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SSF Perspective on an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries and Oceans

SSF Perspective on an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries and Oceans. Sebastian Mathew International Collective in Support of Fishworkers.

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SSF Perspective on an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries and Oceans

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  1. SSF Perspective on an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries and Oceans Sebastian Mathew International Collective in Support of Fishworkers Emerging Concerns of Fishing Communities: Issues of Labour, Trade, Gender, Disaster Preparedness, Biodiversity and Responsible Fisheries, 4 - 6 July 2006, SESC, Fortaleza, Brazil

  2. United Nations • There is no internationally agreed definition of “ecosystem approach” • It is interpreted differently in different contexts • A comprehensive science-based approach to the conservation and management of natural resources

  3. Management of Human Activities that Affect or Might Affect the Ecosystem • According to the United Nations Report of the SecretaryGeneral on Oceans and the Law of the Sea 2006:

  4. Activities that should be managed include: land-based industries using orproducing hazardous substances, either on the coast or on rivers flowing towards theoceans; agricultural run-off that could result in eutrophication; coastaldevelopments, industrial, residential or touristic; port construction and operation;construction and placement of installations and structures on the seabed; extractionof sand and gravel; dredging of harbours and channelsand disposal; offshore oil and gas exploration and production; seabed mining; wastedisposal; scientific research; carbon sequestration; maritime transport activities;tourism; the laying of pipelines and cables; capture fisheries, aquaculture andshellfish harvesting.

  5. Salient Aspects of EAF • Does not give pre-eminence to environmental considerations over socio-economic and cultural ones • EAF is not narrowly limited to management, it includes other areas that are covered by the CCRF

  6. Definition of EAF • “An ecosystem approach strives to balance diverse societal objectives, by taking account of knowledge and uncertainties of biotic, abiotic and human components of ecosystems and their interactions and applying an integrated approach to fisheries within ecologically meaningful boundaries” • FAO Technical Guidelines for Responsible Fisheries (4, Supplement. 2)

  7. Definition of the Ecosystem Approach in CBD (1992) • “The ecosystem approach is a strategy for the integrated management of land, water, and living resources that promotes conservation and sustainable use in an equitable way” to reach a balance “of conservation; sustainable use; and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources” • EA recognizes that human beings, with theircultural diversity, are an integral component of ecosystems

  8. UNICPOLOS 7th Meeting, 2006 • Ecosystem approaches to oceans management should be focused on managing human activities: • to maintain and restore ecosystem health • to provide social and economic benefits for food security • to sustain livelihoods • to conserve marine biodiversity

  9. UNICPOLOS 7th Meeting, 2006 • The application of ecosystem approaches to be guided mainly by UNCLOS “the legal framework for allactivities in the oceans and seas…” • address impacts on marine ecosystems in areas within and beyond national jurisdiction, taking into account the integrity of the ecosystems concerned.

  10. Elements of an Ecosystem Approach • Be inclusive, with stakeholder and local communities’ participation inplanning, implementation and management • Be based on best available knowledge, including traditional, indigenousand scientific information and be adaptable to new knowledge and experience • Apply precautionary approach • Take into account ecological, social, cultural, economic, legal andtechnical perspectives

  11. Some of the Mechanisms to be Considered for Implementation of EA • Strengthening regional fisheries managementorganizations, adapting their mandates and modernizing their operations • Elimination of destructive fishingpractices, establishment of marine protected areas consistent with international lawand based on scientific information, including representative networks by 2012 and time/area closures for the protection of nursery grounds and periods, proper coastal landuse and watershed planning and the integration of marine and coastal areas managementinto key sectors

  12. Implications for SSF • EA recognizes the importance of traditional knowledge; participatory decision making • Could be an effective check against indiscriminate bottom trawling and other forms of destructive fishing gear and practices but how will unorganized SSF fare in comparison with organized industrial fisheries? • What are the pros and cons of MPAs? • While there is an EA to fisheries and EA to aquaculture there is no EA to oil and gas exploitation—are the weakest sectors proposed to be the most regulated under EA?

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