Taking the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries to the grassroots: adaptation and dissemination Chandrika Sharma International Collective in Support of Fishworkers (ICSF)

Why CCRF? Realization that fisheries resources are finite--cannot sustain rapid and uncontrolled exploitation and development Clear signs of overexploitation of fish stocks, ecosystem modifications, significant economic losses, conflicts on management and fish trade threatening long-term sustainability of fisheries and contribution of fisheries to food supply. True of Bay of Bengal countries. Agreement on need to maintain fisheries and aquaculture as a vital source of food, employment, recreation, trade and economic well-being of people, including future generations.

The CCRF The Code provides principles and standards applicable to the conservation, management and development of all fisheries. It covers the capture, processing and trade of fish and fishery products, fishing operations, aquaculture, fisheries research and the integration of fisheries into coastal area management. The Code recognizes the nutritional, economic, social, environmental and cultural importance of fisheries and the interests of all those concerned with the fishery sector. Four IPOAs and 12 Technical Guidelines under the CCRF. Also Strategy for Improving Information on Status and Trends of Capture Fisheries and the Compliance Agreement.

The CCRF The Code is global in scope, and is directed toward members and non-members of FAO, fishing entities, sub regional, regional and global organizations, whether governmental or non- governmental, and all persons concerned with the conservation of fishery resources and management and development of fisheries, such as fishers, those engaged in processing and marketing of fish and fishery products and other users of the aquatic environment in relation to fisheries (Art. 1.2)

Disseminating the Code “States and users of living aquatic resources should conserve aquatic eco-systems. The right to fish carries with it the obligation to do so in a responsible manner so as to ensure effective conservation and management of the living aquatic resources” (Art 6.1). The Code explicitly recognizes that responsible fisheries can only be achieved if all those concerned with the fisheries sector collaborate in the fulfillment and implementation of the objectives and principles contained in the Code. The Code assumes that the State will take the leadership role in bringing all stakeholders together to achieve responsible fisheries—onus on the State.

Disseminating the Code States and international organizations, whether governmental or non-governmental, should promote the understanding of the Code among those involved in fisheries (Article 4.4) States should ensure that fishers and fishfarmers are involved in the policy formulation and implementation process, also with a view to facilitating the implementation of the Code (Article 6.16).

Disseminating the Code The Code is not “cast in stone”. It outlines the broad objectives and principles for responsible fisheries. It has to be adapted to local realities, to foster greater national implementation. Popular participation in adapting the Code to suit national conditions will lead to enhanced acceptance of the Code.

Disseminating the Code The Code needs to be simplified translated and disseminated through various ways. This process of dissemination is not an end in itself—it is a means to an end, the end being to stimulate dialogue, consultative processes and participation in policy making and legislation to achieve responsible fisheries.

Disseminating the Code The outcomes of consultation (on measures needed for responsible fisheries) need to be fed back into policy and legislation—this will ensure better ownership and implementation of measures proposed, and improved fisheries management. “The most effective implementation of the Code can only be through a viable partnership between the government, industry and the civil society”.

Disseminating the Code Small-scale fishworkers constitute the vast majority of those in the fisheries in Bay of Bengal countries. Special focus on this sub-sector, seeking their ownership of the Code, and their participation in its implementation, is paramount. The need to focus on fisheries (not fishing), including on post-harvest sector, and on all stakeholders, including women in the sector, is essential.

Disseminating the Code Lack of essential information in Bay of Bengal countries is a major constraint to the implementation of the Code. There is need to draw on wide range of information to facilitate informed decision making—on traditional knowledge systems and on best available scientific information—and to encourage research on information gaps. Not only the Code, but also information essential for its implementation, needs to be widely disseminated (TG 12 on Information and Knowledge Sharing)..

Disseminating the Code Several examples of disseminating the Code, and related essential information: Regional workshops, for example on safety at sea and IPOA shark (BOBP-IGO), on “Asserting rights, defining responsibilities - perspectives from small-scale fishing communities on coastal and fisheries management in Asia” and on legal instruments relevant to fisheries (ICSF)

Disseminating the Code Several examples of disseminating the Code, and related essential information : National level meetings/ workshops/ training programmes, for example, on ILO Convention, fisheries management, safety at sea, women in fisheries, for fishworker organizations in India and Sri Lanka (ICSF, NFF, SIFFS, NAFSO), for fishworker representative and cooperative (governments of Sri Lanka and Maldives, BOBP-IGO), organization of fisherfolk weeks (BOBP-IGO)

Disseminating the Code Several examples of disseminating the Code, and related essential information: Translation of code of conduct: Sinhala (NAFSO) Divehi, Bangla, Tamil and other Indian regional languages, in both brief and simplified format, and complete text (governments, BOBP) Pamphlets, posters, comics, calenders, case studies/reports, publications (governments, BOBP), newsletters/Journals (SAMUDRA Report, Yemaya, BOBP Newsletter). Audio-visual: Radio programmes, street plays, videos/films (governments, BOBP)

Disseminating the Code Several examples of disseminating the Code, and related essential information: Integration into the educational curriculum (Government of Maldives) Village information centres in India (MSSRF) Projects: Co-management projects (ICLARM, FAO- Bangladesh; co-management project in Tamil Nadu and Kerala (SIFFS/UNTRIS/FAO Project), Safety at sea project (Bangladesh), Shrimp seal of quality programme (NACA, initiated in Bangladesh)

Disseminating the Code Many more such initiatives to reach the grassroots, are needed. We are still a long way from realizing responsible fisheries!

THANK YOU