are only around 110 of the 1,043 also negotiated with the government small boats left. to allow small-boat owners to buy and How could this have happened? lease quotas from the ‘big’ ITQ system. Were these small boats so uneconomi- The small-boat owners have used this cal and inefficient? That does not seem provision to a large extent. to be the case. Around 1990, and for a There are now around 800 small few years since, the quotas for cod were boats active in Iceland, 690 in the cut to historical lows. This affected the ‘small’ ITQ system, and 110 in the ‘big’ small-boat sector since the cod was system. The reason for the decline in what the small boats relied on, with the number of boats in the ‘small’ sys- most of them having no other fishing tem is that the newest generation of rights. Therefore, they were the hard- small boats being built push the size est hit during this time period. limit (15 tonnes) and merge quotas Another ugly side of the ITQ system from several smaller boats in order to showed up: Simultaneously with the attain a full-year fishery. quota cuts for cod (up to over 70 per Expectedly enough, some are ask- cent) quotas for other species were in- ing if the firewall around the transfer- creased. The subsequent impact on the ability of quotas will be removed. This bigger ships and trawlers was, in most is highly unlikely. There is no political cases, much less compared to what the will for that, and, after all, the small- small-boat owners went through. With- boat owners themselves asked for the out a sufficient quota, a small-boat firewall. 1991 is still fresh in memory. fisherman could not maintain himself, NASBO has argued for a considera- his family and his boat. With prices for tion of the type of fishing gear used,

SAMUDRA Report No.47 itqs pointing out that the use of environ- are in excellent shape—as both fisher- mentally friendly ones should be re- men and scientists agree. warded. After years of struggle by the The question thus arises: Does it organization, the government agreed matter at all what kind of a manage- to legislate an idea from NASBO—the ment system is used? When quotas ‘longline reward’. for cod were cut to historical lows in Boats using longlines and landing the 1990s, the opponents of the ITQ on a daily basis get a 13 per cent less- system were up in arms. Later, that er reduction from their quotas. This very same decade, when the quotas will add close to 6,000 tonnes to the were increased again, the supporters landings of the small-boat sector for thanked the system. In this respect, the the fishing year 2006-2007 (starting 1 current situation in the Farøe Islands is September), from boats that almost en- pertinent. The Farøe Islands authori- tirely operate from small coastal com- ties enforced a days-at-sea system 11 munities. years ago. Today the cod stock is down Around 5,300 tonnes of ‘community around the islands. quotas’ are kept aside at the beginning Most fishermen in both Iceland and of each fishing year. These quotas are the Farøe Islands claim that these are distributed to the small fishing commu- natural fluctuations, something man- nities (with populations under 1,500) agement systems can perhaps influ- and their local authorities decide how ence at a micro-level. At the same time, to use them. This move has added sub- they agree that access to fish resources stantially to the landings of the small should be closed, except for the small- boats. est vessels using only handlines. With The community quotas were intro- the rapid development of technology, duced in the early 1990s, when the quo- open access for all is unsustainable. It 25 tas for cod were cut. The small coastal is worth remembering that in 1979, the communities pointed out that the legis- outlook for the fishermen in Iceland lation was supposed to secure ‘regional was so bleak that many of them agreed development’. that the fishing grounds were dead for Many small-boat owners feel that good. The winter season of 1991, how- the community quotas should be re- ever, turned out to be one of the best voked and added to the ‘longline re- ever. ward’ to further enhance the use of be- arthur bogason nign fishing gear. Since 1985, NASBO has been protesting against the ITQ system, pointing out that it will prove to be a threat to not only fish stocks, but also to the small- boat sector and the small coastal communities. However, the issue of whether the ITQ system ‘protects’ fish stocks or not is extremely complex. While the MRI states that the status of the cod stock is poor, the fishermen claim that the recovery of the cod stock is complete. They point to record landings and catches per fishing unit, add- ing that they have never seen anything like this on the fishing grounds in the past. If the fishermen are right, the methodology of the MRI and its reputation is at risk of denouncement and shame. If the MRI is right, the quotas have to be cut, threatening once more the small- boat sector. To add to the complexity of Some of the older small boats fishing off an iceberg.T here are now around 800 small boats active in Iceland the situation, other stocks like haddock

july 2007 iceland arthur bogason

26 Gudni Ásgrímsson, a small-boat fisherman, who works with his father at Vopnafjordor in Iceland, with a spotted catfish he has just caught tached to fishing vessels. If a boatowner decides to sell his vessel (an act which can hardly be banned), what should The resistance among small-boat happen to the quotas? If the quotas are owners to the ITQ system is not as gen- to stay in the respective communities, erally widespread as before. Most of the buyers and sellers can simply put in them now have sufficient quotas, and, their assignment that the initial num- after years of fighting for their fair bers of vessels stay put. share in the fisheries, they appreciate restraint and the opportunity to con- No guarantee centrate on working with what they On paper, the fishing rights would re- already have. main in the community. Would it help It is not easy to see what should to make it mandatory to land the quo- replace the ITQ system, if it is revoked. tas in the community? Doing that by Does it matter for Icelanders what kind no means guarantees that the fish is of a system is in place, once access is processed right there nor that the crew closed? Perhaps, perhaps not. Fishing is from the community. The catch can rights would most likely continue to be be bought by any fish processor in the transferable, waste would occur in all country, and crew members can be systems—whether as discharge of fish drawn from anywhere. Can it then be within an ITQ system or loss in value made mandatory to process the catch within a days-at-sea system where the in the community by forcing people to temptation is to fish as much as pos- run processing plants? That would be sible within time limits at the cost of impossible. quality. Icelandic legislation grants the mu- Can these two systems be used to- nicipalities pre-emption rights to buy gether? That experiment was tried in vessels within their boundaries, should Iceland, and it brought out the worst in they go up for sale. This legislative grant both systems. One might imagine that has, however, hardly ever been utilized. the solution would be to ban transfer- The fact is that once a system has been ability of fishing rights. What does that put in place where fishing rights are imply? In Iceland, fishing rights are at- defined by units, boatowners start to

SAMUDRA Report No.47 No. 1 Thursday, 3 May 2007

for Siem Reap

I N T E R N A T I O N A L C O L L E C T I V E I N S U P P O R T O F F I S H W O R K E R S samudraWhat’s On Today Som Svakum ! ¾ Inaugural Session Welcome to Cambodia, welcome to Siem Reap, and welcome tow the ICSF Workshop and Symposium on small-scale fishing ¾ Country Case Studies communities and fisheries management in Asia • Philippines • Cambodia ll over Asia, mil A three-day workshop for Hopefully, the workshop • Thailand lions of people de fishworker and non-govern- and symposium will lead • Indonesia pend on fisheries for mental organizations, re- to: • India A a living, and the sector is a searchers and activists from • Bangladesh major source of food secu- the Asian region will be fol- • documentation/greater rity, employment, income lowed by a two-day sympo- visibility of traditional ¾ Group Discussions and foreign exchange. Ac- sium to which policymakers and extant community- cording to the Food and Ag- and representatives of re- based systems for regu- ¾ Reception Dinner riculture Organization of gional and international or- lating/managing fisher- the United Nations (FAO), of ganizations have been in- ies in an Asian context, the 47.6 mn fishers world- vited. and an understanding In Brief wide engaged in fishing and of their present rel- fish farming as a full-time, or, Specifically, the workshop evance to fisheries man- Workshops and conferences, more frequently, part-time, and symposium will: agement; however interesting, can be occupation, as many as 42.3 • documentation/greater exhausting, and tax the atten- mn, or 89 per cent, are in visibility of issues facing tion of even the most deter- • review the experiences of mined. We trust that won’t Asia. Most are small-scale, traditional and modern fishing communities happen here, and to help you artisanal fishers, eking out a rights-based approaches and their rights to in- keep track of what’s sched- living from coastal and in- to fisheries management, habit and use coastal uled, as well as to whet your land fishery resources. and discuss their rel- lands; appetite for what’s in store, evance and scope in the • greater capacity of fish- here is the first issue of Clearly, therefore, it is nec- Asian context; ing communities and SAMUDRA for Siem Reap, a essary to protect and secure • contribute to improving their organizations to newsletter that will report on the rights of small-scale the overall effectiveness advocate for policies the proceedings of the six fishworkers and their com- of fisheries management (...contd. on Page 3) days of this workshop and munities to livelihood and symposium. We hope it will by promoting responsi- resources—both on land and ble small-scale fisheries also become a forum to share sea—and to the continuous More Inside experiences, ideas and opin- and the rights of small- possession or enjoyment of scale fishing communi- ions. Please contact the coastal residential habitats SAMUDRA Team or anyone at ties; and History ...... 2 and other lands tradition- the ICSF Secretariat if you • advocate for policies that Rightspeak ...... 2 ally used by them. This has have something to contribute. recognize the rights of Cambodia ...... 3 Needless to add, the opinions been a recurrent theme in all the events organized by fishing communities to Siem Reap ...... 4 and viewpoints expressed the coastal lands and re- here do not necessarily rep- ICSF, and is the crux of the Know Your Khmer ... 4 present workshop and sym- sources customarily used resent the official views of by them. ICSF. w posium.

SAMUDRA for Siem Reap 1 ICSF’s Rights Workshop FISHERIES HISTORY Rightspeak

The Jargon Fishing Lots in Cambodia’s Fisheries of Fishing Rights Wade through this alphabet soup of fishing rights! he fishing-lot system is said to 1960s, there were often reports of lot have been initially introduced owners and managers being killed in BMU beach management units Tin the late 19th century (1863) disputes with local officials and villag- CDQ community development as a feudal patronage system during ers. It is likely that forces that eventu- quota the reign of King Norodom. The rev- ally coalesced with the Khmer Rouge CPR community property enues collected were used to pay the had a hand in these events. In 1973 Lon rights French, who, in turn, kept the Siamese Nol banned all fishing lots, and in 1975, CRZ coastal regulation zone at bay. However, the system was most fishing activity too was aban- DAP dedicated-access privilege given up in 1884 due to a series of doned after the Khmer Rouge seized IFQ individual fishing quota peasant rebellions protesting against power. They relocated people away ITQ individual transferable quota the usurping of their aquatic com- from fishing villages and even at- IVQ individual viable quota mons. Bearing this in mind, the sys- tempted to convert wetands into rice LAPP limited-access privilege tem was then modified and greatly fields. Unlike the people—particularly programme formalized by the French Protector- those of Vietnamese origin—the fish in ate in 1908. They appointed trained the Tonle Sap lake faced no threat from staff, introduced strict management the Khmer Rouge. Stocks were at their and conservation measures and en- peak during their rule. sured the inclusion of some social interests to take the concerns of the peas- Fishing was revived again by the So- antry into account. It is pertinent to viet-supported socialist government of note that these changes included the the People's Republic of Kampuchea, following five elements: setting up the established after the overthrow of the fishing season, creation of fish sanc- Khmer Rouge in 1979. In keeping with tuaries, restriction of certain types of their ideological leanings, they at-

fishing gear and equipment, protec- tempted to make the fishing lots most

tion of reasonable access rights for lo- socialist in ownership by handing

cal villages (7 per cent of total conces- them to solidarity groups of fisher fami- MBI market-based instruments sion grounds) and the establishment lies also called "krom samaki nesat". (or incentives) of a fisheries research institute. The The concession (tax) was to be paid in MPA marine protected areas revenues from this more formalized the form of fresh or salted fish to the MSY maximum sustainable management system were used until State. This was the phase after more yield the early 1950s to develop public in- than a century -- that people were rela- MVQ minimum viable quotas frastructure such as roads and rail- tively free to fish where they wanted. NTZ no-take zone (also some ways for Cambodia. After independ- Moreover, there was an abundance of times called ‘marine ence in 1954, a legal framework to the fish following the low pressure on reserve’) fishery was provided by promulgat- stocks in the Khmer Rouge period. It SPA sanctuary preservation ing the Fishery Law of 1956. was during this phase that many peo- area TAC total allowable catch ple from Vietnam who were good fish- TURF territorial use rights in In the early post-independence phase, ermen entered Cambodia. fisheries conflicts over the lot system resur- faced. The elite beneficiaries tried to Many of them settled in the Tonle Sap, gloss over the issues. They were ini- establishing floating villages, as they tially successful. But King Norodom had no access to land. By the mid- Workshop Website Launched! Sihanouk managed to have some of 1980s, with the Soviet Union in turmoil, To coincide with the ongoing workshop the fishing lots disbanded. In the the government had to seek alternative at Siem Reap, ICSF has launched a (...contd. on Page 3) website to exclusively focus on the issues being discussed here. Please visit — from Cambodia's Aquarian Reforms: The Emerging Challenges for Policy www.icsf.net/icsf2006/jspFiles/rights/ and Research by John Kurien, So Nam and Mao Sam Onn index.jsp

2 SAMUDRA for Siem Reap ICSF’s Rights Workshop (Som Svakum... contd. from Page 1) that secure the rights of fishing CAMBODIA: Some Background communities to the coastal lands customarily used by them; Country name: • greater capacity of fishing commu- Conventional long form: Kingdom of Cambodia nities and their organizations to Conventional short form: Cambodia advocate for policies directed at Local long form: Preahreacheanachakr Kampuchea equitable and sustainable coastal (phonetic pronunciation) and fisheries management regimes Local short form: Kampuchea appropriate for small- and large- Former: Kingdom of Cambodia, Khmer Republic, scale fisheries in the Asian context; Democratic Kampuchea, People's Republic and of Kampuchea, State of Cambodia • recognition among policymakers of Government type: multiparty democracy under proposals articulated by fishing a constitutional monarchy communities and their organiza- Capital: Phnom Penh tions for coastal and fisheries re- Area sources management. w Total: 181,040 sq km land: 176,520 sq km (History of... contd. from Page 2) water: 4,520 sq km

Land boundaries: total: 2,572 km sources of funds to run the country border countries: Laos 541 km, Thailand 803 km, and keep their party cadres content. Vietnam 1,228 km The fishing-lots system was seen as Coastline: 443 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm an important source to achieve both contiguous zone: 24 nm ends. exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm In 1987, the Cambodian government promulgated the Fisheries Manage- Population 13,881,427 Million ment and Administration Law No. Ethnic groups: Khmer 90%, Vietnamese 5%, Chinese 1%, 33 of 1987. This was largely modeled other 4% after the Fishery Law of 1956. The Religions: Theravada Buddhist 95%, other 5% Official Language: Khmer (95%) new law applied to both marine and Other languages: French, English inland fisheries, and derived the con- Currency: Riel (US$1 = 3,987 Riels) cept of domain from the French legal concept of public domain—inalien- ost Cambodians consider ese occupation, and touched off almost able State property. It further divided themselves to be Khmers, de 13 years of civil war. The 1991 Paris the inland capture fishery into three scendants of the Angkor Peace Accords mandated democratic EmpireM that extended over much of elections and a ceasefire, which was categories: large-scale fishing (basi- not fully respected by the Khmer cally the fishing lots that are auc- Southeast Asia and reached its zenith between the 10th and 13th centuries. Rouge. tioned; also called industrial fishing); Attacks by the Thai and Cham (from middle-scale fishing (fishing gear present-day Vietnam) weakened the UN-sponsored elections in 1993 helped such as dip-nets, seine-nets, etc., empire ushering in a long period of de- restore some semblance of normalcy which are licensed; also called enter- cline. The king placed the country un- under a coalition government. Fac- prise fishing) and small-scale fishing der French protection in 1863. Cambo- tional fighting in 1997 ended the first dia became part of French Indochina in coalition government, but a second (passive gear like single longlines, 1887. Following Japanese occupation in round of national elections in 1998 led cast-nets and small gill-nets; also World War II, Cambodia gained full to the formation of another coalition called family fishing). independence from France in 1953. government and renewed political stability. The remaining elements of The Sub-Decree on Community Fish- In April 1975, after a five-year strug- the Khmer Rouge surrendered in early gle, Communist Khmer Rouge forces 1999. Some of the remaining Khmer eries Management proclaimed in captured Phnom Penh and evacuated Rouge leaders are awaiting trial by a 2005 put to question once again the all cities and towns. At least 1.5 mil- UN-sponsored tribunal for crimes continuance of the fishing-lot system. lion Cambodians died from execution, against humanity. Elections in July However, if history is any guide, the forced hardships, or starvation during 2003 were relatively peaceful, but it issue is not yet a closed matter. w the Khmer Rouge regime under POL took one year of negotiations between POT. A December 1978 Vietnamese in- contending political parties before a vasion drove the Khmer Rouge into the coalition government was countryside, began a 10-year Vietnam- formed. w —from The World Factbook, April 2007 3 SAMUDRA for Siem Reap ICSF’s Rights Workshop Helpline Siem Reap: Boomtown Gateway

ranslated literally from In town can be found Apsara dance Conference Secretariat Khmer, “Siem Reap” means performances, craft shops, silk farms, Adjacent to Meeting Hall, Preah Khan Hotel (Extn. 832) T “Siam Defeated”, and the rice-paddy countryside, fishing vil- name of this province commemorates lages and a bird sanctuary near the Registration/Travel a Khmer victory over the neighboring great Tonle Sap Lake. Ranjana/ICSF Secretariat kingdom of Thailand. These days, Hotel Addresses however, the only rampaging hordes The town is a cluster of small villages Majestic Angkor Hotel are the tourists heading to Angkor, along the Siem Reap River. These vil- National Road No. 6 (Airport Road) and this once quaint village has be- lages were originally developed Krous Village, come the largest boomtown and con- around Buddhist pagodas (Wat), Svay Dangkum Commune Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia. struction site in Cambodia. which are almost evenly spaced along Tel: (855) 63 969 682 the river from Wat Preah En Kau Sei in Fax: (855) 63 969 687/681 Being the gateway town to the fa- the north to Wat Phnom Krom in the Email: [email protected] mous heritage of the Angkor temples, south, where the Siem Reap River Website: www.majesticangkor.com Siem Reap has transformed itself into meets the Tonle Sap Lake. Preah Khan Hotel a vibrant town with modern hotels National Road No. 6 (Airport Road) and architecture. Despite interna- The main town is concentrated Phum Grous, Sangat Svay tional influences, Siem Reap and its around Sivutha Street and the Psar Dong Kon, Siem Reap 17000 Kingdom of Cambodia people have conserved much of the Chas area (Old Market area) where are Tel: (855) 637 66888 town’s image, culture and traditions. located old colonial buildings, shop- Fax: (855) 637 66889 ping and commercial districts. The Wat Email: [email protected] Siem Reap City, the capital of the Bo area is now full of guesthouses and Website: www.preahkhanhotel.com province, has colonial and Chinese- restaurants, while the Psar Leu area is style architecture in the Old French crowded with local commerce. w Quarter, and around the Old Market. — adapted from Wikipedia and Wikitravel

Lingua franca All for $3 ...Where there is The vast majority of Cambodians speak Here’s what US$3 will fetch you in Siem “ Khmer, a language of the Mon-Khmer Reap – depending on your bargaining water, there are fish. group. Its only close relative is the skills! If we care for the language of the Mon, a Burmese water, the fish will minority. Khmer is only distantly related 3 bottles of Beerlao to Thai and to some Indonesian 2 bowls of noodle soup take care of us... languages, with some borrowed words 3 days of bicycle hire — Khmer saying from Vietnamese, Chinese, Pali, French half a day motodop (motorcycle taxi) and English. The script is related to hire Devanagari and looks a bit like Thai ...And Tomorrow script at first glance. ” ¾ Group Reports Know Your Khmer ¾ Coastal Management Initiatives Welcome Som Svakum Thank you Or Kun Hello Chhom Reap Suor/ ¾ Norwegian Experience Suor Sdey You’re welcome Min Oy Te

Good morning Arun Suor Sdey OK Oth Banhha/ Good afternoon Tivea Suor Sdey Yol Prom Good evening Sayon Suor Sdey Yes Bath (male)/ SAMUDRA for Siem Reap is a special Good night Riet Trey Suor Sdey Chass (female) publication brought out by the Goodbye Chhom Reap Lea Of course Pit Chhea Ban SAMUDRA Team for ICSF's workshop on Asserting Rights, Defining How are you? Teu Neak Soksabay Certainly Bra Kot Nas Responsibilities: Perspectives from Chhea Te? Small-scale Fishing Communities Just a second/ Som Cham Muoy on Coastal and Fisheries I’m fine Khnhom Soksabay One moment Phlet Management in Asia, at Siem Reap, Chhea Te Cambodia 4 SAMUDRA for Siem Reap ICSF’s Rights Workshop No. 2 Friday, 4 May 2007

for Siem Reap

I N T E R N A T I O N A L C O L L E C T I V E I N S U P P O R T O F F I S H W O R K E R S samudraWhat’s On Today Workshop opens, pro-poor ¾ Group Reports • Philippines, Vietnam criteria, principles stressed • Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand • Bangladesh, Pakistan, n the first day of the attempt to mutually define the sustainability of the Sri Lanka, India workshop, soon af responsibilities for co-man- fishery resources on which • Cambodia Oter close to 60 del- agement, John Kurien they depend require in- egates from 10 countries had pointed out. creased attention, strong ¾ SEAFDEC registered, the proceedings commitment and collective Presentation got off to a rousing start to That point was reiterated by efforts. When designing the patriotic strains of H. E. Nao Thuok, Director policies and strategies for ¾ Gender Perspective Nokoreach, Cambodia’s na- General of the Fisheries Ad- small-scale fisheries man- tional anthem. A brief wel- ministration, Ministry of agement in developing ¾ Group Discussions come by Chandrika Sharma, Agriculture, Forestry and countries, pro-poor criteria Executive Secretary, ICSF, Fisheries, Royal Govern- and principles need to be was followed by an intro- ment of Cambodia in his in- used, he added. In Fact ductory overview to the augural speech. Noting that According to the Food and workshop by John Kurien, the fisheries sector is crucial If management of single- Agriculture Organization of the Co-ordinator, Animation to the Cambodian people’s species fisheries in North- United Nations (FAO), of the Team, ICSF, who extended livelihoods and the national ern and sub-tropical 47.6 mn fishers worldwide greetings to the gathering in economy, the Director Gen- waters is considered engaged in fishing and fish over half a dozen languages! eral said that the purpose of difficult, the task is even farming as a full-time, or, more Cambodia’s fisheries reform more daunting for the frequently, part-time, occupa- That international flavour is to “promote broad local multi-species and multi- tion, as many as 42.3 mn, or 89 seemed particularly appro- participation in fisheries gear fisheries of the per cent, are in Asia. priate as John Kurien traced management and the effi- tropics, he said. the history of ICSF and the cient, sustainable, and equi- China has the maximum number principles that helped table use of living aquatic Pointing to the growing of fishers and fish farmers, launch it as an international resources”. trend towards more followed by India, Vietnam, network with a Third World Indonesia, Bangladesh and the focus, whose members come That community and peo- (...contd. on Page 3) Philippines. The majority of from different disciplinary ple-oriented perspective fishers and fish farmers are small-scale, artisanal fishers, backgrounds, but whose was also evident in the Key- eking out a living from coastal common factor is that they note Address of Ichiro and inland fishery resources. all are working closely with Nomura, Assistant Director- More Inside small-scale and artisanal General, Fisheries and According to the Asian Develop- fishing communities in dif- Aquaculture Department of ment Bank, artisanal, small-scale ferent parts of the world. the Food and Agriculture Reflections...... 2 fisheries in Asia are estimated to Organization of the United Nokoreach...... 3 contribute to at least 50 per cent Cambodia is the only coun- Nations (FAO). of total fisheries production, try in Asia where the State Organizations ...... 4 providing extensive rural has taken giant leaps to cre- He stressed that the im- Know Your Khmer ... 4 employment. w ate rights for fishing com- provement of the livelihoods munities and help them to of coastal communities and

SAMUDRA for Siem Reap 1 ICSF’s Rights Workshop REFLECTIONS this where we have brought together fishing communities, scientists, community activists, researchers and representa- Some History, More Future tives of State to discuss issues of common concern. One of the weaknesses of our work has been that we have not been CSF traces its history to the historic tor is that we are all working closely with able to address the concerns of inland conference that we organized in small-scale and artisanal fishing commu- fisheries and inland fishing communities. IRome in 1984 as a counter-confer- nities in different parts of the world. It is We do not have members in the big in- ence to the FAO World Conference on our endeavour to support these fishing land fishing countries like Cambodia and Fisheries where all the representative communities and their organizations and Bangladesh, for example. of nation states participated. On that oc- empower them to participate in fisheries casion, we argued vehemently for the from the multiple perspectives of justice, This event is really our first attempt to rights of small-scale fishing com- correct this bias. It is also is the munities to be an integral part of first time we are collaborating the FAO event. However, since with a government. We are this was not possible, we had no therefore certainly looking for- choice but to have our own event. ward to increasing our network Consequently 100 representa- and our realm of concern into tives of fishworkers and their sup- inland fisheries. porters from 34 countries gathered in Rome in an event which And now to the introduction of we called the International Con- the workshop. What better ference of Fishworkers and their place to hold such a meeting Supporters. than Cambodia to discuss rights and responsibilities in The key follow-up conclusions of fisheries from the perspective the Rome Conference were of communities and the State? three: (1) Fishworkers and fishing Cambodia is the only country communities the world over in Asia where the State has faced similar problems and taken giant leaps to create therefore they have a rights for fishing communities mutual responsibility to find and help them to attempt to effective solutions. mutually define responsibilities (2) Fishworkers would have to for co-management. This initia- organize themselves better tive has come from the highest at the national level and also level – the Prime Minister him- meet together more often at self. Large tracts of inland wa- the regional and global level participation, sustainability and self-reli- ter areas have been taken out of the (3) There was an important role for a ance. Among our members we have indi- control of influential and rich individuals network of supporters to further the viduals who have nearly 35-40 years of and given over to the communities to cause of fishworkers. experience working closely with fishing manage. This reform policy has been communities. Collectively, we can claim ably implemented by the Fisheries Ad- The creation of ICSF in 1986 was the re- to have well over 800 person years of such ministration headed by HE Nao Thuok. sult of the third conclusion. experience. Over the last twenty years of our existence we have worked in all the However, the situation of the fishing ICSF is a network of individuals–cur- continents of the world. We have done stud- communities in Cambodia is special. rently from 20 countries spread across ies, undertaken training programmes, lob- They have gone through a long period the world. We are an international net- bied for important causes affecting of civil strife, mass displacement, forced work but with a Third World focus. Our fishworkers, published many documents, migration and genocide. The cumulative members come from different discipli- conducted several exchange pro- result of these circumstances of history nary backgrounds, but the common fac- grammes and organized events such as has been a great deficit of trust; a lack of bonding to the place where they stay and —excerpts from the Introduction to the Workshop by John Kurien an uncertainty about how to relate to the (...contd. on Page 3)

2 SAMUDRA for Siem Reap ICSF’s Rights Workshop (Workshop... contd. from Page 1) decentralization in fisheries man- Nokoreach: agement and the success of co- Cambodia’s National Anthem management systems in some areas, ·································································· Nomura said that the topic of allocation of access and benefits is at Words by: His Highness Patriarch Chuon tle of the anthem is derived from the the heart of all efforts to manage Nat (1883-1969) name of an ancient Khmer kingdom. fisheries. Music by: F. Perruchot and J. Jekyll, ENGLISH TRANSLATION Small-scale fishers should be given based on a Cambodian folk tune preferential access to fishery re- Heaven protects our King And gives him happiness and glory sources, Nomura added. "As a pro- Adopted: 1941, replaced 1970, restored poor policy, a redistribution of 1975, replaced 1976, restored 1993 To reign over our souls and our destinies, access from the industrial fleets to The one being, heir of the Sovereign build- small-scale fishers should be consid- The anthem was originally adopted in ers, ered. This should be combined with 1941 and reconfirmed in 1947, around Guiding the proud old Kingdom. improved protection of inshore the time of independence from France. Temples are asleep in the forest, areas, some of which have already In 1970, the monarchy was abolished, Remembering the splendour of Moha Nokor. been made exclusive to artisanal thereby replacing the anthem as well. fisheries, he said After the communist victory in 1975, Like a rock the Khmer race is eternal. former royalist symbols, including Let us trust in the fate of Campuchea, The goal of responsible and equita- “Nokoreach”, were reinstated for a The empire which challenges the ages. ble small-scale fisheries calls for a short while until replaced with their Songs rise up from the pagodas combination of decentralization of own national symbols. After the roy- To the glory of holy buddhistic faith. management responsibilities; a alist forces defeated the communists in Let us be faithful to our ancestors’ belief. rights-based approach to fisheries 1993, putting an end to their long civil management that meets social war, the royalist anthem was also re- Thus heaven will lavish its bounty objectives; and strong support to stored to Cambodia once more. The ti- Towards the ancient Khmer country, social development and poverty the Moha Nokor. w alleviation, Nomura concluded. w

(Some History... contd. from Page 2) Province in Indonesia. As you all know, the different paths through which gov- government. Consequently, there has the fishing communities there have been ernments and communities may arrive not been any widespread demand from devastated by the greatest natural calam- at asserting the rights and defining the the community for securing rights to re- ity in our modern era – the 2004 tsunami. responsibilities which can lead to co- sources in the manner which has been Several fishing communities had over half management initiatives. Perhaps the witnessed in other countries of Asia such their population – particularly women and government officials in Aceh can learn as the Philippines or India. Last year I children – devoured by the sea. What much from the government initiatives in had the unique opportunity to work in humbled me was the phenomenal resil- Cambodia. Maybe the communities in Cambodia with both the government and ience of those who remain. They are get- Cambodia can learn from the people of the community. From my experience ting on with their lives – looking forward Aceh. here, I think that the greatest contribu- and not deterred by the horrific events of tion of the community fisheries initiative the past. They preferred to consider what In the ICSF this has been our commit- of the Royal Government of Cambodia happened to them as God's training for ment. We believe that bringing people will be in helping to build the social capi- them rather than God's punishment. How- together and assisting them to interact tal in the fishing villages and recreating ever, though individual lives have been and learn from each other is a major trust by helping people to work together. shattered, the social capital in the com- need of our time. We have facilitated this munity has been quickly re-accumulated. in Africa, in Latin America, in Europe and By organizing community fishery organi- Harmony and trust and the will to move in Asia. In Asia we have taken many zations in their villages, the people have ahead marked their attitude. The respon- initiatives over the last two decades be- a unique chance to work together; to ex- sibilities towards one another in the com- cause more than three-quarters of the plore their newly obtained resources and munity and to nature are clearly ex- fishing communities in the world live to take participatory decisions on how pressed. But yet there is no assertion of here. they will manage them and earn a sus- rights or plea for co-management. As a tainable livelihood from them. Building plan to rehabilitate the communities in Many international agencies have now trust between governments and commu- Aceh, the government is keen to consider begun to talk about rights in fisheries. But nities is the key to creating rights and co-management, but they have yet to the focus is largely on property rights at defining responsibilities. As they say in make the first steps towards this. sea and on land. We at ICSF have talked my country, you need two hands to clap. about rights from the days of the Rome I placed before you these two examples Conference. But our concern for rights I spent the last couple of weeks in Aceh from my brief experience only to highlight extends far beyond the notions of prop- (...contd. on Page 4) 3 SAMUDRA for Siem Reap ICSF’s Rights Workshop (Some History... contd. from Page 3) Organizational erty rights over fish. To us, rights take re- Helpline ally substantive meaning only if they extend to all realms of life and livelihood. Conference Secretariat/Travel Profiles Many of these are inalienable rights – ba- Preah Khan Hotel (Extn. 832) sic human rights. The right to a dignified Following are brief write-ups on Mobile: 012 804425 life; the right to freedom of expression; some of the fishworker and non- Medical Emergency governmental organizations partici- the rights to one's cultural and religious 023 - 993911 pating at this workshop: practices; the right to collective action to access the natural resources needed to Foreigner Police UBINIG, Bangladesh support a livelihood; to name just a few. 023 - 724793 UBINIG is the acronym for Unnayan Bikalper Nitinirdharoni Gobeshona, Hotel Addresses In this workshop, we also wish to speak which translated from the Bengali, Majestic Angkor Hotel stands for “Policy Research for loudly about responsibilities. This is be- National Road No. 6 (Airport Road) Development Alternatives”. Essen- cause rights without responsibilities and Krous Village, tially a policy advocacy and re- obligations are futile and empty. Rights Svay Dangkum Commune Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia. search organization, UBINIG origi- without responsibilities are the license for nated in the form of a series of study Tel: (855) 63 969 682 unsustainable actions. This is true both for circles started in 1981. The study Fax: (855) 63 969 687/681 circles were organized around issues State and community actions. This is why Email: [email protected] concerning development and social we need to discuss them as one package Preah Khan Hotel change from a class and gender or two sides of the same coin. perspective. In 1984 UBINIG was National Road No. 6 (Airport Road) Phum Grous, Sangat Svay formally constituted as an organiza- We know from experience that hoping to Dong Kon, Siem Reap 17000 tion. achieve this in three days is wishful think- Kingdom of Cambodia Tel: (855) 637 66888 ing in Asia because of the large language Tambuyog Development Centre, Fax: (855) 637 66889 Philippines diversity in the region. But we also know Email: [email protected] Founded in 1984, Tambuyog called that in Asia this diversity is also our attention to declining fishery re- strength because we learn to communi- sources and unabated poverty in cate with our hearts and minds. The shak- coastal communities through inter- disciplinary research, creative ing of heads; an outburst of disagreement; information and education cam- the hearty laugh; the actions with our paign, community organizing, hands – all these help to break down lan- There is rice in the policy advocacy and constituency guage barriers. We will experience much “ building. of this in the coming three days. This work- fields and fish in the Tambuyog traces its roots in the shop can only be a beginning. We at ICSF waters. communities along Lingayen Gulf in hope that it will light a spark in the minds Pangasinan, where researchers from of those who participate and commit them the University of the Philippines to create their own visions and missions — Asian saying conducted research and organizing. for asserting rights and defining respon- Hence, the name tambuyog, a sibilities to a new level. This is our ” Pangasinense word for carabao’s ...And Tomorrow horn which symbolizes the call for hope. w. unity. Its founding was a response to the situation where efforts in com- Know Your Khmer ¾ Group Reports Presentations munity development were focused mainly on peasants and the agricul- What’s your Teu Neak Chhmos Oy? ¾ Open Sessions ture sector, while the issues of the name? fisherfolk remained at the periphery. ¾ Draft Statement Discussion An important result of Tambuyog’s My name is .... Khnhom Chhmos… work after a decade is the substantial amount of data it has gathered Where are Teu Neak on the political, social and economic you from? Mok Pi Brates Na? situation in coastal communities, SAMUDRA for Siem Reap is a special and the status of various aquatic Do you speak Teu Neak Niyey publication brought out by the resources and the coastal environ- English? Pheasa Angle Reu? SAMUDRA Team for ICSF's workshop ment. Linking the biological with on Asserting Rights, Defining social, economic and political analy- Yes, Bath (male)/ Responsibilities: Perspectives from I understand Chhass (female) sis, Tambuyog developed an alterna- Small-scale Fishing Communities tive model or approach to develop- on Coastal and Fisheries ment—community-based coastal No, I don’t Te Khnhom Min understand Yoll Te Management in Asia, at Siem Reap, resource management (CBCRM).w Cambodia 4 SAMUDRA for Siem Reap ICSF’s Rights Workshop No. 3 Saturday, 5 May 2007

Siemfor Reap

samudra I N T E R N A T I O N A L C O L L E C T I V E I N S U P P O R T O F F I S H W O R K E R S What’s On Today Homing in on rights Rights: Exploring Dimensions n the second day of delegates from Malaysia, In- cially those from India, Panel Discussion on the workshop, donesia and Thailand. Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Markets, Orapporteurs of the Technologies, four groups that met yester- Across groups, participants Awareness of problems Traditional day presented the reports of stressed community partici- seems to be high in the re- Organizations and the discussions they had pation in resource manage- gion, probably due to the Human Rights over the following four ques- ment and law enforcement history of movements by tions/ issues: as among the important fisher groups mass organi- Open Session rights perceived by their zations. Nonetheless, the • What kind of rights/per- fishing communities. participants expressed the Finalization of ceived claims to fisheries need for stronger grass-root Workshop Statement resources and coastal They also pointed to the need organizations, especially management do fishing for alternative employment since the right to livelihood communities have? opportunities from allied is seen as a value co-existing sectors such as aquaculture, with various social In Fact • What are the main animal husbandry and barriers to entry and International fish trade threats to the realization ecotourism as legitimate localised regulations on of these rights? claims for coastal communi- operations. has increased ties. The Cambodian partici- dramatically over the • What have been the ac- pants also rued the lack of Across groups, there past 20 years, from tions taken to protect capacity, including financial seemed to be a common US$6.1 bn in 1980 to rights/exercise responsi- assets, and the absence of complaint about conflicts US$56 bn in 2001. bility towards protecting adequate knowledge about with non-fishery interests. Developing countries and managing fisheries fisheries legislation. Industrialization and ur- have particularly and coastal resources? banization have damaged benefited from this Participants seemed unani- the coastal ecology and increase as their net • What institutions—tra- mous in wanting sustained fishing habitats, while new receipts increased from ditional or otherwise— access to resources for fish- infrastructure projects on $US3.4 bn to US$17.4 bn exist to take forward the ing communities, especially the coast tend to displace over the same period. rights and define respon- traditional ones, and pre- fishing settlements and af- sibilities? venting entry of “outsiders” fect the access of fishermen into the fishery, which was The world’s largest fish- (...contd. on Page 2) Group 1 comprised a single perceived as contributing to exporting country is country, hosts Cambodia, overcapacity and resource Thailand. Export while the second group was depletion. More Inside earnings remained above from South Asia, made up of US$ 4bn. between 1996 participants from Bangla- The issue of transboundary Resources ...... 2 and 2000. The trade desh, India, Pakistan and Sri crossings by fishermen in Community surplus in fishery Lanka. Group 3 drew par- the course of their fishing Fisheries products was over US$ 3 ticipants from the Philip- trips also figured among the Management ...... 3 bn. w pines and Vietnam, while significant threats facing Q & A: Philippines. ... 4 the fourth group consisted of fishers in the region, espe- Know your Khmer ... 4

SAMUDRA for Siem Reap 1 ICSF’s Rights Workshop FISHERY RESOURCES (Homing in... contd. from Page 1) to the sea. The increasing use of the ocean space for the extraction of non- living resources is another problem. Fisheries in Cambodia The South Asian group felt that the way forward would be to recognize n terms of total freshwater partners. For many years, the Fisheries the strengths of the traditional or- capture fish production, Administration has received fruitful ganizations at the local level and their Cambodia is next only to China, support and collaboration from power of social sanction, and then I use them as building blocks for a new Bangladesh and India. In terms of per donors, national and international system of management, perhaps a capita production, however, NGOs and other development partners co-management system with tradi- Cambodia reports the highest figure. in implementing its fisheries policy tional village or landing-centre- More than 5 mn people are reform effectively and successfully. We based organizations at one end and employed— full- or part-time—in express our sincere thanks to them. the government at the other end, fisheries. The sector is crucial not only mediated by a number of modern for people’s livelihoods, but it also The new fisheries law, which was organizations. contributes over 11 per cent to the enacted in 2006 by the King, has the national gross domestic product. objective of ensuring management of Generally, it was recognized that the inland and marine fisheries, and fight for rights on coastal lands is a tougher proposition than most fish- Fish is a vital and generally affordable conservation of biodiversity, and promoting the livelihoods of local ers’ organizations realize and net- source of food for our population, works capable of protecting the coast communities. It is notable that the second only to rice. It accounts for are not easy to visualize. Support more than 75 per cent of the animal traditional use rights of fishing from the rest of civil society was seen protein intake. An average of 75.6 kg communities are recognized under this as being crucial to this task. of fish per person per annum is legislation. consumed in fish-dependent The presentation by Magnus Torell Towards ensuring sustainable of the Southeast Asian Fisheries De- communities, particularly around the fisheries, the RGC, through a Sub- velopment Centre (SEAFDEC) fo- Tonle Sap (Great Lake), as compared Decree on Community Fisheries, cused on the growing competition to a national average of 151 kg of rice encourages the establishment of over space in coastal areas and the per year. These consumption figures community fisheries in inland and institutional complexities and over- indicate that the inland fisheries of lapping responsibilities involved in coastal areas. Attempts are being made Cambodia contribute more to the coastal management initiatives. De- to ensure greater participation of local national food balance than any other spite a number of coastal zone man- communities in fisheries conservation inland fishery in the world. agement projects and initiatives, ex- and management. There are also perience indicates a difficulty to initiatives to improve co-ordination maintain structure and organization Bearing in mind that the fisheries between different sectors to minimize beyond the project periods. There sector is crucial to people’s livelihoods negative impacts on fisheries. also seems to be general agreement and the national economy, the Royal on institutional and legal “confu- Government of Cambodia (RGC), The RGC is committed to responsible sion” and overlaps. Given all this, it is difficult to incorporate small-scale during its second mandate, achieved fisheries and to the implementation of (...contd. on Page 3) significant reforms in many areas, the FAO Code of Conduct for especially in the fisheries sector. In Responsible Fisheries, the Convention the third mandate, the RGC continues on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Preah Khan to promote fisheries reforms by Convention on Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), designating fisheries as one side of the The Preah Khan temple is part of and the 1995 Mekong Agreement on Rectangular Strategy. the Angkor complex of ancient Co-operation for the Sustainable temples dating back 1,000 years. The RGC considers national and Development of the Mekong River The word Preah Khan means international organizations as well as Basin. w “sacred sword” and represents the private sector to be development the sword of Hanuman, the monkey god of the Ramayana epic. Preah Khan was built on the — Excerpts from the Inaugural Address of H. E. Nao Thuok, Director site of Jayavarman VII's victory General of the Fisheries Administration, Ministry of Agriculture, over the invading Chams in 1181. Forestry and Fisheries, RGC

SAMUDRA for Siem Reap 2 ICSF’s Rights Workshop (Homing in... contd. from Page 2) fisheries and the rights of fishing com- Community Fisheries Management munities in the broader context. The participants in the fishing “sector” Some Important Features of the Sub- What are the limits on these rights? themselves need to sort out where decree on Community Fisheries The CF has no right to transact the CF they are and where they want to be Management (SDCFM) of the Royal area in any manner; will not erect any moving–into social management, en- Government of Cambodia structure in CF area without permis- vironmental management, economic sion of DoF, MAFF; will not partition management and/or “fisheries man- What are the objectives of Community or establish any private ownership in agement”, Magnus Torell said. Fisheries? CF area; will not enter into any agree- Five objectives have been spelt out in ment in CF area with any person or Before the session broke off for lunch, the sub-decree: (a) to manage inland entity not even for scientific research. Nalini Nayak, a Member of ICSF from fisheries and related ecosystem where India, and Duangkamol Sirisook of the fishing lots have been cancelled (b) How is a CF Committee formed? Sustainable Development Foundation manage fisheries resources in a Each CF will be lead by a Community (SDF), Thailand, presented a gender sustainable and equitable manner (c) Fishery Committee (CFC) which is perspective on the rights to coastal to increase understanding and elected by secret, free and fair election and fisheries resources. Stressing the recognition of benefits of fisheries by the congress by an absolute ma- productive roles of women in pre- and resource through participation in pro- jority of those who voted. The person post-harvest activities at the house- tection and management (d) provide with highest vote is Chief of CF; per- hold and community level, they legal framework to establish son with second highest Vice-Chief. pointed to the many responsibilities community fisheries (e) improve The fishery competent authority; the that women in fishing communities standard of living and reduce poverty. commune council shall be invited to shoulder to ensure the household’s observe the election. However results food security. Their roles are made What composes a CF? will be officially recognized even if more significant by their intrinsic un- It is a group of Khmer citizens who live they are absent. The number on the derstanding and knowledge of envi- in or near the fishing area and volun- CFC will be 5, 7 or 11 depending on ronment and natural resources. tarily establish the initiative to achieve decision of congress. Women will be the objectives mentioned above. encouraged to be candidates. Khmer Yet, women remain invisible in fish- citizens who are members of the CF eries, despite their active contribu- Who can become a member of a CF? irrespective of sex have right to stand tion. As the fisheries get modernized, Khmer citizen; either sex; must be resi- as candidates. The elected CFC has a women get displaced and become dent in village of the CF area; be 18 term of 5 years and the right to lead cheap labour in fish processing and years and can be member only in one and manage the CF in accordance with unskilled and informal activities. If community fishery. relevant article of the sub-decree. women’s work is made visible and given value and their role in What are the duties of a CF? What are the duties of the CFC? decisionmaking is taken seriously, To participate in managing and con- The CFC has the following duties: draft Nalini Nayak and Duangkamol serving resources; respect instructions by-laws and management plans and Sirisook said, there will be a greater from DoF, MAFF; participate in estab- operate in accordance with them; seek focus on life and livelihoods, rather lishment of conservation areas within technical and financial support; rep- than on mere profits from centralized CF area; guarantee equal rights in sus- resent CF in mediation and conflict production and market-centered de- tainable use of resource; implement resolution; open bank account and velopment. bye-laws and formulate plan; enter manage finances in transparent man- into CF area agreement with DoF to ner; make decisions on CF in accord- The right to life and livelihood re- manage resource; and keep all docu- ance with by-laws; participate in con- quires a development focus that val- ments related to CF. sultations; report violations; conserve ues life, living systems and the resources and CF area; perform other interconnectedness of the coasts to the What are the rights of a CF? functions as instructed by fisheries hinterland; focuses on equity; and de- The rights of CF are to organize fishing competent authority; appeal if agree- velops masculinities that value nature activity; cooperate with competent ment for CF not renewed . Only the and nurture, they concluded. w authorities to suppress violations; re- CFC has authority to apply to DoF to quest to seize evidence of fisheries vio- request approval of CF area agree- lation and detain offender then send ment. The CFC may request technical Money matters them to competent fishery officer; in assistance from fishery officials or in- The riel (KHR) — pronounced accordance will legal instruments can dividuals to draft CF area “real”—is the official local communicate with other CF or other agreement. w currency (US$1 = 3,992 KHR), but persons and entities for benefit of CF; the currency widely used in Siem can fish, undertake aquaculture, sell, Reap is the US dollar. Please keep use and manage all fisheries resources —Excerpted from Cambodia’s Aquarian this in mind while changing in accordance with CF agreement and Reforms: The Emerging Challenges for money. plan. Policy and Research

SAMUDRA for Siem Reap 3 ICSF’s Rights Workshop Helpline Q&A Philippines

Cesar Allan Vera of the CBCRM Resource sovereignty, and fisherfolk settlements— Conference Secretariat Centre talked to some of the participants from Iza Muñoz of of Kilusang Mangingisda Adjacent to Meeting Hall, the Philippines on their organizations and what Preah Khan Hotel (Extn. 832) they perceive to be the problems they face: Fisherfolk settlement. We will be displaced if we do not address this issue Registration/Travel On current focus of organizational work: soon—Gemma Gades of NAMAHIN Ranjana/ICSF Secretariat

Capacity building of Fisheries and On the ongoing workshop: Hotel Addresses Aquatic Resource Management Councils Majestic Angkor Hotel at the municipal level—Charles Capricho The workshop has helped me become National Road No. 6 (Airport Road) of Bigkis Lakas aware of the context of other fisherfolks Krous Village, but the time is too short to really Svay Dangkum Commune Looking into fisheries trade and understand it better. The fisherfolk Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia. liberalization issues using the framework struggle is for empowerment. If they are Tel: (855) 63 969 682 of the Convention on the Elimination of empowered, they can claim their rights. Fax: (855) 63 969 687/681 All Forms of Discrimination against The workshop is contributing to the Email: [email protected] Women (CEDAW) and providing empowerment of the small-scale Website: www.majesticangkor.com livelihood assistance to local fisherfolk—Charles Capricho of Bigkis organizations—Iza Muñoz of Kilusang Lakas Preah Khan Hotel Mangingisda National Road No. 6 (Airport Road) It is good to listen to the stories and Phum Grous, Sangat Svay Enterprise development combined with experiences of fisherfolk from other Dong Kon, Siem Reap 17000 coastal resource management. The countries, but I still have a lot of questions Kingdom of Cambodia small fisherfolk have sacrificed too much that I want to ask other participants—Iza Tel: (855) 637 66888 to manage their resources but they are Muñoz of Kilusang Mangingisda Fax: (855) 637 66889 not gaining economically—Pepe Email: [email protected] Tanchuling of Tambuyog It helps participants understand the links Website: www.preahkhanhotel.com between rights and responsibilities. As On issues facing artisanal fishers: we struggle to claim our rights, the responsibilities then become clearer— Globalization. It is leading to the Gemma Gades of NAMAHIN promotion of aquaculture which makes small fisherfolk more vulnerable to a The participants are diverse—from variety of problems, such as global ‘experts’ to small-scale fisherfolk. It The wealth of the sea warming – Charles Capricho of Bigkis further deepens my understanding of “ Lakas property regimes in fisheries. It is belongs to the dead, interesting to engage ‘experts’ with the The bilateral agreements with China and concept of the right to livelihoods—Pepe the living, and those Japan. These are affecting fisherfolk’s Tanchuling of Tambuyog w yet to be born. livelihood options, food security and

— Asian saying Know Your Khmer

What’s your name? How do I go (get) to....? Teu Neak Chhmos Oy? Teu Khnhom Tov Ti Nos Doy Chhis Oy? ” ...And Tomorrow My name is .... How far away is ....? Khnhom Chhmos… Chhngay Ponman? Field Trip to Tonle Sap and Where are you from? Right Angkor Wat Teu Neak Mok Pi Brates Na? Khang Sdam

Do you speak English? Left Teu Neak Niyey Pheasa Angle Reu? Khang Chhveng SAMUDRA for Siem Reap is a special Yes, I understand Straight publication brought out by the Bath (male)/Chhass (female) Khnhom Yoll Trong/Tov Trong SAMUDRA Team for ICSF's workshop on Asserting Rights, Defining No, I don’t understand Up Responsibilities: Perspectives from Te Khnhom Min Yoll Te Leung Leu Small-scale Fishing Communities on Coastal and Fisheries Where is ....? Down Management in Asia, at Siem Reap, Nov Ena? Chhos Krom Cambodia

SAMUDRA for Siem Reap 4 ICSF’s Rights Workshop No. 4 Sunday, 6 May 2007

for Siem Reap

I N T E R N A T I O N A L C O L L E C T I V E I N S U P P O R T O F F I S H W O R K E R S sWhat’sa On Today mTonle Suap: dra Field Trip to Tonle Sap . Departure (07:45) Cambodia’s Great Lake . Return (13:00) he Tonlé Sap (meaning and high annual sediment mentation within the Tonle Excursion to Angkor Large Fresh Water and nutrient fluxes from Sap Lake proper has been Wat TRiver but more com- Mekong makes the Tonle Sap in the range of 0.1-0.16 mm/ . Departure (13:00) monly translated as Great one of the most productive year since ca. 5500 years be- . Return (18:00) Lake) is a combined lake and inland fisheries in the world, fore present (BP). Thus, river system of huge impor- supporting over 3 million there is no threat of the lake tance to Cambodia. It is the people and providing over filling up with sediment. largest freshwater lake in 75% of Cambodia's annual On the contrary, sediment South East Asia is not a threat Stay safe and is an eco- to the lake but Generally, the Siem Reap logical hotspot an important area and the temples of that was desig- part of its eco- Angkor are relatively safe. nated as a system, pro- However, the usual cau- UNESCO bio- viding nutri- tions still apply as with sphere in 1997. ents that drive For most of the the floodplain any town or city. While year the lake is productivity. visiting the temples, be- fairly small, ware of off-duty police of- around 1-m The reversal of ficers, who are in uniform, deep and with the Tonle Sap who start walking beside an area of 2,700 river's flow you and begin showing sq km During also acts as a you around the temples. the monsoon safety valve to season, how- p r e v e n t At this point, either say ever, the Tonle f l o o d i n g that you would like to see Sap river, f u r t h e r the temples yourself, or which connects the lake inland fish catch and 60% of downstream. During the agree on a price at the start. with the Mekong river, re- the Cambodians' protein in- dry season (December to verses its flow. Water is take. At the end of the rainy April) the Tonle Sap Lake pushed up from the Mekong season, the flow reverses provides around 50% of the Several people have been into the lake, increasing its and the fish are carried requested for a fee of over area to 16,000 sq km and its downriver. (...contd. on Page 3) US$10 at the end of the depth to up to nine meters, temple tour, and you are flooding nearby fields and National and local observers not going to argue with a forests. The floodplain pro- often state that the Tonle Sap More Inside member of the police force! vides a perfect breeding Lake is rapidly filling with ground for fish. The pulsing sediment. However, recent Angkor Wat ...... 2 — from Wikitravel system with the large long-term sedimentation Joy of Living...... 3 floodplain, rich biodiversity, studies show that net sedi-

SAMUDRA for Siem Reap 1 ICSF’s Rights Workshop ing gilded stucco on the towers, gild- CULTURAL HERITAGE ing on some figures on the bas-reliefs, and wooden ceiling panels and doors. Typical decorative elements are devatas (or apsaras), bas-reliefs, and on pediments extensive garlands and Angkor Wat narrative scenes. Statuary is conservative, being more static and less ngkor Wat (or Angkor Vat) is 12th century, Khmer architects had be- graceful than earlier work. a temple at Angkor, Cambo come more skilled and confident than Adia, built for King before in the use of sandstone (rather Suryavarman II in the early 12th cen- than brick or laterite) as the main build- (...contd. on Page 3) tury as his State temple and capital ing material. The Angkor Wat style was city. The largest and best-preserved followed by that of the Bayon period, temple at the site, it is the only one to in which quality was often sacrificed Some Puzzling Facts have remained a significant religious to quantity. Other temples in the style centre — first Hindu, dedicated to are Banteay Samré, Thommanon, Chao Several extremely important and, we Vishnu, then Buddhist — since its Say Tevoda and the early temples of would have thought, glaringly obvi- foundation. Preah Pithu at The temple is Angkor; out- ous parts of the puzzle do still re- the epitome of side Angkor, main completely unsolved. the high clas- Beng Mealea sical style of and parts of These include: Khmer archi- Phanom Rung 1. an explanation for the amazing tecture. It has and Phimai. suddenness with which the sa- become a cred domain of Angkor was symbol of Angkor Wat has brought to life at the beginning of Cambodia, ap- drawn praise the 9th century; pearing on its above all for the national flag, harmony of its 2. an explanation for why it was de- and it is the design, which veloped so methodically and so in- country's has been com- dustriously, at such vast expense, prime attrac- pared to the ar- for approximately 420 years; tion for visitors. chitecture of ancient Greece or Rome. 3. an explanation for why this stag- According to Maurice Glaize, a mid- gering and unprecedented burst Angkor Wat combines two basic 20th-century conservator of Angkor, of temple-building, greater in plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple "attains a classic perfection magnitude and quality than any- the temple mountain and the later by the restrained monumentality of its thing in India, took place in a re- galleried temples. It is designed to rep- finely balanced elements and the pre- resent Mount Meru, home of the gods cise arrangement of its proportions. It mote backwater of rural Cambo- in Hindu mythology: within a moat is a work of power, unity and style." dia; and and an outer wall 3.6 km (2.2 miles) 4. an explanation for why all new long are three rectangular galleries, Architecturally, the elements charac- temple-building at Angkor sud- each raised above the next. At the cen- teristic of the style include: the ogival, denly ceased in the 13th century tre of the temple stands a quincunx of redented towers shaped like lotus buds; after the death of Jayavarman VII towers. Unlike most Angkorian tem- half-galleries to broaden passageways; and never resumed—even ples, Angkor Wat is oriented to the axial galleries connecting enclosures; though the site continued to be west; scholars are divided as to the and the cruciform terraces which ap- occupied until at least the 16th significance of this. As well as for the pear along the main axis of the temple. grandeur and harmony of the archi- Most of the visible areas are of sand- century. tecture, the temple is admired for its stone blocks, while laterite was used extensive bas-reliefs and for the nu- for the outer wall and for hidden struc- The notion that the rulers of Angkor merous devatas adorning its walls. tural parts. The binding agent used to were working to an imported mas- join the blocks is yet to be identified, ter plan that they were, for some rea- Angkor Wat is the prime example of although natural resins or slaked lime son, obliged to fulfill within a specific the classical style of Khmer architec- have been suggested. Other elements time-frame provides a complete ex- ture—the Angkor Wat style—to of the design have been destroyed by planation for all of these mysteries. which it has given its name. By the looting and the passage of time, includ-

— from Heaven's Mirror by — from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Graham Hancock Angkor_wat)

2 SAMUDRA for Siem Reap ICSF’s Rights Workshop (Angkor Wat... contd. from Page 2) PASSAGES Since the 1990s Angkor Wat has seen a resumption of conservation efforts The Joy of Living and a massive increase in tourism. The temple is part of the Angkor n the meanwhile, within minutes to a labour camp in the province of World Heritage Site, established in of the King's departure from the Kompong Thom. A few months later 1992, which has provided some fund- port, a section of the crowd had she was separated from the others and ing and has encouraged the Cambo- I rushed up the gangplank of the sent to work in a fishing village on dian government to protect the site. Amiral-Kersaint to see the dancers at Cambodia's immense freshwater lake, The German Apsara Conservation first hand. For weekSs now the Mar- the Tonlé Sap. For the next three years Project (GACP) is working to protect seilles newspapers had been full of tan- she worked as a servant and nurse- the devatas and other bas-reliefs talizing snippets of information: it was maid for a family of fisherfolk. which decorate the temple from dam- said that the dancers entered the pal- age. The organisation's survey found ace as children and spent their lives in She only saw her parents once in that that around 20% of the devatas were seclusion ever afterwards: that their time. One day she was sent to a vil- in very poor condition, mainly be- lives revolved entirely around the lage near Kompong Thom with a cause of natural erosion and deterio- royal family; that several were the group of girls. While sitting by the ration of the stone but in part also due King's mistresses and had even borne roadside she happened to look up from to earlier restoration efforts. Other him children; that some of them had her basket of fish and saw her mother never stepped out of the palace grounds walking towards her. Her first instinct work involves the repair of collapsed until this trip to France. European trav- was to turn away; every detail sections of the structure, and preven- ellers went to great lengths to procure matched those of her most frequently tion of further collapse: the west fa- invitations to see these fabulous rec- recurring dream: the parched coun- cade of the upper level, for example, luses performing in the palace at tryside, the ragged palms, her mother has been buttressed by scaffolding Phnom Penh: now here they were, in coming out of the red dust of the road, since 2002, while a Japanese team Marseilles, visiting Europe for the very walking straight towards her... completed restoration of the north li- first time. brary of the outer enclosure in 2005. She didn't see her mother again until The dancers were on the ship's first- 1979, when she came back to Phnom Angkor Wat has become a major tour- class deck; they seemed to be every- Penh after the Vietnamese invasion. ist destination: attendance figures for where, running about, hopping, skip- She managed to locate her as well as the temple are not published, but in ping, playing excitedly, feet skimming two of her brothers after months of 2004 the country received just over a across the polished wood. The whole searching. Of the fourteen people who million international arrivals, of deck was a blur of legs, girls' legs, wom- had walked out of her house three and whom, according to the Ministry of en's legs, 'fine, elegant legs', for all the a half years before, ten were dead, in- Tourism, 57% planned to visit the dancers were dressed in colourful cluding her father, two brothers and a temple. The influx of tourists has so sampots which ended shortly below sister. Her mother had become an ab- far caused relatively little damage, the knee. ject, terrified creature after her father other than some graffiti; ropes and was called away into the fields one wooden steps have been introduced The onlookers were taken by surprise. night, never to return. One of her They had expected perhaps a troupe brothers was too young to work; the to protect the bas-reliefs and floors, of heavily veiled, voluptuous Salomes; other had willed himself into a state respectively. Tourism has also pro- they were not quite prepared for the of guilt-stricken paralysis after reveal- vided some additional funds for main- lithe, athletic women they encountered ing their father's identity to the Khmer tenance—approximately 28% of ticket on the Amiral-Kersaint; nor, indeed, Rouge in a moment of inattention—he revenues across the whole Angkor site was the rest of Europe. An observer now held himself responsible for his is spent on the temples—although wrote later: 'With their hard and close- father's death. most work is carried out by foreign cropped hair, their figures like those of government-sponsored teams rather striplings, their thin, muscular legs like Their family was from the social group than by the Cambodian those of young boys, their arms and that was hardest hit by the revolu- authorities. w hands like those of little girls they seem tion: the urban middle classes. City to belong to no definite sex. They have people by definition, they were herded (Tonle Sap... contd. from Page 1) something of the child about them, into rural work camps; the institutions flow to the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. something of the young warrior of an- and forms of knowledge that sus- The lake occupies a depression created tiquity and something of the woman.' tained them were destroyed—the ju- due to the geological stress induced dicial system was dismantled, the by the collision of the Indian EEE practice of formal medicine was dis- continued; schools and colleges were subcontinent with Asia. w olyka was only thirteen in shut down; banks and credit were — From Wikipedia, the free encyclo- 1975, when the Khmer done away with; indeed the very in- pedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/ MRouge took Phnom Penh. She stitution of money was abolished. wiki/Tonle_Sap) was evacuated with her whole ex- Cambodia's was not a civil war in the tended family, fourteen people in all, same sense as Somalia's or the former

3 SAMUDRA for Siem Reap ICSF’s Rights Workshop Yugoslavia's, fought over the fetishism The performers were dismayed when of small differences: it was a war on they began preparing for the perform- Helpline history itself, an experiment in the ance: large quantities of musical in- reinvention of society. No regime in struments, costumes and masks had history had ever before made so sys- been destroyed over the last few years. Conference Secretariat tematic and sustained an attack on the They had to improvise new costumes Adjacent to Meeting Hall, middle class. Yet, if the experiment was to perform in; instead of rich silks and Preah Khan Hotel (Extn. 832) proof of anything at all, it was ulti- brocades they used thin calico, pro- mately of the indestructibility of the duced by a government textile factory. Registration/Travel middle class, of its extraordinary tenac- The theatre they were to perform in, Ranjana/ICSF Secretariat ity and resilience; its ca- the Bassac, was in rela- Hotel Addresses pacity to preserve its tively good shape, but Majestic Angkor Hotel forms of knowledge and there was a crisis of elec- National Road No. 6 (Airport Road) expression through the tricity at the time, and Krous Village, most extreme kinds of the lighting was dim Svay Dangkum Commune adversity. and unreliable. Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia. Tel: (855) 63 969 682 Molyka was only seven- But people flocked to the Fax: (855) 63 969 687/681 teen then but she was the theatre the day the fes- Email: [email protected] Website: www.majesticangkor.com one who had to cope be- tival began. Onesta cause no one else in the Carpene, a Catholic re- Preah Khan Hotel family could. She took a lief worker from Italy National Road No. 6 (Airport Road) job in the army and put was one of the handful Phum Grous, Sangat Svay herself and her brothers of foreigners then living Dong Kon, Siem Reap 17000 through school and col- in Phnom Penh. She was Kingdom of Cambodia lege; later she acquired a astonished at the re- Tel: (855) 637 66888 house and a car; she sponse: the city was in a Fax: (855) 637 66889 adopted a child and—like so many peo- shambles; there was debris every- Email: [email protected] Website: www.preahkhanhotel.com ple in Phnom Penh—she took in and where, spilling out of the houses, on to supported about half a dozen complete the pavements, the streets were strangers. In one way or another she jammed with pillaged cars, there was was responsible for supporting a dozen no money and very little food - "I could lives. not believe that in a situation like that EEE people would be thinking of music and dance." But still they came pouring in, The sea begins in the ancers and musicians from all and the theatre was filled far beyond “ over the country travelled to its capacity. It was very hot inside. mountains... Phnom Penh for the festival. D — Asian saying Proeung Chhieng, one of the best- Eva Mysliwiec, who had arrived re- known dancers and choreographers in cently to set up a Quaker relief mis- the country, was one of those who sion, was one of the one of the few for- ” made the journey: he came to Phnom eigners present at that first perform- ...And Tomorrow Penh from Kompong Thom where he ance. When the first musicians came had helped assemble a small troupe of onstage she heard sobs all around her. ¾ Inaugural Session of Symposium dancers after the fall of Democratic Then, when the dancers appeared, in Kampuchea. He himself had trained at their shabby, hastily made costumes, ¾ Country Presentations the palace since his childhood, special- suddenly, everyone was crying, old ising in the role of Hanuman, the mon- people, young people, soldiers, chil- ¾ Panel Discussions key-god of the Ramayana epic, a part dren—“you could have sailed out of that is one of the glories of Khmer dance. there in a boat”. ¾ Reception and Dinner This training proved instrumental in Proeung Chhieng's survival: his exper- The people who were sitting next to tise in clowning and mime helped him her said: "We thought everything was persuade the interrogators at his la- lost, that we would never hear our bour camp that he was an illiterate lu- music again, never see our dance." natic. They could not stop crying; people SAMUDRA for Siem Reap is a special wept through the entire performace. At the festival he met many fellow-stu- publication brought out by the dents and teachers for the first time af- SAMUDRA Team for ICSF's workshop It was a kind of rebirth: a moment ter the Revolution: "We cried and on Asserting Rights, Defining when the grief of survival became in- laughed while we looked around to see Responsibilities: Perspectives from distinguishable from the joy of living. who were the others who had sur- Small-scale Fishing Communities vived. We would shout with joy: `You on Coastal and Fisheries — excerpts from Dancing in Cambodia are still alive!' and then we would cry Management in Asia, at Siem Reap, by Amitav Ghosh thinking of someone who had died.'" Cambodia 4 SAMUDRA for Siem Reap ICSF’s Rights Workshop No. 5 Monday, 7 May 2007

Siemfor Reap

samudra I N T E R N A T I O N A L C O L L E C T I V E I N S U P P O R T O F F I S H W O R K E R S

What’s On Today The Siem Reap Statement

Inaugural Session The following are excerpts from the Statement made by the participants Panel Discussion: of the workshop on the last day, Saturday, 5 May 2007. The full text of the • South East Asia Statement will be distributed today. • South Asia e, 51 partici for the benefit of the few, and Practices • Multilateral, Inter- pants repre • Illegal, Unreported and Governmental and W senting small- Further believing that these re- Unregulated Fishing International scale and artisanal fishing sources should be equitably • Co-management and Organizations communities, fishworker and responsibly shared for Community-based organizations, non-gov- sustaining life and livelihood Approach Reception & Dinner ernmental organizations, and towards the greater • Preferential Access of researchers and activists benefit of all small-scale and Small-scale and In Fact from ten South and South- artisanal fishing communi- Artisanal Fishers east Asian countries, hav- ties, • Trans-border Move- Fish and other aquatic ani- ing gathered at the work- ment of Small-scale and mals are crucial for nutrition shop on Asserting Rights, And realizing that responsible Artisanal Fishers and food security because Defining Responsibilities: Per- fisheries can be assured only • Women in Fisheries they provide the Cambodian spectives from Small-scale Fish- if human rights of fishing • Trade in Fish and Fish people with over three-quar- ing Communities on Coastal communities, including the Products and Fisheries Management in right to decent work and la- • Fair Access to Social ters of their total animal pro- Asia, from 3 to 5 May 2007 bour standards, and human Services, Social tein intake. They also contrib- at Siem Reap, Cambodia, development, are secure, Security and Credit ute to much of their essen- • ILO Fishing Convention tial vitamins and minerals, Representing a diversity of Stress that just, participatory, • Disaster Preparedness particularly calcium and vi- geographical, social, cul- self-reliant and sustainable • Establishment of a tamin A, as well as fat intake tural and economic back- development of coastal and Coherent Management grounds, but yet bonded inland fisheries is of vital Framework in their diets. by a commonality of inter- importance to us. • Asserting Rights, est and concerns, Defining Cambodians are considered In view of the above, we Responsibilities w one of the highest per capita Being aware of our duty to- draw attention to the follow- consumers of fish in the wards present and future ing issues: world. A recent estimate generations, and our ac- More Inside countability, from household surveys • Fisheries Conservation and Management Guest column ...... 2 placed consumption at 66 kg And believing that natural • Coastal Area Women in Fisheries .. 2 per person per year. Fisher- resources of bays, seas, riv- Management A European ies contributed to between 8 ers and inland water bod- • Marine Protected Areas and 12 per cent of the coun- ies are the common herit- • Aquaculture and Perspective ...... 3 try's GDP in the years 2000- age of all and that they Mariculture In Solidarity...... 4 should not be privatized 2004. • Sustainable Fishing Gear

SAMUDRA for Siem Reap 1 ICSF’s Rights Workshop GUEST COLUMN Tonle Sap fisheries and local livelihoods Global Recognition of the The inland water fisheries of Importance of Small-scale Fisheries Cambodia rank first in the world in he globalization of fisheries tiatives, and not spared the time to dis- terms of per area productivity. can be said to have been ac- cuss issues that they are more inter- However, the natural productivity of tively pursued since 1992 ested in, have accumulated. Even the Tonle Sap lake’s floodplains will T be threatened if the flood pulse, when the United Nations Conference though COFI reopened discussions on seasonally flooded habitats, and fish on Environment and Development small-scale issues in the session held migration routes are disrupted by (UNCED) was organized due to inter- in 2003, the level of discussion has man-made structures that modify national concerns over the global en- never reached the satisfaction of many the hydrology of the Mekong river vironment. The Food and Agriculture developing countries. system. Organization of the United Nations (FAO) initiated the development of the In the 2007 COFI session, the over- Numerous hydropower dams and Code of Conduct for Responsible Fish- whelming voices of developing coun- irrigation schemes are currently under construction in the region, eries as a response to Agenda 21 in tries dominated the agenda on small- mainly in countries upstream of the same year. With the increased scale fisheries, calling for FAO to de- Cambodia. The WorldFish Centre, in availability of development assist- velop the programme on small-scale collaboration with partners ance funding, FAO also started a dras- fisheries, particularly highlighting the including the Inland Fisheries tic policy modification of the organi- formulation of appropriate global Research and Development Institute zation to accommodate a global man- policy on rights-based fisheries for the and the Cambodian National date for the promotion of food secu- small-scale sector. COFI, in principle, Mekong Committee, has recently rity, including by achieving sustain- supported the idea of a global pro- completed a study on the influence of infrastructure on the Tonle Sap able fisheries. Before such a major gramme on small-scale fisheries but fisheries and local livelihoods. The modification of its mandate, FAO’s ef- could not clarify the detailed pro- study has shown that intensive forts for its member countries concen- gramme framework due to the unclear development, if it goes ahead as trated on assistance to developing financial situation needed to imple- proposed, will negatively affect 87 countries through the implementa- ment such a proposed programme. per cent of the known fish species in tion of large numbers of FAO field the Mekong river system, as they are projects. Immediately after the COFI session, a migratory. Regional Fisheries Bodies Secretariat For more information, please contact With such a change of policy, FAO has Network Meeting was held, which dis- WorldFish Centre–Greater Mekong drastically shifted its focus from sup- cussed a possible programme frame- Region at worldfish.cambodia@ port to developing countries to the work among the Regional Fisheries cgiar.org o r [email protected] w promotion of globalization. The way Bodies that are mainly working for the it organizes the Committee on Fisher- small-scale sector. The Meeting agreed — This piece is by Yumiko Kura of the ies (COFI) meeting, which is the big- to provide, and advise on, the terms of WorldFish Centre gest biennial fisheries conference in reference and scope of work of such a the world, has also been changed since programme, and explore the possibil- Women in Fisheries the early 1990s. Various developmen- ity of an extra-budgetary FAO pro- Women have traditionally played tal issues affecting developing coun- gramme for small-scale fisheries. tries, including those related to small- four important roles in riparian com- scale fisheries, that used to be dis- It was also agreed that in order to fa- munities: finding food for the family cussed at COFI meetings, have disap- cilitate and clarify various preparatory (including gathering aquatic flora and peared from the agenda. For more work, a dedicated website would be de- fauna in the dry season when men than 10 years now, small-scale fish- veloped with sufficient focus on rights- migrate to find work); processing fish; eries issues have never been tabled at based fisheries/co-management. It is selling fish and supporting the hus- this global arena. hoped that through such efforts, the band in fishing and related activities needs and voices of local fishing com- like mending nets, etc. With the com- During these 10 years, however, the munities can reach a global level ing of community fisheries (CF), their frustrations of developing countries through co-ordination among various that COFI has focused on global ini- channels, including those of ICSF. w roles in all these activities are bound to expand. Making this expansion of activity also qualitatively different — This piece is by Dr. Yasuhisa Kato, Special Adviser, SEAFDEC (...contd. on Page 3)

SAMUDRA for Siem Reap 2 ICSF’s Rights Workshop (Women in Fisheries ...contd. from Page 2) Small-scale Fisheries and Communities: and more rewarding is a challenge. The possibilities for collective wom- A European Perspective en's enterprises should be closely mall-scale fisheries and the ports measure made it illegal for examined. communities they support are small-scale fishers to land their under growing threat in Eu- catches at any but a few large se- Linking savings and credit schemes ropeS from management systems that lected ports, without special advance to the expanding pre- and post-fish- favour the rule of the market place permission in each case. This has ing activities can create a major im- and control of access to resources by added to the time and cost of mar- petus for ensuring that the gains large companies and corporations. keting the production from the from enhanced family fishing in the From Portugal to Iceland, and from smaller vessels, and has seriously CF are translated into greater liveli- Denmark to the south of Ireland, limited the fish supply available to hood entitlements and capabilities. there has been a steady erosion of small local processors. When women have greater control fishery rights and access to local fish of the household financial resources, stocks, from the region’s small fish- As predicted by many at the time, there are greater possibilities that ers. Thousands of jobs have been the introduction of a trade in quota lost in the sector and fleet size has entitlement has seen the right to these resources will be invested more diminished considerably. harvest fish gravitating to the most wisely in matters pertaining to food wealthy and powerful groups. security, education and health of the In the United Kingdom, the areas Some investors, now in retirement, family. hardest hit have been Scotland and lease quota at high prices to skip- the south coast of England. Small- pers who lack adequate catching One of the visible changes following scale fleets have been the backbone rights. the current aquarian reforms is the of the country’s fisheries for centu- structured as well as the natural in- ries, pioneering herring, shellfish The market now rules in the area of creases in the role of women in the and demersal harvesting, developing fishing rights, to the detriment of CF committee activities. A few owner-operated boats, and building thousands of small operators. The women are involved in the CF com- up scores of small harbours and EU is currently debating the whole mittees. In early 2005, Siem Reap CFs markets around the coast. question of fishing rights, but, as- had the largest committees (27 peo- tonishingly, is promoting the idea ple) with the most women (four). In the past 30 years, the sector has that all these rights should be ‘trade- Other provincial CF committees seen its very right to fish local stocks able’. The rule of the market will had six to 10 members with about and operate on local grounds, stead- then reign supreme over social and one woman per 16. ily diminished. The fleet has lost humanitarian considerations. over 1,000 boats and up to 5,000 jobs. The major factor has been rigid en- Now, a new series of measures Some committee women play signifi- forcement of the European Union threatens to further cripple the cant roles as secretaries and account- (EU) Common Fisheries Policy and small-scale sector and its coastal ants as well as in the patrolling ac- its related application of single-spe- communities. This latest threat tivities. The role of women officers of cies quotas on a multi-species fish- comes under the seemingly innocu- the Provincial Fishery Offices, the ery. The current decline in cod ous and admirable term of ‘Coastal involvement of the Commune Coun- stocks has been used by the Euro- and Marine National Parks’. They cils and civil society organizations pean Commission to reduce all are being promoted in the name of should be ensured to increase wom- demersal species quotas. Shellfish conservation but with no regard to en's activities and further empower quotas have also been cut, and the the primary rules of such fundamen- their involvements in the governance government recently gave 375 tal innovations. There has been no of the CF. w tonnes of Scottish nephrops prawn prior scientific investigation to de- quota to Germany in return for a termine whether they are necessary — from Cambodia's Aquarian Reforms: sole quota for the east of England. or whether in fact they will actu- The Emerging Challenges for Policy Many small coastal ports are suffer- ally preserve the ecosystem. Neither and Research ing economically from the decline of has there been any meaningful con- the small-scale sector. A designated sultation with the stakeholders most

(...contd. on Page 4)

3 SAMUDRA for Siem Reap ICSF’s Rights Workshop Helpline In Solidarity

Conference Secretariat The following Statement of Solidarity, in term fishing rights. Adjacent to Meeting Hall, support of South African fishers, was Preah Khan Hotel (Extn. 832)

adopted by the participants of the Siem We regard this as a testament to the Registration/Travel Reap Rights Workshop: many years of struggle and hard- Ranjana/ICSF Secretariat ship of South Africa's traditional Hotel Addresses We, the participants of the work- fishers, and the specific campaign Majestic Angkor Hotel shop on Asserting Rights, Defining efforts of Masifundise and Coastal National Road No. 6 (Airport Road) Responsibilities: Perspectives from Links to address the plight and Krous Village, Svay Dangkum Commune Small-scale Fishing Communities on needs of poor fishing communities. Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia. Coastal and Fisheries Management in Tel: (855) 63 969 682 Asia, organized by the International We consider this as a victory not Fax: (855) 63 969 687/681 Email: [email protected] Collective in Support of only for the traditional fishers of Website: www.majesticangkor.com Fishworkers (ICSF) at Siem Reap, South Africa but also a victory for Preah Khan Hotel Cambodia, during 3 – 8 May 2007, traditional and small-scale fishing National Road No. 6 (Airport Road) express our solidarity with the tra- communities all over the world. Phum Grous, Sangat Svay ditional fishers and their organiza- Dong Kon, Siem Reap 17000 Kingdom of Cambodia tions in South Africa, specifically the We realize that the road ahead will Tel: (855) 637 66888 Masifundise Development Trust and be a long and difficult one and, in Fax: (855) 637 66889 Coastal Links, in their struggle to the spirit of international solidar- Email: [email protected] Website: www.preahkhanhotel.com assert their traditional rights. ity and a commonality of interests and concerns, we, on behalf of tra- We congratulate them on the recent ditional small-scale and artisanal agreement with the Fisheries Min- fishing communities in Asia, pledge ister of South Africa that commits our unstinting support to the tra- the Government to develop a legis- ditional fishers of South Africa and “Our struggle is for lative and policy framework that ac- their organizations as they con- the future: ours and commodates traditional fishers tinue to struggle to retain and re- that of the fish more effectively, while also provid- assert their traditional rights, in ing basic interim relief for artisanal the face of hardships and con- fishers who did not get any long- straints. w — Asian saying ”

(Small-scale Fisheries...cont. from Page 3) ...And Tomorrow threatened, only a government Since the fishing communities are a small section of the UK popula- ‘roadshow’ bus that proclaimed the Synthesis of Discussions importance and value of marine tion, the government tends to ig- parks. In Scotland, the first of these nore their views. A recent protest Plenary Session parks is proposed for the waters and organized by a women-led group, Closing Session coasts of southwest Scotland (Ar- the ‘Cod Crusaders’, obtained over gyll and the Islands, and also 250,000 signatures in support, but Lochaber). was totally ignored by the ruling Labour–Liberal Democrat coalition in the Scottish Parliament. w SAMUDRA for Siem Reap is a special Fishers and community members in publication brought out by the Mallaig, the port most under threat, SAMUDRA Team for ICSF's workshop have formed a committee to fight the on Asserting Rights, Defining issue, while the Fisheries Minister Responsibilities: Perspectives from concerned, Ross Finnie, has repeated Small-scale Fishing Communities on Coastal and Fisheries his determination to impose the — This piece is by David Thomson of the FAO Regional Office, Cambodia Management in Asia, at Siem Reap, park regardless of local protests. Cambodia

SAMUDRA for Siem Reap 4 ICSF’s Rights Workshop No. 6 Tuesday, 8 May 2007

for Siem Reap

I N T E R N A T I O N A L C O L L E C T I V E I N S U P P O R T O F F I S H W O R K E R S samudraWhat’s On Today Lieh Haoy! CMrabla ¾ Presentation of w Statements Chhom Reap Lea!! ¾ Synthesis of Discussions Goodbye!!! gard to fisheries manage- ¾ Plenary Session ment in the small-scale sec- s the workshop and cial, linguistic, cultural and tor”. ¾ Closing Session symposium draw economic backgrounds, but Ato a close, and del- were yet bonded by a “There has been a growing egates begin to pack up to commonality of interests trend towards increased In Brief return to their homes, it is and concerns. decentralization of govern- time for farewells, a final ex- ance in general as well as The vast majority of the change of email addresses That aspect explains several in fisheries management. world's fishers and fish farm- and cards, and also time to of the other gains of the Management responsibili- ers—96.6 per cent of the glo- reflect on what has been workshop and symposium, ties are increasingly shared bal total, or 40 mn people—live achieved in these six days. including the structured among the government, in developing countries. 34 mn While it is perhaps too early manner in which the work- communities and other are small-scale operators who to make a comprehensive shop—a forum for sharing stakeholders. This type of use small open-decked tradi- critical assessment of the of common concerns and co-management system is tional craft powered by sails proceedings, some things forging strategies by the rep- gaining in popularity, in and oars and fish close to stand out for their very ve- resentatives of fishing com- particular in the small- shore. An additional 100 mn racity. munities and their support- scale fisheries sector,” he people are estimated to be in- ers —led on to the sympo- added. volved in the small-scale post- For one thing, the very fact sium, where representatives harvest sector (processing, that so many people from so of the State could articulate “Lessons learnt from co- transport, marketing). There many distant lands were formal positions, which management experience are millions of other rural peo- able to congregate at a small could then be analyzed by point at four main ele- ple involved in seasonal or oc- town in the northern part of the workshop participants, ments necessary for mak- casional fishing activities who Cambodia and remain fo- to help them make plans are not recorded as ‘fishers’ in cused on serious discussion and agendas for the future. (...contd. on Page 4) official statistics. for so many days, is itself testimony to the inherent As Ichiro Nomura, Assistant More Inside Fish provides 19 per cent of all unity of small-scale fishing Director-General, Fisheries animal protein intake in devel- communities and their or- and Aquaculture Depart- oping countries, a share that ganizations. As the pream- ment of the FAO, said in his Organizational can exceed 25 per cent in the ble to the Siem Reap State- Keynote Address, the sym- Profiles...... 2 poorest countries and reaches ment pointed out, the 51 del- posium and workshop “rep- Large-scale vs. 90 per cent in isolated parts of egates—and the several resent an excellent opportu- Small-scale ...... 3

coastal or inland areas and in other participants from gov- nity to discuss these issues, FYI ...... 4 small island developing States. ernments and other organi- exchange experiences and w w zations—represented a di- improve our understanding versity of geographical, so- of the core issues with re-

SAMUDRA for Siem Reap 1 ICSF’s Rights Workshop Organizational Profiles

Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum generation of knowledge on community- future, the organization will work as a The Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) was based natural resources management in the trusted channel for grants to buy boats and launched on 5 May 1998 by a large number Philippines and Asia. rebuild the fishing infrastructure, ensur- of fisherfolk community representatives ing aid money is not swallowed up. and NGO activists as a result of full-day The CBNRM Learning Centre envisions a deliberations at a seminar organized in society that allows women and men to live “Around 80 per cent of the fishing fleet in Karachi to discuss the threats to liveli- and realize their full potentials in harmony Aceh, some 5,000 big and small boats, is hoods of fisherfolk communities. with the environment, affirms the love for estimated to have been destroyed by the life, and strives to develop a deep respect tsunamis,” Muhammad Adli Abdullah, Since its inception, PFF has been active in for all its forms and interactions, upholds the group’s secretary general, told AFP. awareness raising, and mobilization and equity, justice, participation and empower- community organization for the protection ment as primary values, and promotes rev- He said that coastal communities covered as well as sustainable management of fish- erence for the environment as it continually by his organization involved some eries and community livelihoods through seeks to understand and work with nature 425,000—fishermen, fish farmers, boat advocacy, participatory research, informa- to sustain ecological integrity. builders and other tradesmen in marine tion dissemination and participatory com- craft and fish culture. munity development processes. For more, please visit http:// www.cbcrmlearning.org/index.htm For more information (in Bahasa Indone- For more, please visit: sia), please visit http://www.pff.org.pk http://www.panglimalaot.or.id/ Community-based Natural Resources default.php?dir=home Sustainable Development Foundation, Management (CBNRM) Learning Insti- Thailand tute, Cambodia Yadfon Association, Thailand The Sustainable Development Foundation The Community-based Natural Resources In 1985, Pisit Charnsnoh and his wife (SDF) was established in 2000 to support Management (CBNRM) Learning Institute founded the Yadfon Association to work the Danish Co-operation for Environment works with partners to analyze and improve with impoverished coastal villages in and Development (DANCED) Partnership the community-based natural resources Trang. Programme Towards Sustainable Manage- management approach as an integral comment of Natural Resources. The pro- ponent of poverty alleviation, sustainable In Thai, Yadfon means raindrop, a sym- gramme focused on the promotion of natu- livelihoods and resource management, con- bol of renewal. It took Pisit, who is a Bud- ral resource management by community servation, and decentralization policies and dhist, time and patience to gain credibil- organizations. It comprised four regional strategies of the Royal Government of Cam- ity with the Muslim villagers. In the 17 projects, which were co-ordinated by a bodia. years he has worked in this region, he has Central Support Unit (CSU) in Bangkok. become known for his understated but The Learning Institute is vital in helping to firm and effective manner. SDF has maintained this structure, as the strengthen linkages to locally based ap- combination of regional projects and a CSU proaches, leading to the empowerment of Yadfon’s work, which began in a few vil- is in keeping with the foundation's com- local communities to participate actively in lages, eventually spread to 30 communi- plementary objectives of facilitating em- the conservation and sustainable manage- ties. The organization encouraged villages powerment and collaboration. Established ment of natural resources through Commu- to unite in protecting the coastal fisheries to promote and expand sustainable devel- nity Forestry (CF), Community Fisheries and mangroves. In 1986, under Yadfon’s opment ideas and approaches, SDF’s mis- (CFish), Participatory Land Use Planning leadership, communities began restoring sion is to support and strengthen NGOs, (PLUP), and Participatory Protected Areas a 240-acre mangrove forest. people’s organizations and local groups by Management (PA). promoting sustainable development, learn- In 1989, with the area restored, the Thai ing through doing, developing holistic vi- For more, please visit http:// Forest Service and the provincial govern- sions, improving understanding of devel- www.cbnrmli.org/council.html ment declared it the country’s first com- opment, and strengthening the co-opera- munity-managed mangrove forest. tion between various groups in society. Panglima Laot, Aceh, Indonesia The restoration results were dramatic. The Panglima Laot of Indonesia is best de- From 1991 to 1994, there was a 40 per cent For more, please visit scribed as an ancient Acehnese guild of fish- increase in total catch, resulting in in- http://www.sdfthai.orgweb_pages ermen, wide-reaching in scope and with creased income levels in the local villages. _index/index.html special privileges such as the right to try Co-management became a government- wrongdoers within the guild. The Panglima sanctioned model in other communities. Laot has branches throughout Aceh. Its rel- At least nine community-managed forests CBNRM Learning Centre, Philippines evance in the post-tsunami situation is sub- have been created since, and Pisit contin- The Community-based Natural Resources stantial. ues to work for the growth of this strat- Management (CBNRM) Learning Centre, egy. formerly the CBCRM Resource Centre, is The Panglima Laot, an organization forged an NGO based in the Philippines that in the briny past of Aceh’s maritime tradi- For more information, please visit http:// works with people's organizations and tions, is now at the fore of the province’s www.goldmanprize.org/node/91 other civil society institutions towards ena- future recovery. Panglima Laot, which trans- bling communities to sustain their re- lates as ‘sea admiral’, is offering immedi- Telepak Indonesia sources and livelihood. The CBCRM ate work that takes survivors’ minds off the Founded in January 1997, Telapak Indo- Learning Centre was established in 1995 2004 tsunami disaster, provides them with nesia became an association in January to promote exchange of experiences and cash and helps clean up the coastline. In the 2002. Telapak’s objective(...contd. is to conduct on Page high 4)

2 SAMUDRA for Siem Reap ICSF’s Rights Workshop

(Goodbye...contd. from Page 1) Helpline ing it successful: an enabling policy easy one was something that the work- and legal framework; the participa- shop participants recognized. As the tion and empowerment of resource Siem Reap Statement noted, the chal- Conference Secretariat users; effective linkages and institu- lenge in moving towards sustainable Adjacent to Meeting Hall, tions; and resources as an asset worth fisheries and integrated coastal/ Preah Khan Hotel (Extn. 832) managing.” wetland area management is to develop, and implement, a coherent Registration/Travel Small-scale fishers should be given management framework for coastal Ranjana/ICSF Secretariat preferential access to fishery re- areas/wetlands and the exclusive eco- Hotel Addresses sources, Nomura said. “Small-scale nomic zone (EEZ) in a consultative Majestic Angkor Hotel fisheries are more efficient generators and participatory manner, taking into National Road No. 6 (Airport Road) of local income, employment and account the environmental, ecological, Krous Village, food for direct human consumption social and economic dimensions of Svay Dangkum Commune than large-scale fisheries. With limited fishing, fish resources and fish habi- Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia. resources, there is increased compe- tats, as well as the impacts of global Tel: (855) 63 969 682 tition between the two sectors. As a warming. Fax: (855) 63 969 687/681 pro-poor policy, a redistribution of In achieving that goal, no one can for- Email: [email protected] access from the industrial fleets to get or ignore the countless responsi- Website: www.majesticangkor.com small-scale fishers should be consid- bilities that accompany such aspira- Preah Khan Hotel ered. This should be combined with tions. Again, as the participants noted National Road No. 6 (Airport Road) improved protection of inshore areas, in the Siem Reap Statement, “While Phum Grous, Sangat Svay some of which have already been the above assertions pertain to our Dong Kon, Siem Reap 17000 made exclusive to artisanal fisheries. perceptions of rights, we are fully Kingdom of Cambodia I recognize, though, that such a redis- mindful of the responsibilities, obliga- Tel: (855) 637 66888 tribution would not be an easy task, tions and duties that we collectively Fax: (855) 637 66889 considering the large number of ves- have towards nurturing the fishery re- Email: [email protected] sels in Asia, the existing access rights, sources and related habitats. These Website: www.preahkhanhotel.com and the potential effects on employ- responsibilities, obligations and duties ment in the industrial sector.” are necessarily oriented toward our collaborative relationship with our FYI That the road ahead will not be an communities, the nation State and the • Please remember—there is an international community. “ w airport tax on departure from Siem Reap airport—US$ 25 for ( Organizational...contd. from Page 2) international travel and US$ 10 quality reserach on key natural resources devoted to work to conserve coastal and for Phnom Penh. management issues, translate the results marine resources, and ensure sustainable • Please remember to settle all into persuasive policy advocacy at national development and livelihoods in Vietnam. your personal bills before and local levels, and work closely with checking out of the hotel. local NGOs and communities to build Comprising researchers and practitioners their own capacities as resource managers in the fields of sustainable community de- and advocates. velopment, coastal and marine ecosystem conservation, environmental literacy and gender issues, MCD’s projects include a Telapak’s governing philosophy is that locally managed marine reserve in Van “all of Indonesia’s territory is a conserva- Hung commune, a community-based coral The net is now tion area” in the sense that biodiversity reef conservation project in Ninh Thuan, a “ conservation, natural resource-based pro- sustainable fisheries programme in a na- hanging up (to dry), duction, and the empowerment and liveli- tional park, a women’s participatory pro- but it will soon be hood security of resource-dependent com- gramme in coastal resource management, munities must be integrated in an ap- and, environmental literacy programmes used for fishing again. proach to sustainability and equity that in locally managed marine areas. encompasses all aspects of the land- and seascape—from the most remote forests For more details, please visit and reefs to farmers’ fields and fishing www.mcdvietnam.org or email — Samoan proverb on fishing grounds. (So too, research, local empow- [email protected] w erment and capacity-building, and policy ” advocacy must be carefully integrated to SAMUDRA for Siem Reap is a special be mutually supportive and synergistic.) publication brought out by the SAMUDRA Team for ICSF's workshop on Asserting Rights, Defining Centre for Marinelife Conservation and Responsibilities: Perspectives from Community Development (MCD), Viet- Small-scale Fishing Communities nam on Coastal and Fisheries The Centre for Marinelife Conservation and Community Development (MCD) is Management in Asia, at Siem Reap, Cambodia 4 SAMUDRA for Siem Reap ICSF’s Rights Workshop itqs see those rights as ‘theirs’, whether mean the end of the small-scale, coast- or not the legislation claims that the al and artisanal fisheries. fishing rights are ‘common property’, The best advice Icelandic small- as in the Icelandic case. It is also well boat and coastal fishermen can give to worth keeping in mind that for every hindrance the legislator builds, at least The status of the fish stocks in Iceland seems to have little two ways will be found around it. to do with the management system. Stocks fluctuate, up The case for the “protection of re- and down, most likely in spite of whatever management gional development” has now entered system is in place – not because of it the debate, as shown by the example of Flateyri, a small coastal community on the west coast, with a population of 300. On 17 May 2007—just five days after the elections—the biggest process- their brothers and sisters around the ing plant in Flateyri, which is also the world is to lay down their differences biggest quota holder, announced that and unite around the issues they have it would close down and sell the quo- in common. By doing that, they have tas. The majority of the workforce in a strong possibility to shape their own Flateyri—120 persons—will lose their future. jobs. The government says it will “keep a close eye” on what will happen. The fact is that there is little for the authorities to do in cases like this—except to turn the ITQ legislation upside down. It will be interesting to “keep a close eye” on what the government will do. The 27 community quota scheme appears to have helped Flateyri not a bit. Iceland’s wealth might make it For more possible for even the smallest fishing operators to deal with an ITQ system. The small-boat owners are working www.fisheries.is/managem/tacs.htm with what they have, keeping in mind Information Centre of the Icelandic that the system will not be revoked. Ministry of Fisheries Icelandic small boats have never appeared stronger, never fished as much and never delivered as great quality.

Safety-at-sea measures have also gone arthur bogason through a revolution, as have the working conditions on board fishing vessels. The status of the fish stocks in Ice- land seems to have little to do with the management system. Stocks fluctuate, up and down, most likely in spite of whatever management system is in place—not because of it. The negative impacts on the small coastal communities, however, remain. Yet, changing to another system is not the magic solution that many opponents of the ITQ system believe to be the answer. At the same time, Icelandic small- boat owners realize that enforcing such a system in a foreign environment bur- dened with poverty, low education levels, and a weak political and legislative regime, where, among other things, A fisherman from the northern coast of Iceland, with a good-sized cod human rights are violated, could well

july 2007 ICELAND

SAMUDRA REPORT NO.47 Chile has a coastline of approximately 4,625 km WWW.REISENETT.NO/MAP_COLLECTION/AMERICAS.HTML

ssam47.inddam47.indd 2288 77/20/2007/20/2007 3:41:473:41:47 AMAM Chile SALMON AQUACULTURE Mucho Moolah, Sweatshop Standards

Despite being a jewel in the crown of Chile’s export economy, the salmon aquaculture industry is plagued by poor workplace and labour standards

he salmon industry is one of the killed at work, or have gone missing, jewels in the crown of Chile’s ex- presumed dead. Tport economy, which has grown They were engaged as divers (to at an average annual rate of 15 per cent inspect, maintain and repair cages), over the last 15 years. Although produc- salmon feeders, workers who main- tion has stagnated in the last couple of tained and serviced the salmon cages years, the value of exports has not. In and related infrastructure, security 2006, salmon exports reached US$2.2 guards, and feed-plant and fish-plant bn, up 28 per cent over 2005, despite a processing workers. 29 fall in production. Projections for 2007 Most of the workers are in the predict earnings in excess of US$2.5 bn, export-processing plants, where, ac- assuming that demand increases will cording to Directorate of Work data, be sustained in the international mar- 91 per cent of the tasks are carried out kets, which take 98 per cent of Chile’s by women, many being single parents. farmed salmon production. They work shifts, both day and night. The Los Lagos (Xth) Region is Fewer workers are engaged in the rear- Chile’s salmon centre, concentrated ing centres. around Puerto Montt and the island of Chiloe, producing over 90 per cent of Chile’s salmon and employing around Most of the workers are in the export-processing plants, 50,000 people, some 60 per cent being where, according to Directorate of Work data, 91 per cent women. of the tasks are carried out by women, many being single But gradually salmon-growing and parents export-processing facilities are being established further south in Chile’s most southerly, least populated, most isolated regions, where pristine envi- Safety standards ronmental conditions provide ideal Centro Ecoceanos alleges that in most growing conditions. cases, the high death toll could have But working in Chile’s salmon aqua- been avoided if health-and-safety culture sector entails dangers to health standards had not been compromised, and safety, and has led to some fatali- and if proper training and equipment ties. Using data from the Chilean Navy, had been provided. While the salmon the Labour Directorate, and the gov- industry in Chile might be a giant in ernments of the Los Lagos and Aisén the export sector, reporting First-World Regions, the non-governmental organi- earnings, it seems that Third-World zation, Centro Ecoceanos, has recorded standards are applied to working con- that between February 2005 and April ditions and environmental regulation, 2007, 42 workers in the aquaculture— says Juan Carlos Cardenas, Director, This article by Brian O’Riordan (briano@ mainly salmon—industry have been Centro Ecoceanos. scarlet.be) has been compiled from various sources

JULY 2007

ssam47.inddam47.indd 2299 77/20/2007/20/2007 3:41:483:41:48 AMAM CHILE

Cardenas points out that multina- to the Chamber of Deputies’ Fisher- tionals own 36 per cent of Chilean salm- ies Committee for its ‘salmon review’, on-producing companies, but apply details some 80 fines applied by the double standards in Chile that contra- Inspectors of Work in the Xth Region, vene the Organization for Economic with amounts totalling more than 63 Co-operation and Development (OECD) mn pesos. Guidelines for Multinational Enter- In a letter dated 1 June 2007 to prises. These are designed to promote Sven Aaser, the Group Chief Execu- corporate social and environmental re- tive of Marine Harvest, representatives sponsibility, and deal with employment of Chile’s salmon workers pointed out that many workers in Chile’s salmon industry receive wages of around US$285 Unfortunately, the record of Marine Harvest shows a big or Euro210 per month, that more than gap between the standards applied in Norway and Chile. half have no life insurance coverage, Marine Harvest has incurred a long list of penalties for and that more than three-quarters have not complying with the labour laws no disability insurance. On 14 December 2005, Javier Velásquez Millán, aged 24, died following an accident at work at Marine Har- and industrial relations, human rights, vest’s Chamiza plant. According to the environment, information disclosure, accident report, Velásquez was carrying bribery, consumer interests, science out his duties normally. A forklift truck and technology, competition and taxa- passing close to where he was working tion. tipped over because the floor was not Noteworthy among the multina- level. The load it was carrying fell on 30 tional companies is Marine Harvest, him, killing him immediately. Accord- the biggest corporation operating in ing to his workmates, Velazquez was Chile, bought by Norwegian billionaire not provided with any protection. The John Fredriksen on 6 March 2006 for accident report further states that the Euro1.175 bn. Unfortunately, the record surface on which the truck was work- of Marine Harvest shows a big gap being was not safe for operation without tween the standards applied in Norway risk. and Chile. Marine Harvest has incurred In August 2006, two senior execu- a long list of penalties for not comply- tives at the Marine Harvest Chamiza ing with the labour laws. The report of plant were charged with involuntary the National Labour Directorate, given homicide for their part in the accident. Simultaneously, the family of the vic- COORDINADORA DECIMA SUR tim mounted a claim for compensation. Despite the progress made in the case, according to Jaime Gatica, the lawyer acting for the deceased worker’s family, “Marine Harvest has tried to evade and minimize its responsibility in the accident. It has not behaved in a direct or transparent way. This transnational has shown zero corporate social responsibility.” To date, Marine Harvest has refused to pay any compensation to the family of the deceased worker, and has not admitted any liability in this and other accidents at work. Based on this and similar incidents, Cardenas calls for a wide-ranging discussion on the real environmental, economic and social costs of salmon farming in Chile, and a review of alternative A poster protesting against working models of aquaculture that could serve conditions in Chile’s salmon aquaculture industry to establish more democratic and so-

SAMUDRA REPORT NO.47

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cially just production systems that tisanal fishing sector who have learned promote environmental sustainability diving from friends and relations. They and cultural diversity. Without such a undertake about 4 mn dives a year. For process, Cardenas believes, the Los the 20 years that they have been diving Lagos, Aisén and Magallanes Regions for the salmon aquaculture industry, (Regions X, XI and XII) could be trans- there has been no professional regu- formed into a kind of ‘salmon republic’, lation of their work. Only in 2005 did with laws dictated by feudal salmon the Chilean Navy modify the Diving bosses to maximize offshore profits, Regulation for Professional Divers Act, leaving a social and environmental to focus on regulating the work in the desert in their wake. salmon industry. Official statistics reveal a high rate A small proportion (less than 10 per of accidents at work in the Los Lagos cent in 2006) of the so-called ‘shellfish Region, where 90 per cent of Chile’s divers’, who are allowed to dive to 20 salmon is produced. In 2005, accident m, had obtained ‘intermediate shell- rates were 11.2 per cent in the rearing fish divers’ licences that permit them units and 13.9 per cent in the processing to dive to 36 m. The intermediate shell- plants, far above the national average fish diver qualification requires the use of 7.96 per cent for industrial workers. of newer, safer equipment. However, According to industry sources, 73 per training is a major problem. In the first cent of accidents occur in the process- qualifying examination carried out by ing plants, 19 per cent on marine sites, the Chilean Navy in April 2006, only and 5 per cent in the feed plants. Centro 18 of the 216 workers who took the test Ecoceanos says that the maritime au- passed. thorities acknowledge that only 5 per The shellfish divers are more prone cent of the accidents and illnesses suf- to accidents (reporting a rate of 80 31 fered by divers operating in the salmon per cent) than commercial divers (20 industry are reported. per cent). The latter are much better Over the last few years, according qualified and trained, but the salmon to the National Directorate for Labour, industry does not hire them for reasons two-thirds of the salmon companies in of cost. A commercial diver’s charges the Xth Region have violated the labour are four times more than a shellfish laws. During 2003-2005, a total of 572 diver’s. programmed inspections were carried Mariscope, a commercial ocea- out, 404 of which resulted in fines, nographic research company, has equivalent to a violation rate of 70 per documented cases of shellfish divers cent. in rearing centres diving to 42 m, and some have admitted going down to 65 The main violations relate to: m. According to Mariscope, of the 157 • employment of casual labour (lack of shellfish divers surveyed, 87 per cent contracts); have been affected by diving-related ill- • violation of health-and-safety rules nesses during their working lives. at the workplace; On 5 July 2006, the Special Ses- • unsafe underwater working conditions; • violation of maternity rules; and • anti-trade-union practices, including Ofﬁ cial statistics reveal a high rate of accidents at work in violation of the right to association, the Los Lagos Region, where 90 per cent of Chile’s salmon and harassment of union members is produced and leaders.

Divers employed in the salmon industry are particularly vulnerable to occupational ailments and accidents. sion of the Chilean Chamber of Depu- There are around 4,000 divers in the ties, analyzed allegations of low en- industry, of whom 100 are commercial vironmental and labour standards in divers certified to international stand- the salmon industry. Labour Minister ards. The rest are workers from the ar- Osvaldo Andrade stated, “The work-

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BRIAN O’RIORDAN panies followed the advice, and César Barros, President of SalmonChile, the salmon industry association, denied that any such advice had been given. This drew harsh criticism from Chile’s President, Michelle Bachelet, who said, “It is unacceptable in the context of the tragedy that occurred in Aysén, that there are people denying that the government, on several occasions, through the Emergency Committee, officially notified the salmon companies to make sure of their workers’ physical safety”. Visiting the area soon after the tragedy, Bachelet told representatives of the salmon industry that all farm installations in the Aysén fjord should be relocated to ensure the safety of work- Working in salmon ﬁ sh cages in Chile, like the one above, ers. Six weeks later, in early June, the entails dangers to health and safety industry, represented by SalmonChile, opened negotiations with workers and the Interior Ministry to formulate an agreement that would see workers as- place conditions and equipment used suming responsibility for their own lack certification, the workers are not safety when undertaking work on farm 32 competent or trained, and, given that installations in the earthquake zone. cages are more than 20 m deep, and The legality of such an agreement that ‘yo-yo’ diving practices are used, was questioned by Osvaldo Andrade, involving multiple decompressions, Chile’s Minister of Work. René Haro frequent accidents are common, often Delgado, Director of Work for the not reported, with a regrettable fatality Aysén Region, stated that while such an rate.” agreement may have been signed with Illustrative of the disregard for the the mutual agreement of all parties, “it health and safety of workers is the re- does not absolve the companies from action of the salmon industry to the their labour and civil responsibilities earthquake that hit Chile’s southern and the penalties that may eventually Aysén Region on Saturday, 21 April follow an accident at work.” 2007. The 6.2-magnitude earthquake Salmon companies divest their re- caused landslides and waves up to 6-m sponsibilities as employers by subcon- high, killing around 10 people (three tracting the supply of labour. A 2004 confirmed, and seven missing, pre- survey showed that subcontracting is sumed dead), including four salmon increasing. In 1999, 42.9 per cent of CChilean companies used subcontrac- ttors to supply workers. In 2003 this had Salmon companies divest their responsibilities as rrisen to 50.5 per cent. Centro Ecoceanos employers by subcontracting the supply of labour. A 2004 eestimates that over half the workforce iinn the salmon industry is provided by survey showed that subcontracting is increasing ssubcontracting companies. It points out tthat the regional Directorate of Work hhas the capacity to make checks on only 112 per cent of the salmon industry in- farm workers. stallations. In the case of Aysén, the Re- In January 2007, earth tremors in gional Directorate of Work has no boats Aysén prompted the government to to carry out inspections of the farm in- open discussions with the industry on stallations around Aysén fjord, to verify suspending activities in the Aysén fjord whether or not facilities comply with as a precautionary measure, based on health-and-safety rules, and whether specialist recommendations. Few com- measures are being implemented to en-

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sure the safety of the salmon workers in this high-risk zone. In 2002 the Research Department of the Labour Directorate published a study by Elías Apud entitled “Ergo- nomic Study in Salmon Plants of the Xth Region”, based on work carried out in three factories. The report recommends that Chile “moves towards what the International Labour Organization (ILO) calls ‘decent work’, which is no other than work that is dignified, safe, productive and well-paid, where the workers are treated as human beings, and are assured of their individual and collective rights”. The ILO has recently adopted a new Work in Fishing Convention that guarantees decent work for workers in the fishing sector. Given the growing importance of aquaculture as both an economic and food-producing sector, it is important that aquaculture workers too are guaranteed decent working conditions. Corporate profits should not be gained at the expense of the workers in 33 the sector, as currently seems to be the case in Chile.

For more www.ecoceanos.cl

www.ecoceanos.cl/sitio/docs/radiogra- ﬁ a_salmonicultura_ecoceanos.pdf Ecoceanos News

www.sevenoaksmag.com/features/99_ feat4.html Salmon Country by Dawn Paley and Frédéric Dubois, Seven Oaks Maga- zine, March 2006

www.puresalmon.org/norway.html The Pure Salmon Campaign

www.puresalmon.org/pdfs/Labor_ letter_2.pdf Letter to Marine Harvest from Chile’s salmon unions

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MPAS

An Integrated Approach

The French experience shows that if ﬁ shermen are convinced of the potential beneﬁ ts of marine protected areas, they will take an active part in their implementation

n 31 March 2007, the Collec- sumes new importance. It is necessary tif Pêche et Développement, to examine how MPAs relate to ongoing Oa French non-governmental fishing activities, and how they could organization (NGO) working on issues serve fisheries management objectives. related to fishers and fisheries, held a Some environmental NGOs view them workshop in Brest, France, on marine as a panacea. Greenpeace, for instance, protected areas (MPAs) from the fish- is campaigning for a Global System of ermen’s perspective. The location was Marine and Coastal Protected Area Net- symbolic as the new agency in charge works, where fishing would be banned, 34 of managing MPAs countrywide will and that could cover up to 40 per cent be based in Brest. The workshop was of the world’s oceans, while claiming primarily aimed to highlight the im- that it is all meant to preserve aquatic portance of the Parc naturel d’Iroise, resources and thus the interests of arti- in which fishermen are significant sanal fishermen. stakeholders. Participants were in- In France, during the campaign for vited to analyze the linkages between the recent Presidential elections, the fishermen and MPAs, and to outline coalition of environmental NGOs reaf- how these could become management firmed the objective of turning 40 per tools for fisheries. They drew from two cent of the French exclusive economic overseas case studies—Arguin National zone (EEZ) into no-fishing marine reserves. French fishermen have long been familiar with cantonnements (ma- With the spread of MPAs, the tenets of ﬁ sheries rine areas where certain fishing opera- management are undergoing great changes, and the need tions are banned), but with this 40 per for the ecosystem approach to conserve biodiversity cent target for strictly restricted zones, assumes new importance it is clear that the focus is essentially on conserving biodiversity as such, and not on the sustainable use of fishery resources. The challenge for fishermen Park in Mauritania (PNBA), and another now is to show that they are capable of in Portugal—and two in France (Iroise carrying on with their activities while Marine Park in Britanny, and Canton- fully respecting the ecosystem on which nement du Cap Roux in the Mediter- they depend. ranean). The debate on MPAs has gathered Case studies momentum globally since the World From the Mauritanian and Portuguese Summit for Sustainable Development in case studies presented at the Brest Johannesburg in 2002. With the spread workshop, it appears that conflicts may of MPAs, the tenets of fisheries manage- arise between the fishermen and the ment are undergoing great changes, marine reserve managers. The Banc This article is by Alain Le Sann (ad. and the need for the ecosystem ap- of Arguin National Park (PNBA) case [email protected]) of the Collectif Pêche et Développement, France proach to conserve biodiversity as- was presented by Yan Giron, a young

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fisheries scientist. Established in 1976, try, near Setúbal, is the continuation the PNBA is one of the oldest and larg- of a mainland natural park, which was est MPAs worldwide. It is inhabited by a established to conserve biodiversity. population of Imragen, an ethnic group Close to 2,700 persons are involved in with strong cultural traditions, whose subsistence and artisanal fishing activi- livelihoods depend on fishing and ties in the 57-sq km area. Many of them pastoralism. Their peculiar method of are unemployed or retired persons with catching mullets with the help of dol- meagre pensions. Due to the economic phins is well known. crisis in the Setúbal area, their number The primary objective of those who has increased. Some are illiterate, and established the PNBA was to protect its their average age is 56. Illegal fishing, rich bird populations. The vast tidal including by diving, is a frequent occur- mudflats are a unique resting and feed- rence. In the course of time, with the ing place for many migratory species aging of the population, such activities of birds. Later, foreign observers real- are bound to recede. The park’s author- ized how plentiful fish resources were ities have not really taken into account in the same area, which fishermen had that social problem, nor are they ad- been exploiting for a long time. In the dressing the issue of illegal activities by 1990s, some danger signals began to recreational fishers. appear, with the guitarfish stocks, for The organized small-scale fisher- example, dwindling to near extinction. men are demanding that current rules By the end of the decade, several meas- and regulations be effectively imple- ures were initiated to protect the park mented before any restructuring of from outside operators coming in with the park is done. Considering that the industrial boats or motorized canoes, management plan disregards their and also to regulate the fishing effort claims and interests, they have now 35 of the Imragen dwellers. A limit of 100 withdrawn from discussions for the ma- was placed on the number of tradition- rine reserve. They also say that major al sailing craft, and, in 2004, a ban was sources of industrial pollution are still imposed on shark fishing. unchecked. They feel they are the only Control measures apply essentially ones to suffer from the creation of the to fishermen living outside the park, park. The conflict seems to arise from and they resent the situation as the a lack of consultation between the au- proscribed area extends to as much as a third of the entire Mauritanian coast- FANNY BRUN line. Only subsistence fishing is officially permitted inside the park, but, given the availability of the resource and the potential for profits, commercial fishing exists. The park’s promoters and fisheries policy managers, acting in league with local leaders, had not provided for such a development. The respective roles of the various stakeholders (government representatives in charge of the park, fishermen and conservation managers) have not been properly defined. Though the PNBA is one of the best-managed MPAs in west Africa, there is room for improvement, which could lead to more equity in the sharing of advantages, better integra- tion of conservation objectives and sustainable fishing operations. The case study of Portugal was presented at the workshop by Marc Savary, A scene from Doelan Harbour, Brittany, France. Organized small-scale ﬁ shers in France are a geographer. Portugal’s first marine re- now demanding effective resource management plans serve, situated in the south of the coun-

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thorities and the fishermen, and from ways and means to mitigate the nega- the absence of appropriate action in the tive impacts of maritime traffic and dis- face of pressing social problems. cards of all sorts. There are a number of small marine The Iroise Marine Park in Brittany parks on the French part of the Medi- is of a larger scale: 300 km of coast- terranean coast. In some of them, fish- line and 3,550 sq km of ocean space. ermen are closely associated with their The project started in the early 1990s management. In recent years, fisher- in the minds of some biologists who, men have, on their own initiative, es- in 1988, had obtained, under the Man tablished new reserved areas with help and Biosphere Programme of the Unit- from dedicated biologists, for instance, ed Nations Educational, Scientific and the cantonnement of Cap Roux on the Cultural Organization (UNESCO), funds Côte d’Azur promoted in 2004 by the for the creation of a biosphere reserve local prud’homies (traditional fisher- on the islands of Ouessant and Molène. men’s organizations) in collaboration They later asked for an extension of with scientists from the University of the buffer zone as the area adjoins the Nice. world’s busiest maritime route and, Preliminary observations show an consequently, is under the threat of improvement of the biomass inside the pollution from tankers and freighters. reserve, but it is too early to expect any It is of great biological significance, improvement outside the protected having the largest seaweed beds in area. That may happen later, as indi- Europe (300 known species), marine cated by the positive results obtained mammals (seals, dolphins) and birds. elsewhere, for instance, in Corsica. The About 40,000 tonnes of algae are ex- strategy adopted by fishermen is to cre- tracted annually; 350 boats manned by 36 ate a network of small reserves along 900 fishermen are in operation. To this, the coast that would hopefully increase one can add 10,000 recreational craft, the recruitment in the fish population. plus transiting French nuclear subma- While some scientists question the va- rines. Clearly, this is a region crying out lidity of such an approach to improve for integrated coastal management. fish availability, local fishermen appear The comités locaux des pêches (fish- satisfied. They are also able to keep rec- ers’ organizations) were at first hesitant reational fishers at bay, to some extent. to engage with the park process; then The most conclusive experience they realized that the project could becomes from the marine park of the come a significant instrument to pro- Côte Bleue, near Marseille, established mote the interests of artisanal fisheries, in 1983 and covering 10,000 ha. Fisher- as long as the objectives of conserva- men have been closely associated with tion and the tenets of sustainable fish- its management. The park includes two ing could be pursued side by side. So integral reserves (no-take areas), and they proposed to conduct, within the 3,000 cu m of artificial reefs were put in park, a pilot scheme on resource man- place to provide shelter for the fish and agement and rehabilitation of depleted block access by trawlers. Fishermen are lobster stocks. Some fishermen remain very happy with the functioning and suspicious, and a number of recrea- impact of the park, and they have given tional fishers are particularly hostile to more constraints and controls. The administrative process is also bedevil- led by local political feuds. Just before In recent years, ﬁ shermen have, on their own initiative, the recent presidential elections, some established new reserved areas with help from dedicated politicians pressured the government biologists to hold on to legal sanction for the park, despite 15 years of discussion. To clear the legal way for the project, the Natural Parks Act had to be theth green lilight ht ffor itits extension. t i Thanks Th k amended, because while natural parks to the park, they have been able to ne- aim essentially at conserving nature, gotiate with the port authorities of Fos, marine parks (which are established a neighbouring industrial region, on on State property) must cater to the

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twin objectives of habitat and species men are convinced of the potential preservation and economic develop- benefits of the project, they will take ment. The Iroise Marine Park does not an active part in the implementation include integral reserves. It will have a of the conservation and management management plan and a management measures. committee in which fishermen will play an active role, and will make proposals to be implemented through the existing fisheries management bodies. Fisher leaders view the project as a real opportunity to promote coastal fishing by bringing in innovative initiatives, and For more developing collaborations with the recreational sector and environmentalists. There is a lot at stake in this chal- www.cdcf.no/ﬁ shery_forum_2006? lenge. It has to be demonstrated that, p=6966 in order to protect ecosystems, one Marine Protected Areas (MPA)—a can do without vast integral reserves. useful tool in ﬁ sheries manage- Indeed, one can protect and conserve ment? Comparative experiences and the environment while continuing with lessons from developing countries sustainable fishing operations. and Norway. Centre for Develop- Thanks to integrated management ment Co-operation in Fisheries measures, these two objectives may not be mutually opposed. The best way to depts.washington.edu/mpanews invalidate the rationale of some envi- MPA News from Marine Affairs ronmental organizations for the crea- Research and Education and the 37 tion of global marine reserves networks University of Washington to cover up to 40 per cent of ocean space is to work towards the success of the Ir- oise Marine Park project. In conclusion, French artisanal fishermen seem to be adequately involved in the MPA processes. This is not quite

the case in other European countries. FANNY BRUN The approach on the Mediterranean coast differs widely from that on the Atlantic coast, because of particular aspects in the respective historical backgrounds and ecosystems. The co-operation phase is necessarily lengthy. It takes a long time to agree on common objectives and strategies—15 years—in the case of the Ir- oise Marine Park. This has much to do with the complexity of the territory and the diversity of its activities. Fishermen are not the main opponents of marine parks. The recreational fishing sector is often more powerful and reluctant to accept MPAs. It is imperative to address the issues of nature conservation and fisheries management with an integrated approach. Establishing a reserve without applying simultaneously a management plan in the adjoining areas will Rocky seascape off Doelan Harbour, Brittany, France. Regions like this call produce limited results. Once fisher- for integrated coastal area management

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Social issues in small-scale ﬁ sheries were discussed at the recent session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI) of the FAO

or the third time in succession, be taken to contribute to the social and small-scale fisheries was on the economic development of small-scale Fagenda of the Committee on Fish- fishing communities. COFI was also in- eries (COFI) of the Food and Agriculture vited to comment on the Strategy for Organization of the United Nations Action outlined, and recommend spe- (FAO), during its 27th Session, which cific social development measures re- took place during 5-9 March in Rome, lating, inter alia, to: Italy. • a legal framework that ensures ac- The background paper for Agenda cess to justice for all individuals and 38 Item 8 on “Social Issues in Small-scale groups within fishing communities; • policies allowing for non-discrimina- tory, secure access to, and utilization of, resources important to small-scale ...poverty, vulnerability and low levels of social fishing communities; development compromise the ability of small-scale ﬁ shers • assurance of access to natural re- to adopt responsible ﬁ shing practices... sources and social sector support services by women and vulnerable, marginalized and traditionally disadvantaged groups, including migrant workers, indigenous peoples, and Fisheries” stressed that more attention displaced persons in fishing commu- needs to be given to the subject, par- nities; ticularly since poverty, vulnerability • legal provisions for representation in and low levels of social development local decision-making processes by compromise the ability of small-scale women and other vulnerable groups fishers to adopt responsible fishing in fishing communities to allow them practices and participate in co-man- to participate fully and equitably in agement and community-based fisher- the economy; and ies management regimes. It stressed • social protection measures such as that social development issues can be direct cash transfers to the poorest addressed through various sectoral and other safety-net measures such policies relating to education, health, as post-disaster food aid. social insurance and others, and that a human-rights perspective, widely Fishers’ organization adopted in the United Nations system, The discussion on Agenda Item 8 provides an overarching approach to opened with a Statement (see Box 1) addressing social development. from the two organizations of small- COFI was invited to guide Member scale fisher people present at COFI, Nations, FAO and other agencies on the namely, the World Forum of Fisher This report has been filed by Chandrika kind of policies and measures, includ- Peoples (WFFP) and the World Forum Sharma ([email protected]), Executive ing the use of a rights-based approach of Fish Harvesters and Fishworkers Secretary, ICSF to fisheries management, that could (WFF). The Statement, welcoming the

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BOX 1 Statement from WFF and WFFP

Agenda Item 8: Social Issues that prevent small-scale fi sher people from The Code fully recognizes the crucial role in Small-scale Fisheries fulfi lling their potential role in contributing that small-scale fi shers and their commu- more signifi cantly to local and national nities play in this process. Mr Chairman, Distinguished Delegates, economies, to responsible fi sheries and to However, the reality is that marginal- One billion people around the world food security. ized communities have little possibility to depend on fi sh as their primary protein Recognition of the situation from the participate in management processes, and source. Artisanal and small-scale fi sher FAO is valuable and welcome—but it does this participation will not come without organizations and their supporters have, not change the situation. It is essential broad social development. Legally defi ned for more than two decades, argued for the that policies on fi sheries management, rights are imperative for this development recognition of the importance of social fi sheries trade and coastal management to be achieved. issues in the fi sheries debate. We see the are made consistent with the human-rights We, therefore, urge the governments document presented here today as a very approach. to take these recommendations to heart. important step forward for us and for our In our opinion, fi sheries trade that Rejecting these recommendations is reject- communities. compromises food security and local liveli- ing fi sher people their right to a decent Not only does the document thor- hoods, as well as ecolabelling schemes life, quality food and community heritage. oughly describe the social situation in that lack a socioeconomic component, It is also denying the social and economic many coastal fi shery communities, it also need to be revoked. Fisheries-management contribution made by them and the op- convincingly argues that there is a strong measures that lead to privatization of portunity to enhance it. link between the social situation and fi sheries resources, denying access to On our side, we, the fi sher people of human rights and the management of small-scale fi shers, including women your countries, will continue our work to natural resources. fi shers, and that lead to displacement of make these recommendations a reality. 39 We, the World Forum of Fish Harvest- our communities from the coastal lands ers and Fishworkers (WFF) and the World traditionally inhabited by them, also need Forum of Fisher Peoples (WFFP), gather to be revoked. artisanal and small-scale fi sherfolk from Our rights have to be recognised and more than 70 countries. The vast major- respected by governments and by inter- ity of the world’s fi shers belong to our governmental organizations like the World Endorsed by subsector. Trade Organization, within a framework of • International Collective in Support of In several countries, fi shers are among human rights and food sovereignty. Fishworkers (ICSF) the poorest and most marginalized. This More than 10 years ago, the FAO • Coalition for Fair Fisheries Arrange- is because their rights to land and fi sh adopted the Code of Conduct for Respon- ments (CFFA) resources and to basic services such as sible Fisheries. In these years, the Code has • Seas at Risk education and health, among other things, become an important framework for the • Greenpeace International are not recognized. It is also these factors improvement of fi sheries management. • Redmanglar International

background paper, and urging govern- problems facing small-scale fisheries, ments to take the recommendations including poverty, safety at sea, credit, made seriously, was endorsed by five housing, education, health and mar- other non-governmental organizations ket access (limited, for example, by (NGOs) present at COFI. The Statement sanitary standards). They also outlined urged that policies on fisheries man- the policy, welfare and other measures agement, fisheries trade and coastal they had taken to support small-scale management be made consistent with fisheries in their countries. Several the human-rights approach. delegates from States in Africa, such as The Agenda Item witnessed lengthy Mali and Ivory Coast, commended the discussions, with interventions from role of the Sustainable Fisheries Liveli- about 50 States and three intergovern- hood Programme (SFLP) in supporting mental organizations. The importance sustainable small-scale fisheries. (SFLP of small-scale fisheries and the need represents a partnership between the to support it were widely stressed. FAO, the Department for International Delegates drew attention to various Development of the United Kingdom

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BOX 2 Agenda Item 8: Social issues in Small-scale Fisheries Recommendations/Decisions

The Committee: facilitate the adoption of responsible * Took note of the strong support by many * Agreed that policies and development fi sheries practices (para. 58). members to establish a dedicated COFI programmes needed to be tailored to * Expressed its support for the strategy Sub-Committee and/or a specifi c pro- the specifi c needs in particular locations, of action as noted in paragraph 23 gramme of work on small-scale fi sheries countries and regions and types of of COFI/2007/6 that brought together supported by dedicated extra-budgetary small-scale fi sheries that could range responsible fi sheries and social develop- funding and agreed that the issue of from occasional subsistence activities ment and stressed the need to adopt small-scale fi sheries was important and to year-round commercial operations a rights-based approach to managing FAO should continue to work on this targeting fi sh for export markets (para. small-scale fi sheries that respects the issue (para. 61). 55). interests of present and future genera- * Welcomed the proposal by Norway that * Recognized that progress in the imple- tions and ensures resource sustainabil- FAO examine the convening of a broad- mentation of international human rights ity, reduces vulnerability and optimizes based international conference focusing instruments including the conventions the fl ow of benefi ts to fi shing communi- specifi cally on small-scale fi sheries of on the rights of seafarers and working ties and the wider economy (para. 59). a format similar to the 1999 FishRights conditions in fi sheries were critical to * Highlighted the importance of disaster and 2006 Sharing the Fish Conferences both small-scale and large-scale fi sher- prevention and mitigation measurers (para. 62 ). ies and stressed that the recognition and and safety-at-sea for reducing vulner- adoption of human-rights principles can ability of fi shers and coastal communi- — from the draft advance copy of the FAO help achieve poverty eradication and ties (para. 60) Fisheries Report No. 830

of Great Britain and Northern Ireland subcommittee on small-scale fisheries, (DFID) and the 25 participating, devel- such as the ones for aquaculture and oping countries of western Africa.) trade. Several States, particularly de- Delegates stressed the need to fos- veloping States, supported these pro- ter fisher and fishing-community asso- posals, including Algeria, Cameroon, ciations, and for co-management and Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kuwait, Ma- capacity-building initiatives. Panama, laysia, Maldives, Oman, Pakistan, Phil- speaking on behalf of States from Cen- ippines, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda tral America, highlighted the need to and Vietnam.. enhance budgets to support small-scale Norway, supporting the NGO State- fisheries. ment and the focus on rights issues Thailand, welcoming the focus on in small-scale fisheries, stressed that small-scale fisheries, proposed an ex- securing rights must be done with a clusive programme of work or a global view to securing rights of the poor, initiative to support small-scale fisher- including through redistribution and ies, as through Regional Fisheries Man- facilitating better organization of fish- eers and processors. Norway proposed a broad-based conference with a large Germany, speaking on behalf of the European Union, nnumber of participants that would noted that the emphasis in the background paper on ffocus specifically on small-scale fish- eeries, along the lines of the FishRights human rights detracted substantially from the more CConference, 1999, and Sharing the Fish fundamental issue—that of fostering more effective CConference 2006, to discuss fisheries ﬁ sheries management mmanagement models appropriate for ssmall-scale fisheries. Several States ssupported the Norwegian proposal for aan international conference. Both Nor- agement Organizations (RFMOs)) work-k way and Brazil emphasized the need to ing on small-scale fisheries. Several link the human-rights perspective with States proposed the creation of a COFI FAO’s Right to Food Guidelines.Germa-

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GIAMPIERO DIANA/FAO

41 FAO’s Committee on Fisheries conducts periodic general reviews of ﬁ shery and aquaculture problems of an international character

ny, speaking on behalf of the European The Advance Copy of the Report Union, noted that the emphasis in the of the 27th Session of COFI carries the background paper on human rights recommendations/decisions on this detracted substantially from the more agenda item (see Box 2). Notably, COFI fundamental issue—that of fostering agreed with Norway’s proposal of con- more effective fisheries management. vening a broad-based international The main focus should be on develop- conference focusing specifically on ing an effective management systems small-scale fisheries. based around rights, with the comple- mentary goal being to promote respect for human rights. The document, said Germany, understated the potential of property rights and supporting institutions in delivering sustainable manage- For more ment for small-scale fisheries. Canada, commenting on the background paper, www.fao.org/ﬁ / said that the focus should be on the ap- Fisheries and Aquaculture plication of rights-based approaches to Department of the FAO small-scale fisheries and on developing appropriate governance systems. Iceland, noting open access as a key problem, called for the adoption of rights-based approaches to fisheries management. The International Transport Work- ers Federation (ITF), supporting the NGO Statement, called on States to adopt ILO’s proposed Work in Fishing Conven- tion (which has since been adopted).

JULY 2007

ssam47.inddam47.indd 4411 77/20/2007/20/2007 3:41:563:41:56 AMAM Report FISHING CONVENTION Work in Fishing Convention

The recently adopted ILO Work in Fishing Convention addresses issues related to minimum requirements for work on board ﬁ shing vessels, and living and working conditions, as well as the social security, of ﬁ shers

n Thursday, 14 June 2007, at Ge- against the Convention in the 2005 neva, the Work in Fishing Con- record vote, such as Egypt, Estonia, Ovention 2007, C. 188, (WFC) was Niger, Myanmar and Seychelles, voted formally adopted during the 96th Ses- for its adoption. sion of the International Labour Con- Similarly, 20 governments that ab- ference (ILC) 2007 of the International stained from the record vote in 2005 Labour Organization (ILO). There were also voted for the Convention in 2007. 437 votes in favour, two against and 22 The only two votes that went against abstentions. Since the quorum of the the Convention were cast by employers’ meeting was 296 and since two-thirds representatives from Korea and Fiji. majority was 293, the Convention was By the time the 96th Session of the 42 formally adopted by the ILC under Ar- ILC was held in Geneva in May-June ticle 19 of the ILO Constitution. In the 2007, there were already signs of rap- voting that followed later, the Recom- prochement between the social part- mendation on the Work in Fishing Con- ners. There was, for example, refer- vention, 2007, was also adopted with ence to “a package of elements agreed between the Workers’ and Employers’ ggroups” as a result of the positive out- ccome of the Interregional Round Table By the time the 96th Session of the ILC was held in oon Labour Standards in the Fishing Sec- Geneva in May-June 2007, there were already signs of ttor in December 2006. In his introduc- ttory remarks, Captain Nigel Campbell rapprochement between the social partners oof South Africa, Chairperson of the CCommittee on the Fishing Sector, re- feferred to the proposed text of the Con- vvention as “mature”. 443 votes in favour, none against and 19 The Asia-Pacific group (ASPAG)— abstentions. which includes Asian and Pacific coun- Unlike at the record vote during tries such as China, Vietnam, Australia the 93rd Session of the ILC in 2005, and New Zealand—spoke in the Com- this time the government of China— mittee on the Fishing Sector about the which accounts for the largest number need “to take into account differences of fishers and fishing capacity in the in the development of fishing fleets, in- world—along with the governments of cluding differences in technology used Bangladesh, India, Iran, Japan, Korea, and variations in the means of deter- Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the mining fishing vessel capacity.” United States and Vietnam voted for the adoption of the Convention. Amendments Although none of the governments Most of the provisions were retained voted against it, important fishing na- as they were in the 2005 text. Over 80 tions such as the Philippines, Indonesia amendments and subamendments and Peru abstained, along with Ma- were submitted to the Committee on This report is by Sebastian Mathew ([email protected]), Programme Adviser, ICSF laysia, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela the Fishing Sector in 2007—which held and Uruguay. Governments who voted 11 sittings, as against 16 sittings during

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V VIVEKANANDAN

43 Fishworkers unloading ﬁ sh from a trawler at the Nagapattinam Fishing Harbour, in the south Indian State of Tamil Nadu

the 2005 ILC. The largest number of and placement agency, to regulate such amendments was proposed on Annex agencies, while recognizing that the III, which dealt with accommodation on vessel owner remained ultimately re- board fishing vessels. There was little sponsible for all the obligations estab- support for substantial modifications. lished in the Convention. For the sake of adopting an inclu- Thirdly, and most significantly, the sive Convention that could be endorsed concept of “progressive implementa- by the social partners and governments tion approach” was adopted. Follow- alike, and to address some of the un- ing the December 2006 Round Table, resolved concerns, several provisions the concept of progressive implemen- contained in the 2005 draft Convention tation was proposed and adopted in were amended. Firstly, the length/tonnage equivalence, as well as the prescriptive requirements in Annex III dealing mainly with accommodation on board ...most signiﬁ cantly, the concept of “progressive fishing vessels above 24 m in length, implementation approach” was adopted were amended. Thus, the gross tonnage equivalence of fishing vessels of 15 m, 24 m and 45 m length, respectively, were relaxed as de- oorderrder toto achieveachieve wiwidede ratiratificationfication of ththee sired by Japan and in accordance with Convention. a joint amendment on behalf of social Although the concept was not spe- partners and several governments, pre- cifically defined, it was understood as dominantly Asian, to better reflect the a provision that would permit some characteristics of Asian vessels. countries to implement limited provi- Secondly, the notion of “private sions of the Convention slowly, while employment agency” was introduced, others could implement all the provi- distinct from a traditional recruitment sions rapidly.

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Statement

1. Two-thirds of the world`s fi sh produc- 3. The marine fi shing industry—in par- tion originates mainly from marine capture ticular, the subsectors characterized by larger fi sheries that employ over 30 mn fi shers fi shing vessels undertaking longer fi shing on board four mn fi shing vessels. It is high trips—would benefi t from the provisions of time that a socially disadvantaged section— the proposed Convention after the adoption, which includes both men and women, often ratifi cation and development of national forced to carry on earning a livelihood under legislation toward its implementation. De- adverse working and living conditions— veloping countries can greatly benefi t from fi nally benefi ts from an ILO instrument that the provisions of the Convention, not only in guarantees decent work. terms of their national fi shing industries, but also as fi shing-labour exporting nations. Im- 2. The size of vessels and crew, the dura- plemented well, the Convention can put an tion of fi shing trips, and the area of fi shing end to the inhuman treatment of fi shwork- operations, vary across the world. Consider- ers, particularly of migrant fi shers on board ing this diversity, it is commendable that the distant-water fi shing vessels. Committee on the Fishing Sector could pro- pose for adoption, a Convention and a Rec- 4. ICSF strongly urges the Confer- ommendation on work in the fi shing sector ence to adopt the Convention. This time, the that cover fi shers on board both small- and additional fl exibility offered by the proposed large-scale fi shing vessels with rigour and Convention should ensure wider support, fl exibility. The proposed Convention provides and enable its ratifi cation on adoption even 44 a common framework to address issues re- in countries with insuffi ciently developed lated to minimum requirements for work on infrastructure or institutions. ICSF hopes, board fi shing vessels, and living and working however, that provisions for a “progressive conditions, as well as the social security of implementation approach” do not lead to fi shers. an undue delay in extending the benefi ts of

The aim was to assist developing Thus, for vessels less than 24 m in countries, in particular, those “who length; or which normally remained might have difficulty in implementing at sea fewer than seven days; or which all the measures provided for in the normally navigated at a distance less Convention owing to special problems than 200 nautical miles from the coastline of the flag State or which navigated withinw the outer edge of its continental shelf;s or which were not subject to port- StateS control—and to fishers working Arguably, though, the Convention would benefi t 17 mn ono such vessels—an unspecified time full-time fi shers in marine-capture fi sheries. It would, framef was granted for the following re- however, benefi t most, if not all, of the 340,000 fi shers quirements:q (i) to hold a valid medical working on board fi shing vessels above 24 m in length certificate;c (ii) to carry crew list: (III) tot ensure written fishers’ work agreement;m (iv) to undertake risk evaluation; anda (v) to adopt measures to provide fishersf with protection for work-related of a substantial nature in the light of in- sickness, injury or death. sufficiently developed infrastructure or And fourthly, some flexibility was institutions.” introduced to suspend the schedule of

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the Convention to all fi shers who fall within ly for small-scale fi shers, who, as a result, its scope. ICSF requests governments to con- have evinced a greater interest in the sider speedier ratifi cation of this Convention proposed Convention. Once the Work in on adoption, and also to consider extending Fishing Convention 2007, is adopted, ICSF its relevant provisions, where applicable, to looks forward to collaborating with the shore-based fi shers, especially women, in International Labour Offi ce, governments, consultation with social partners. This would trade unions and NGOs, for its dissemina- be consistent with the ECOSOC Ministerial tion, ratifi cation and implementation. Declaration in July 2006 on ‘Creating an environment at the national and international 7. Last but not least, ICSF would levels conducive to…decent work for all…’ also like to take this opportunity to urge ILO to look into the conditions of work in 5. ICSF believes that the proposed the burgeoning aquaculture industry that Work in Fishing Convention 2007, can com- employs an estimated 10 mn people, and plement the legal instruments for sustainable to develop, if deemed necessary, an in- and responsible fi sheries, namely, the 1982 strument to guarantee them decent work. United Nations Convention on the Law of Aquaculture today accounts for one-third the Sea, the 1995 United Nations Fish Stocks of world fi sh production. Over the past Agreement and the 1995 FAO Code of Con- quinquennium, while marine capture duct for Responsible Fisheries, by addressing fi shery production has been stagnating, the social dimension of sustainable develop- aquaculture fi sh production has been reg- ment of fi shers and fi shing communities. istering impressive growth. It would be only appropriate that such growth is not 6. ICSF has been disseminating the content achieved at the cost of decent work. 45 of, and mustering support for, the proposed fi shing Convention since 2003, and it has, in —This Statement from ICSF was made at this regard, organized several meetings in the 96th Session of the ILC at Geneva on Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe main- 12 June 2007

hours of rest in emergencies, at the dis- In the course of discussion at the cretion of the skipper of a fishing ves- Committee on the Fishing Sector, as sel, until the normal situation had been well as during its adoption at the ILC, For more restored. The government members there were several references made to www.ilo.org/public/english/dialogue/ were also keen to ensure that the text the WFC benefiting 30 mn fishers on sector/sectors/mariti/ﬁ shing-iloact.htm of the Convention was in accordance board 4 mn fishing vessels. Arguably, Fishing—ILO Activities with the text of the Maritime Labour though, the Convention would ben- Convention, 2006. efit 17 mn full-time fishers in marine- labour.icsf.net The WFC, which has 54 articles and capture fisheries. It would, however, legal.icsf.net three annexes, would revise the exist- benefit most, if not all, of the 340,000 ing four ILO Conventions for fisher- fishers working on board fishing ves- men—the last one was adopted over sels above 24 m in length. 40 years ago—and it would come into force 12 months after the date on which the ratifications of 10 Members—eight of which are coastal States—have been registered with the ILO. The Conven- tion would come into force for any ILO Member 12 months after the date on which its ratification is registered.

JULY 2007

ssam47.inddam47.indd 4455 77/20/2007/20/2007 3:41:593:41:59 AMAM Review BOOKS By, For the Villagers

A review of a study of the traditional Indonesian community-based resource management institution called sasi laut

his interesting study of the tradi- of fisheries management and markets tional community-based resource in Maluku. Section C compares pa- Tmanagement institution of Indo- rameters like equity, efficiency and nesia called the sasi laut is part of a glo- sustainability of fisheries in sasi and bal project jointly funded by the Danish non-sasi villages. Section D contains International Development Assistance the six case studies conducted in the (DANIDA), International Development central Maluku islands, ending with a Research Centre (IDRC), Canada, and comparative analysis. The final Section ICLARM—The World Fish Centre, Ma- E reflects on the resilience of the sasi laysia, on fisheries co-management. system, which many believed would The study has been undertaken at a surely disappear into oblivion by the time when, in the context of declining 1960s. The last chapter summarizes the resources, fisheries management is in results of the study and concludes with 46 focus in many countries, especially in policy recommendations for the revi- the Asian coastal States. Specific at- talization of sasi and the development tention is also being paid to commu- of co-management systems in central nity management institutions, many of Maluku. which are being revitalized and inte- Sasi laut, the study says, can pro- grated into formal governance systems vide the basis for building local-level for better resource management. management institutions. Sasi includes Indonesia has a large number of rules and regulations (called adat, the community-based resource manage- customary law, which may or may not ment systems (CBRM) for natural re- be written down) to control resource An Institutional Analysis of Sasi sources. The sasi system is one of the utilization. The sasi has a village police Laut in Maluku Indonesia. Irene No- few long-enduring CBRM systems in force, the kewang, which monitors the vaczek, Ingvild H. T. Harkes, Juliaty Asia. Unlike other CBRM initiatives, sasi proper implementation of harvesting Sopacua and Marcus D. D. Tatuhey. has a long history and has undergone rights or the sasi lelang. There are three ICLARM—The World Fish Centre, Pen- transformations over time. kinds of sasi—the land sasi (sasi darat), ang, Malaysia. 2001. pp 327. The study makes a detailed com- the most prevalent form; the riverine/ parative analysis of sasi in various vil- marine sasi (sasi laut) and the village lages and contexts in Indonesia’s cen- sasi (sasi negeri). The marine sasi is tral Maluku, which consists of 1,027 sometimes influenced by the land sasi. islands occupied by 1.8 mn people. It The village sasi is more of a social in- strives to understand why sasi could stitution that deals with local issues, be sustained in some areas, how it has while the other two are concerned with adapted to change, and why, in other the regulation of access to, and extrac- areas, it lost its significance. tion of, natural resources on land and The study is divided into 18 chap- in water. ters under five sections. The first section is an introduction to the study Various forms and its methodology. Section B sets Sasi varies from locality to locality, the context of the regional and village even as it maintains the objective of variables, and describes the various managing resources. The marine sasi— factors that could influence the com- sasi laut—usually deals with sedentary This review is by Neena Koshy (icsf@icsf. munity institution, namely, the socio- resources and other resources closer net), Programme Associate, ICSF political circumstances, and the trends to the land like coral reefs. There are

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also sasi laws that regulate the resource as to regulate aspects of village social utilization of estuarine waters. Sasi is behaviour. more prevalent in villages that have a Sasi, which applies mostly to in- population of over 2,000 fishers. There shore resources, does not limit total are villages that do not practise sasi but catches but places restrictions on sea- have a communal fish-harvesting sys- son, species and gear. In some villages, tem called sousoki. there are no restrictions on the local It is believed that sasi was set up villagers, but outsiders are bound by initially to manage social interactions, the adat should they choose to harvest chiefly to mediate tenure disputes and from the sasi area. In most villages, sasi maximize economic returns to the vil- is applied only to a few species, mainly lagers. Resource conservation and top shells, sea cucumbers and pelagic management was a spin-off of this larg- fishes. Over half of the sasi villages er control, and dates to 1920, when sasi studied sell or auction harvesting rights proscribed fishing using poison in parts for one or more species. of central Maluku. Sasi incorporates concepts, at- Contrary to the popular belief that tributes and structures that are impor- sasi was established to regulate access tant in any marine resource manage- to sedentary resources, the system was ment and conservation regime. Among initially applied to pelagic fish stocks, to them are the concepts of: conserve migratory fish and maximize their harvest for local consumption. It 1. open and closed areas and seasons was only in the 1930s, when a market 2. community tenure rights over a ma- for top shells (Trochus niloticus) and sea rine area cucumbers appeared, that sasi began to 3. limiting access to resources address additional types of marine ac- 4. controlled harvest and distribution 47 cess prohibitions and related ceremo- of benefits nies in parts of southern Maluku. 5. locally developed and specifically Historically, the central Maluku is- agreed upon regulations lands have been subject to a series of 6. local wardens or enforcers (kewang) invasions, first by the Portuguese, fol- who have defined rules of process lowed by the Dutch, the English, the as well as prescribed sanctions they Arabs and the Japanese. The spread can impose of Christianity discouraged traditional 7. shared responsibility of all residents customs, which were often branded to report violations of sasi rules as pagan superstitions. Even though 8. methodology to advise all resi- the Dutch tried to abolish the adat, dents, at regular intervals, of the and thereby the sasi, they later found it convenient to integrate them into their governance structures so as to exercise control over the resources. Even though the Dutch tried to abolish the adat, and The Dutch were the first to formalize thereby the sasi, they later found it convenient to sasi with the decree “Het recht van Sasi integrate them into their governance structures so as to in De Molukken” (the rights of sasi in exercise control over the resources Maluku). The Japanese, who invaded later, abolished the village systems and brought in centralization. After Indo- nesian independence, under Suharto’s rule, the centralization process got le- substance of sasi rules galized under Law No. 5 of 1974 and Law 9. improving or maintaining commu- No. 5 of 1979, which failed to recognize nity welfare, which, being rooted the village-level sasi, kewang and adat. in adat (a belief in the concept of Despite predictions about its imminent the unity of humans with nature), death, and even though largely weak- is consistent with modern concepts ened by the abovementioned processes, of sustainable use of resources the sasi rules that were developed long 10. a hierarchical institutional struc- ago are still practised by the communi- ture that divides various tasks ties to maximize their harvests as well among clearly defined bodies (for

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example, the village government, blurred. There is evidence of national the kewang, the church, and so on) laws becoming sasi rules, as in the case 11. low or no financial cost to the for- of the ban on blast fishing, and sasi mal governance structures: The ke- rules feeding into the drafting of na- wang members and church leaders tional law, as with proscription of poison fishing. Though most decisions are taken by the traditional adat Sasi villages often displayed greater communal harmony and activity, in- leaders in what can be deemed to be an undemocratic cluding communal harvest of fish and system, the villagers accept them due to the overall equitable sharing of profit among the community value attached to the rulings villagers. In some villages, the catches are sold to provide funds for infrastructure and projects that benefit the whole community, as in the case of the trochus involved in sasi are not paid wages, harvest of Nolloth village. although they may receive a share Sasi is relatively efficient as it does of the harvest. Local government not rely on expensive State infrastruc- offices may also receive income ture and bureaucracy. Though most from the sale of harvesting rights decisions are taken by the traditional for communal resources. adat leaders in what can be deemed to 12. institutional resilience and the ca- be an undemocratic system, the villag- pacity to evolve ers accept them due to the overall com- The study quantified the strength of munity value attached to the rulings. resource management in both sasi and Involvement of people in management non-sasi villages by combining indica- decisions was seen to be higher in sasi 48 tors of gear restriction, local fisheries villages than in non-sasi ones. rules other than national restrictions Compliance with sasi rulings was on blast fishing and the use of poisons, better than in the case of national or area closures, the number of species provincial laws and regulations. Com- under the management rules, and ac- pliance was found to be even stronger tive enforcement. in those sasi villages where the kewang In some cases, the distinction be- members were locals. The degree of tween sasi and non-sasi rules are often compliance depended heavily on the quality of leadership, the status of economic needs and education levels, and

KG KUMAR/ICSF awareness and fear of the threat of sanctions. Cases that are deemed necessary to be reported to the police go outside the village for settlement. Sasi applies only to nearshore waters but a large number of people —especially younger, commercially oriented fishers—earn their livelihood by fishing for pelagic species in deeper waters a little off the coast, where sasi does not apply. The traditional fishers find it difficult to access these resources due to increasing competition from newer and more efficient technologies. Fishers in villages closer to the cities show an increasing predilection for jobs outside the fishing sector. This could imply a decreasing level of allegiance to the village laws and sasi. The greatest obstacle for the main- tenance and development of sasi is the A ﬁ shing village on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia complete lack of recognition of such

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ICSF systems by the government. In the absence of a legal basis for adat and sasi, the village institution is seen as a mere implementing agency rather than an active policy-making body. Sasi is not inherently equitable in the sense of being inclusive and democratic. As a strongly patriarchal system, it does not encourage the participation of women in its working. Apart from being limited mostly to inshore resources, sasi is applied to relatively small areas or a few species, and does not really comprise a comprehensive area or species management plan. The study found sasi’s impact on the health of the resource and habitat to be minimal or, at best, moot. The majority of rural, coastal villages in Indonesia are As an institution, though, sasi has still directly or indirectly dependent on ﬁ shery resources never been static but has changed with the times, remaining resilient. It has been used for different economic and social reasons, not simply for resource management. Sasi and the underlying adat culture have waxed and waned over time, absorbing and reflecting the 49 impacts of colonialism, war, economic development and social change. Apart from suggesting that more species be placed under sasi, the study also recommends an increase in the area under sasi, after consultation with the villagers, as well as differentiated For more access for the traditional and modernized fishing sectors. www.co-management.org Since sasi has been able to spread Fisheries Co-management certain important resource manage- A worldwide collaborative research ment concepts through the villages and project make them valued as part of the local culture of central Maluku, it can function as a basis for the development of a modern resource management institution. It would also reduce the potential costs of public education and enforce- Excerpt ment of such a management regime. One major limitation of the study An effective alternative is that by concentrating mainly on Christian villages, it failed to take into n the place of a science-based rationale for management, we find an ethic of account the contextual variables de- working together for the benefit of the community, attachment to a cultural scribed earlier, which could be different Itradition and the tendency to comply with sanctions based on religious be- in predominantly Muslim villages. liefs. These have combined to form the basis of a resilient and, within its narrow scope of application, demonstrably effective institution. Sasi also provides an alternative to the Western idea that local management must be highly democratic. The paternalistic model is potentially very efficient and cost-effective, putting little demand on the time of busy fishers, farmers and women, and is also culturally acceptable.

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ssam47.inddam47.indd 4499 77/20/2007/20/2007 3:42:013:42:01 AMAM NEWS, EVENTS, BRIEFINGS AND MORE... Roundup INDIA amendments to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Coastal zone wars notification of 1991, allowing commercial activities within he fishing community in He says it will also deprive headquarters on Quit India 500 m of the coastline. They Tthe south Indian State of the communities of their Day. According to NFF leaders, claim that the new notification Kerala is gearing up for an legitimate rights to livelihood. the draft Coastal Management is designed to permit special agitation against a proposed The federation has already Zone law, due to be announced economic zones and industrial law to be introduced by the launched a campaign to send soon, will further marginalize and tourism activities in urban Union Government on coastal online petitions to national the fishing communities and areas close to the coast. management. The National leaders highlighting the place them at the mercy of big “The Swaminathan Fishworkers’ Forum (NFF) flaws in the proposed law. business. Campaign committee committee recommends has announced a nationwide the expansion of the coastal agitation, alleging that the zone to include territorial law will threaten the marine waters— the area from the environment and affect the shore to 12 nautical miles. livelihood security of thousands This expansion into territorial of fishermen. waters has major implications The Kerala Swathantra for livelihoods of fishing Matsya Thozhilali Federation communities. There is no is spearheading the protest explicit mention that this movement in the State. area should be managed Federation leaders say with full participation of that the proposed law fishing communities, and favours development over It will organize a State-level convenor Harekrishna that their rights to fish in conservation. State president of convention in July and a Debhnath says it will add to this area should be protected the federation T. Peter says the campaign to send letters the impact created by sand and promoted. It needs to be absence of public consultation to the Prime Minister, the mining, tourism, fish farming explicitly stated that no part of on the law is undemocratic United Progressive Alliance and other types of aquaculture, this area shall be diverted for and raises serious questions Chairperson and the Union land reclamation, hydrocarbon any other purpose,” Peter says. 50 about the intention of the Ministry of Environment and exploration and port For more, see http://www. Government on a matter with Forests. Fishermen throughout development on India’s coast. hindu.com/2007/06/20 / serious long-term implications the State will participate in Fishworkers’ organizations say stories/2007062071160400. for the fishing communities. a protest march to district that the Ministry is planning htm

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE POEM Masifundise M.S.Y (1930s-1970s) he only independent international organizations TNGO in South Africa working with small-scale Here lies the concept, MSY working with small-scale fishing communities. It advocated yields too high, and traditional fishing and Supports community- And didn’t spell out how to slice coastal communities in the based and people-driven the pie. west and south coasts of the organizations and networks Western Cape,pe, of coastal communitiecommunities, with We bury it with the best of wishes the Eastern thethe organi- Especially on behalf of fishes. Cape and zational KwaZulu capacity We don’t know yet what will take Natal. to units place, Work dertake But hope it’s as good for the includes advo- human race. extensive cacy fieldwork, inter- R.I.P. action ventions research, in order —P.A. Larkin, Institute of Animal Resource advo- to secure Ecology, University of British Columbia, cacy and tradi- Canada, 1977 lobbying tional initiatives, fishing VERBATIM informa- com- tion munities “In spite of the high level of vulnerability, gathering and the small-scale fisheries sector also shows and dis- coastal semination, trainintrainingg and ddwellers’wellers’ rirightsghts to mmarinea notable dynamism and coping capacity.”

capacity building as well as resources and sustainable ICHIRO NOMURA, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL networking with regional and livelihood alternatives. FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE DEPARTMENT, FAO

SAMUDRA REPORT NO.47

ttext.inddext.indd SSec1:50ec1:50 77/20/2007/20/2007 3:40:133:40:13 AMAM Subscribe free to SAMUDRA News Alerts at http:// www.icsf.net

TUNA STOCKS SHARE OF FISHERS IN TOTAL POPULATION Sushi sashay ushi made with deer The problem is the meat, anyone? How growing appetite for sushi Sabout a slice of raw horse and sashimi outside Japan, on hat rice? not only in the United States These are some of the most but also in countries with new extreme alternatives being wealth, like Russia, South considered Korea and by China. Japanese And the chefs as problem shortages will not of tuna go away. threaten to Fishing remove experts Fishers and ﬁ sh it from say that Millions of people in the Asian region depend on Japan’s the fisheries for a living, and the sector is a major source of food sushi shortages security, employment, income and foreign exchange. According menus — and rising to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations something prices (FAO), of the 47.6 mn fishers worldwide engaged in fishing as will only and fish farming as a full-time, or, more frequently, part-time, unthinkable in Japan as become more severe as the occupation, as many as 42.3 mn, or 89 per cent, are in Asia. China baseball without hot dogs or population of bluefin tuna— has the maximum number of fishers and fish farmers, followed Texas without barbecue. the big, slow-maturing type by India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh and the Philippines. In this seafood-crazed most favoured in sushi—fails The majority of fishers and fish farmers are small-scale, artisanal country, tuna is king. From to keep up with worldwide fishers, eking out a living from coastal and inland fishery maguro to otoro, the Japanese demand. resources. seem to have almost as many Last year, dozens of These figures are likely to be underestimates. An FAO 51 words for tuna and its edible nations responded by agreeing study in Southeast Asia, for example, suggested that the figure parts as the French have names to reduce annual tuna catches reported to the organization for the number of inland capture for cheese. So when global in the eastern Atlantic and fishers worldwide (4.5 mn, full-time, part-time or occasional) fishing bodies recently began Mediterranean oceans by 20 is easily exceeded by those fishing in inland waters in just eight lower- per cent countries covered by the study, namely, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao ing the in an PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. limits on “It’s like America running effort to Further, these figure do not include those involved in catches out of steak,” said Tadashi stabilize other fisheries-related activities, such as marketing, processing, in the popula- world’s Yamagata, vice chairman tions. rapidly of Japan’s national union of But the depleting decision tuna sushi chefs. “Sushi without only fisheries, tuna just would not seemed Japan be sushi.” to crys- fell into a tallize national growing panic. fears Nightly news programmes in Japan about tuna short- ran in-depth reports of how ages, helping to push up higher prices were driving prices of the three species of net-making, supplying ice, boatbuilding, and so on. Importantly, top-grade tuna off supermarket bluefin—northern, Pacific and women play an important role in several of these activities. shelves and the revolving southern—that are considered Assuming a ratio of about 1: 3—that is, for every person who conveyer belts at sushi chain the best tuna to eat raw. fishes, there are three others on shore engaged in fisheries-related stores. Since the start of last year, activities—a conservative estimate would place the total number At nicer restaurants, sushi the average price of imported of people involved in fisheries-related activities in Asia at about chefs began experimenting frozen northern and Pacific 130 mn. The total number of people dependent on the sector in with substitutes, from cheaper bluefin has risen more than Asia is, no doubt, much higher. varieties of fish to terrestrial a third, to US$13 a pound, Significantly, 90 per cent of the catch from small-scale alternatives and even, heaven according to Japan’s Fisheries fisheries worldwide caters to human consumption. According forbid, American sushi varia- Agency. Wholesalers say that to the Asian Development Bank, artisanal, small-scale fisheries tions like avocado rolls. competition from foreign in Asia are estimated to contribute to at least 50 per cent of total “It’s like America running fishing fleets and buyers has fisheries production, providing extensive rural employment. out of steak,” said Tadashi made the top-quality tuna Fish is an important source of food security in the Yamagata, vice chairman of increasingly hard to come by region. For more than 1.6 bn of the 3.5 bn people in the region, fish Japan’s national union of sushi here. provides more than 20 per cent of the animal protein consumed. chefs. “Sushi without tuna just —Martin Fackler, The New This figure rises to more than 50 per cent in countries such as would not be sushi.” York Times, 25 June 2007 Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

JULY 2007

ttext.inddext.indd SSec1:51ec1:51 77/20/2007/20/2007 3:40:163:40:16 AMAM Roundup NEWS, EVENTS, BRIEFINGS AND MORE... BOOKSHELF FLASHBACK Fisheries classics Malay Fishermen: Their ...this is still the only detailed Co-management Peasant Economy. Raymond analysis of production, Firth. Routledge & Kegan Paul marketing and distribution in o-management, intended as a collaborative and Ltd. London. 1946. a Malay fishing community, participatory arrangement between governments ISBN 0 7100 3466 0 related to community structure C and resource users to share the responsibility for resource and values.. management, is increasingly being put forward as a framework This book is a study of some — from the prefaces to the first for the management of fisheries resources, partly also due Far Eastern peasant problems, and second editions to the perceived failure, or inability, of centralized fisheries based mainly on field research. management regimes. The bulk of the book has been To the extent that co-management recognizes the left as a description of how Distant Water: importance of the participation of resource users at all stages a Malay fishing economy The Fate of the North of resource management, it is important. However, experience ordinarily functions. Atlantic Fisherman. from various parts of the world indicates that often the It will give some idea of William W. Warner. Penguin government commitment to participation of actual users the adaptative nature of these Group USA. 1984. remains on paper. peasant economic systems, of ISBN 0 1400 6967 4 Co-management the value of their traditional regimes can be considered forms of co-operation, and Chronicles the history of the in a context of property of the claims of such types of North Atlantic Fishing Fleet rights, and they can society to survival in the face since World War II, narrates also be considered in of pressure from forces which the day-to-day occupations of fisheries with no property threaten to disrupt them while shipboard life, and examines rights. While the co- offering no alternative forms of the fleet’s current operations management framework communal existence. and future prospects. may be easier where property rights exist, it may be more daunting 52 MEDIAWATCH in the absence of such rights. Co-management arrangements that operate Tracking ﬁ sheries in situations where community property rights are established and recognized, are likely to be more effective, as they enable nshore Ireland, a bimonthly inshore-ireland.com), who communities to control access, to sanction, and to exclude incorporating Aquaculture looks after features. I others. However, this may be possible in only a handful of Ireland, features news from the Inshore Ireland, which has a fisheries worldwide. Governance structures in fisheries coast and inland waterways circulation of 36,000 copies and are still poor in most parts of the world. The advantage of of Ireland. Published from a readership of 145,000, reports co-management is that it enables governments and fishery Dublin by the on aquaculture, gear groups to adopt and develop meaningful fisheries Agricultural island tourism, management measures that can minimize costs and that can Trust, inshore also expect realization of management goals in a reasonable publishers of fisheries, time frame. At least, it is one way to develop appropriate the Irish Farmers Journal and water management, policy and fisheries management measures that can engender ownership the Irish Field, it is compiled by regulation, engineering and among all user groups even in the absence of property rights. journalists Gillian Mills (mills@ technology, seafood marketing inshore-ireland.com), the and retail, and research and Editor, and Gery Flynn (flynn@ development. —Excerpts from the Comment in SAMUDRA Report No.42, November 2005

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CONFERENCE PUBLICATIONS the fishing/coastal community. WEBSITE IAMSLIC: Changes on the Sizing Up: Property Rights Only by recognizing fishing The Fisheries Information Horizon and Fisheries Management: rights that are socially sensitive Centre The 33rd Annual International A Collection of Articles from and address the issues of labour, A unit of the South Indian Association of Aquatic and SAMUDRA Report. ICSF. 2007. pp gender and human rights, can Federation of Fishermen Marine Science Libraries and 112 . ISBN 81-902957-6-4 fishing communities, especially Societies (SIFFS), this centre Information Centres (IAMSLIC) Rights-based management small-scale, traditional ones, publishes market intelligence, Conference will be a joint in fisheries, as this dossier be assured of social justice fish species prices, and weather meeting with the Southeastern shows, can take several forms, in the face of moves towards scan reports for the south Association of IAMSLIC Libraries including licensing, and ecological and resource Indian States of Kerala and and will be hosted by Mote individual and community sustainability. Tamil Nadu. The aim is to equip Marine Laboratory during 7-11 fishing quotas. fishermen’s organizations to October 2007. The Conference How property-rights regimes This collection of articles from take business decisions on includes panel discussions, address the issue of allocation SAMUDRA Report is available for marketing fish. presentations, hands-on of ownership will determine free download from http:// workshops and a field trip. For their effectiveness in equitably www.icsf.net. http://fishinfo.siffs.in more, visit http://www.iamslic. spreading welfare throughout org/index.php?section=150.

SAMUDRA REPORT NO.47

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Endquote

hat wonder, then, that these Nantucketers, born on a beach, should take to the sea for a livelihood! They first caught crabs Wand quahogs in the sand; grown bolder, they waded out with nets for mackerel; more experienced, they pushed off in boats and captured cod; and at last, launching a navy of great ships on the sea, explored this watery world; put an incessant belt of circumnavigations round it; peeped in at Behring’s Straits; and in all seasons and all oceans declared everlasting war with the mightiest animated mass that has survived the flood; most monstrous and most mountainous!

— from Moby Dick by Herman Melville

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SAMUDRA REPORT NO.47

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