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The ETF Strategy for sustainable fisheries, Interview of Flemming Smidt at ETF 2009 Congress

27 May 2009

Although we regret it, it would be illusory or even dishonest to pretend that transport modes have little impact on the environment. It is possible that environmental consequences may be reduced in the long-term, however, in the near future, this is unlikely. It goes without saying that our duty as unionists is to find ways to limit the negative implications of our activities, as much as possible. Interestingly enough, fisheries are an exception for the simple reason that marine resources are renewable. As a result, our responsibility is to leave the fish stocks in shape for the future generations, and to put an end to any unlawful management of products related to fisheries which could lead to the depletion of resources, which could lead to the disappearance of a whole sector.

Any Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) that is to be reviewed by the European Commission must achieve those above-mentioned goals. As far as the reform of the CFP is concerned, the ETF views the promotion of Individual Transferable Quotas (ITQ) as a threat to the sustainable management of fisheries. The ITQ is an output control that assigns exclusive individual rights to harvest specific portions of the overall quota of marine fish, but such a system could lead to a harmful concentration of catching rights in the hands of too few fishing enterprises. This in turn could be detrimental to both the sustainable use of the resource and the preservation of all the segments of the industry – including small scale fisheries – and the related jobs.

When speaking about sustainable development in the fisheries sector, one should take full account of the social dimension. Up until now, the CFP has underestimated the importance of the human element in fisheries, which is reflected in the lack of a political desire to improve the current situation. This trend must be reversed, and the CFP should be also seen as an instrument that could finance interventions for improving working conditions, training, and adjustment of appliances to improve work safety. There is indeed no reason whatsoever to treat seagoing workers differently than those working ashore when it comes to social security schemes, working and living conditions, and health and safety at work.

Last but not least, any ambitious plan aimed at promoting sustainable fisheries has to focus on fighting Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing practices, to eliminate discards. Against this framework, the entry into force of ILO Work in Fisheries Convention 188, and its possible transposition into EU law by means of a Social Partners Agreement will be fundamental. The latter would make its provision binding through the Port State system and the full involvement of fisheries inspectors.

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