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Les Nouvelles du Pont – Avril

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LES NOUVELLES DU PORT

Le bulletin mensuel des pêcheurs artisans Européens

Avril 2016

 

 

PRINCIPAUX EVENEMENTS DU MOIS

 

Rencontre avec les parties prenantes de la Mer du Nord au Danemark

LIFE et les représentants de deux organisations membres, FSK. Foreningen for Skånsomt foto1Kystfiskeri et NUTFA, ont participé à l’évènement “Slow Fish et les Mers du Nord” qui a eu lieu au Danemark du 8 au 10 Avril. La réunion, organisée par Slow Fish et accueillie par la communauté de pêcheurs de  Thorupstrand, a été l’occasion de visiter les infrastructures de débarquement et transformation, d’échanger des meilleures pratiques et d’effectuer une réflexion multidisciplinaire à la présence de pêcheurs, producteurs, chercheurs et ONG sur de nombreuses questions particulièrement importantes pour la Mer du Nord telles que l’aquaculture, les initiatives locales, les marchés et la gestion des ressources.

La rencontre a été le point de départ d’un travail collectif de développement de réseaux et engagement qui se développera dans les mois à venir avec des communautés de pêcheurs et les parties intéressées dans le cadre de l’évènement Terra Madre qui aura lieu à Turin en Septembre 2016.

 

LIFE devient membres du Conseil Consultatif pour la Méditerranée

La candidature de LIFE pour devenir un membre officiel du MedAC a été acceptée. Le MedAC est le foto2conseil qui réunit les organisations nationales, européennes et les ONG qui représentent le secteur de la pêche et qui fournissent à la Commission et aux Etats Membres des recommandations sur des questions relatives à sa gestion. Avec cette place au sein du Conseil, les pêcheurs artisans seront en mesure de faire entendre leur voix au niveau des décideurs et d’influencer les politiques qui définissent la gestion du secteur dans la Région.

 

LIFE invitée par la Commission au lancement de la nouvelle stratégie pour la Méditerranée.

Le 27 LIFE a participé au lancement de la nouvelle stratégie pour la Méditerranée par le foto3Commissaire Karmenu Vella au plus grand évènement européen du secteur, le Seafood Global Expo, à Bruxelles.

Malgré les efforts pour la conservation des législateurs et des pêcheurs, la Méditerranée souffre encore d’un déclin des stocks. Pour cette raison la Commission Européenne, inquiète de l’impact sur des milliers de pêcheurs, a décidé de focaliser sa nouvelle campagne politique sur la Région.

Christian Décugis, Directeur de LIFE pour la Méditerranée, a été interviewé par les journalistes officiels de l’évènement et a rappelé le rôle essentiel des pêcheurs artisans, leur engagement depuis toujours dans les pratiques durables et la nécessité d’un processus de décision plus inclusif.

 

 AUTRES NOUVELLES D’EUROPE

 

  • LIFE a participé à l’évènement ouvert par le Commissaire Karmenu Vella “L’Innovation dans la Croissance Bleue : lancement des appels à projets dans le cadre du FEAMP” qui a eu lieu à Bruxelles le 5. L’évènement s’est focalisé sur les nouveaux appels à projet qui mettent un total de 7.5 millions d’euros à la disposition des investisseurs. Cela a été une occasion pour LIFE de chercher de nouvelles sources de financements pour ses membres, d’établir des contacts avec des partenaires potentiels au niveau régional et européen et de demander plus d’attention pour la pêche artisanale dans le cadre de la Croissance Bleue.
  • Le 18 le Directeur Exécutif de LIFE Jeremy Percy a été interviewé par la radio anglaise BBC. Il a illustré la situation actuelle des pêcheurs artisans en Grande Bretagne dans le cadre des élections locales et du referendum qui aura bientôt lieu sur l’adhésion à l’UE, les développements récents en politiques de gestion nationales et européennes et l’impact de ceux-ci sur la flotte artisanale de Grande Bretagne et européenne dans un futur proche.
  • Le même jour, la Coordinatrice de LIFE Laura Calinoiu a participé comme membre du jury au concours gastronomique organisé à Paris par SeaWeb avec le Chef français Olivier Roellinger (3* Michelin). Le concours, visant à sensibiliser les jeunes chefs à la préservation des ressources marines et sur l’utilisation de produits frais et durables, a vu la participation de nombreuses parties prenantes y compris des poissonniers, des chefs, des scientifiques et des représentants d’ONG et d’institutions européennes. Deux jours après, une autre étape du concours s’est déroulée à Somomino en Pologne où des représentants de l’association membre de LIFE Srodkowopomorska ont participé comme membres du jury.
  • Le 19 Le Directeur Exécutif de LIFE a eu un colloque virtuel avec des chercheurs universitaires qui effectuent des recherches sur les changements et les différentes dynamiques dans la gestion de la pêche selon les contextes administratifs dans lesquels les politiques sont développées.
  • Le même jour le Comité Pêche du Parlement Européen a organisé le séminaire “La Mer Méditerranée : état des stocks et stratégies pour la conservation et la situation socio-économiques du secteur de la pêche”. Pendant une grande partie de l’évènement de nombreux orateurs, Parlementaires et parties prenantes ont reconnu l’importance de la flotte artisanale pour les communautés côtières. Le personnel de LIFE a été satisfait par la reconnaissance de l’importance et de la valeur de la pêche artisanale et de l’intérêt montré par la Commission et le Parlement Européen pour LIFE en tant que plateforme qui représente la voix des pêcheurs artisans.
  • Le Directeur Exécutif de LIFE et le Directeur de NUTFA le 21 ont participé à Londres au Groupe d’Action sur les Rejets facilité par Seafish et ont contribué au débat notamment sur l’évolution de l’obligation de débarquement et ses conséquences potentielles.
  • LIFE rencontre l’Asie: le 26 LIFE a rencontré une délégation d’entrepreneurs japonais qui sont en train de reconstruire la zone de Tohoku après le tsunami. Le colloque a été l’opportunité de présenter LIFE comme model de plateforme européenne, d’échanger des meilleures pratiques et d’expliquer les stratégies mises en œuvre pour favoriser le développement des communautés, de la pêche et de la gastronomie.
  • Parallèlement, le Directeur Exécutif de LIFE et le Responsable de la Campagne Océan de Greenpeace ont rencontré la Baronesse Bryony Worthington (Directrice pour l’Europe du Environmental Defense Fund) à la Chambre des Lords à Londres. Le Directeur a souligné son inquiétude pour l’approche de gestion des droits de pêche (quotes-part) soutenue par EDF qui engendre des dommages importants à la durabilité socio-économique de nombreuses communautés côtières.
  • La réunion a été suivie d’un colloque virtuel avec la New Economics Foundation qui travaille, elle aussi, sur les menaces posées par cette approche de gestion des droits de pêche.
  • Le 28 le Directeur Exécutif a aussi rencontré Succoursfish, une entreprise anglaise spécialisée dans des systèmes de monitorage côtier, dans la collecte de données et l’enregistrement des captures à travers du matériel et des logiciels informatiques. LIFE est engagée à promouvoir des améliorations dans ce domaine au profit de ses membres et de la flotte européenne.
  • Le Directeur Exécutif a eu un colloque virtuel le 29 sur les valeurs de la Leadership dans la représentation de la pêche côtière avec des chercheurs universitaires.
  • Le même jour il a rencontré l’entreprise anglaise Young Seafood pour discuter d’une approche collective pour améliorer la sélectivité des engins et réduire les rejets à la lumière des exigences européennes.

NOUVELLES DE NOS MEMBRES

  • NetVISwerk elit un nouveau Président

L’organisation des pêcheur artisans hollandais et belges a choisi un nouveau Président : Albert Jan Maat. Il a été Directeur de l’Union des Agriculteurs et a travaillé au Parlement Européen comme rapporteur sur le Plan de Gestion de l’Anguille. Avec Albert Jan Maat, NetVISwerk augmentera son réseau national et européen et travaillera de près avec l’Union des Agriculteurs des Pays-Bas à Bruxelles. Les deux organisations hollandaises sont déjà en train de coopérer sur la difficile tâche de dresser une liste des Espèces Exotiques Envahissantes et l’Union des Agriculteurs a l’intention de soutenir LIFE sur la question des pêcheurs artisans européens.

 

  • La Plateforme Française se fait entendre dans la presse

Le 12 Avril la Plateforme de la Petite Pêche Artisanale Française a publié un communiqué de presse pour communiquer ses inquiétudes sur la gestion de la pêche en France. L’article, publié sur le journal Le Marin ( http://goo.gl/G3nsWm )  , dénonce les nombreuses exigences administratives à laquelle la profession est soumise et une allocation des quotas et gestion des OP pas claires. La Plateforme ne demande pas une exemption totale de la pêche artisanale, mais simplement des mesures de gestion plus adaptées.

 

BIENVENUE A BORD!

 

En plus des membres qui ont rejoint LIFE depuis le début de 2016, les organisations suivantes sont devenues membres ce mois :

Union des Communautés des Prud’hommes Pêcheurs Méditerranéens

(UCPPM – France)

 

UCPPM_logo_3 1Les Prud’homies sont des communautés de pêcheurs qui se sont développées sur la côte méditerranéenne française depuis le Moyen-Age et qui ont développé un système d’autorégulation et de gestion autonome. UCPPM, créée en 2015, est l’association officielle qui représente 300 Prud’hommes (pour 250 bateaux de moins de 10 mètres) et qui a parmi ses objectifs la promotion de pratiques de pêche durables et le développement de politiques plus adaptées à la flotte et à l’environnement locaux. Bienvenue à LIFE!

 

   Asociación para la defensa de la pesca artesanal del Mediterráneo 

(ADPAM – Espagne)

AdpamADPAM est une association créée en 2008 pour représenter les communautés artisanales espagnoles, en particulier celles de la Province de Castellὸn et de Catalogne, sur la côte méditerranéenne. Aujourd’hui elle représente 40 pêcheurs (pour 40 bateaux) et travaille entre autres pour s’assurer que les politiques européennes puissent assurer une gestion durable des stocks de la Région. LIFE est très heureuse d’accueillir ADPAM tel que membre actif de la Région Med!

 

Ce bulletin est un simple aperçu de nos activités extérieures. En outre, le personnel de LIFE au Royaume-Uni, à Bruxelles et en Espagne répond à une vaste gamme de questions liées à notre secteur et continue de développer et promulguer des politiques liées à la petite pêche.

Nos directeurs régionaux, tous des petits pêcheurs, favorisent également les valeurs et les avantages de la pêche côtière.

Vous avez besoin des informations supplémentaires sur un événement, un projet ou initiative spécifique? N’hésitez pas à nous contacter à communications@lifeplatform.eu ou suivez-nous sur les réseaux sociaux Facebook (Low Impact Fishers of Europe) et Twitter (@LIFEplatformEU).


 

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Notizie dal ponte- Aprile

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NOTIZIE DAL PONTE

La newsletter mensile dei pescatori artigianali europei

Aprile 2016

 

PRINCIPALI EVENTI DEL MESE

 

 

Incontro con le parti interessate del Mare del Nord in Danimarca

LIFE ed i rappresentanti di due dei suoi membri, FSK. Foreningen for Skånsomt Kystfiskeri e foto1NUTFA, hanno partecipato all’evento “Slow Fish e il Mare del Nord” che ha avuto luogo in Danimarca dall’8 al 10 Aprile. L’incontro, organizzato da Slow Fish ed ospitato dalla comunità di pescatori di Thorupstrand, è stato un’occasione per visitare le infrastrutture di sbarco e di trasformazione, di scambiare buone pratiche e di svolgere una riflessione multidisciplinare tra pescatori, produttori, ricercatori ed associazioni su diverse tematiche particolarmente rilevanti per I Mari del Nord come l’aquacoltura, le iniziative locali, il mercato e la gestione delle risorse.

L’incontro è stato il punto di partenza di un lavoro collettivo più ampio di creazione di reti e collaborazioni che si svilupperà nei mesi futuri con le comunità di pesca e le parti interessate nel qualdro dell’evento Terra Madre che si svolgerà a Torino a settembre 2016.

 

LIFE diventa membro del Consiglio Consultivo per il Mediterraneo

La candidatura di LIFE per diventare membro del MedAC è stata accettata. Il MedAC è il consiglio foto2che riunisce le organizzazioni e le associazioni di settore nazionali ed europee per fornire raccomandazioni alla Commissione ed agli Stati Membri sulla gestione della pesca. Con questo posto nel Consiglio i pescatori artigianali che lavorano in maniera sostenibile nel Mediterraneo potranno far sentire la propria voce ai livelli decisionali ed influenzare le politiche di gestione del settore nella Regione.

 

LIFE invitata dalla Commissione Europea per il lancio della nuova strategia per il Mediterraneo

 Il 27 LIFE ha partecipato al lancio della nuova strategia per il Mediterraneo da parte del foto3Commissario Karmenu Vella al più grande evento europeo del settore, il Seafood Global Expo à Bruxelles.

Il Mar Mediterraneo soffre ancora di un declino degli stock nonostante gli sforzi per la conservazione dei legislatori e dei pescatori. Per questo motivo la Commissione, preoccupata del futuro di migliaia di pescatori, ha deciso di concentrare la sua prossima campagna politica sulla Regione.

Christian Decugis, Direttore di LIFE per il Mediterraneo, è stato intervistato dai giornalisti ufficiali dell’evento ed ha ricordato il ruolo fondamentale svolto dai pescatori artigianali, il loro impegno storico nell’utilizzo tecniche di pesca sostenibili e la necessità di processi decisionali maggiormente inclusivi.

 ALTRE NOTIZIE DALL’EUROPA

 

  • LIFE ha partecipato all’evento inaugurato dal Commissario UE Karmenu Vella “L’innovazione nella Blue Growth: Lancio dei Bandi per la Blue Growth nel quadro del FEAMP” che ha avuto luogo a Bruxelles il 5. L’evento si è focalizzato sui nuovi bandi per un ammontare di 7,5 milioni di euro disponibili per investimenti. Per LIFE è stata un’occasione per identificare nuove opportunità di finanziamento per i propri membri, per stabilire nuovi contatti con potenziali partner al livello locale ed europeo e per richiedere una maggiore attenzione per la pesca artigianale nel quadro della Blue Growth.

 

  • Il 18 Il Direttore Esecutivo di LIFE, Jeremy Percy, è stato intervistato dalla radio BBC per discutere dell’attuale situazione per la piccola pesca in Gran Bretagna alla luce delle elezioni locali e del prossimo referendum sull’adesione all’UE e per spiegare gli ultimi sviluppi sulle politiche di gestione nazionali ed europee ed i relativi impatti sul settore in Gran Bretagna ed Europa nel futuro prossimo.

 

  • Lo stesso giorno la Coordinatrice di LIFE, Laura Calinoiu, è stata invitata a partecipare a Parig come giurato al concorso gastronomico organizzato da SeaWeb con lo Chef Olivier Roellinger (Francia 3* Michelin). Il concorso, volto a sensibilizzare i giovani chef sulla tutela delle risorse marine e sull’utilizzo di pesce fresco e sostenibile, ha visto la partecipazione di diverse parti interessate quali rivenditori, chefs, ONG, scienziati e rappresentanti delle Istituzioni Europee. Una tappa successiva del concorso ha avuto luogo due giorni dopo a Somonimo, in Polonia, dove rappresentanti dell’associazione polacca membro di LIFE Srodkowopomorska hanno partecipato come giurati.

 

  • Il Direttore Esecutivo di LIFE il 19 ha avuto una riunione virtuale con ricercatori universitari che svolgono progetti di ricerca sui cambiamenti nella gestione della pesca a seconda del contesto amministrativo nella quale questa è attuata.

 

  • Il 19 La Commissione Pesca del Parlamento Europeo ha organizzato il seminario “Il Mar Mediterraneo: stato degli stock ittici e strategie per la conservazione e per la gestione della situazione socio-economica del settore”. Durante la maggior parte dell’evento, numerosi oratori, parlamentari e parti interessate hanno riconosciuto l’importanza della piccola pesca per le comunità costiere. Il personale di LIFE è rimasto soddisfatto dal crescente riconoscimento dell’importanza e del valore della piccola pesca e dell’interesse mostrato dalla Commissione e dal Parlemento per LIFE come piattaforma di rappresentanza della voce dei pescatori artigianali.

 

  • Gruppo d’Azione sui Rigetti- Londra. Il Direttore Esecutivo di LIFE ed il Presidente di NUTFA hanno partecipato al Gruppo d’Azione sui Rigetti facilitato da Seafish il 21 Aprile al fine di contribuire al dibattito sull’evoluzione dell’obbligo di sbarco e le sue possibili conseguenze.

 

  • LIFE incontra l’Asia: il 26 LIFE ha incontrato una delegazine di imprenditori giapponesi che stanno ricostruendo l’area di Tohoku devastata dopo la tsunami. L’incontro ha permesso di presentare LIFE come modello di piattaforma europea, di scambiare buone pratiche e di spiegare le strategie messe in atto per potenziare le azioni locali, il settore pesca e la gastronomia.

 

  • Parallelamente, il Direttore Esecutivo di LIFE ed il rappresentante della Campagna Oceani di Greenpeace hanno incontrato la Baronessa Bryony Worthington (Direttore Europeo dell’Environmental Defense Fund) alla Casa dei Lord a Londra. Il Direttore ha specificato la sua preoccupazione sul sistema di gestione dei diritti di pesca (quote di cattura) sostenuto da EDF che ha dimostrato di generare danni innegabili al tessuto sociale ed alla sostenibilità socio-economica di molte comunità costiere.

 

  • L’incontro di cui sopra è stato seguito, il 28, da una riunione virtuale con la New Economics Foundation che lavora anch’essa sulle minacce poste da alcuni sistema di gestione dei diritti di pesca.

 

  • Il 28 il Direttore Esecutivo ha anche incontrato Succourfish, una ditta inglese specializzata nei sistemi di monitoraggio, di raccolta di dati e di registrazione delle catture tramite sistemi hardware e software. LIFE sostiene e promuove gli investimenti in questo settore a vantaggio dei sui membri e della flotta europea.

 

  • Il 29 il Direttore Esecutivo ha avuto una riunione virtuale sui valori della leadership relativamente alla rappresentanza della pesca costiera con dei ricercatori universitari.

 

  • Lo stesso giorno ha incontrato la ditta inglese di prodotti ittici Youngs Seafood per discutere di un approccio coordinato per migliorare la selettività degli attrezzi e ridurre la pesca accessoria come richiesto dall’Unione Europea.

NOVITA DAI NOSTRI MEMBRI

  • NetVISwerk elegge un nuovo Presidente

L’organizzazione belgo-olandese di piccola pesca NetVISwerk ha scelto un nuovo Presidente: Albert Jan Maat. È stato Presidente dell’Unione Nazionale degli Agricoltori ed ha lavorato presso il Parlmaento Europeo come rapporteur per il Piano di Gestione dell’Anguilla. Con Albert Jan Maat, NetVISwerk aumenterà la sua rete nazionale ed europea e lavorerà con l’Unione degli Agricoltori a Bruxelles. Le due organizzazioni stanno già collaborando sulla necessità di creare una lista delle Specie Invasive e l’Unione degli Agricoltori è intenzionata a sostenere i pescatori artigianali di LIFE in Europa.

 

  • La Piattaforma Francese fà sentire la propria voce nella stampa

Il 12 Aprile la Piattaforma Francese PPPAF (Plateforme de la Petite Pêche Artisanale Française) ha pubblicato un comunicato stampa sottolineando le proprie preoccupazioni sulla gestione della pesca in Francia. L’articolo, pubblicato sul giornale Le Marin ( http://goo.gl/G3nsWm ) , mette in luce gli oneri amministrativi ai quali sono sottoposti i pescatori, l’attribuzione poco chiara delle quote di pesca ed i meccanismi di gestione delle OP non trasparenti. PPPAF non chiede un’esenzione totale della pesca artigianale ma misure di gestione più adeguate.

 

BENVENUTI A BORDO!

 

Oltre ai membri che sono entrati nella piattaforma dall’inizio del 2016, da questo mese le organizzazioni seguenti sono ufficialmente parte di LIFE :

 

  • Union des Communautés des Prud’hommes Pêcheurs Méditerranéens (UCPPM – Francia)

 

UCPPM_logo_3 1Le Prud’homies sono comunità di pescatori artigianali che si sono sviluppate sulla costa francese del Mediterraneo dai tempi del Medio Evo e che hanno creato sistemi di regolamentazione e gestione autonomi della pesca locale. L’UCPPM, creata nel 2015, è l’associazione ufficiale che rappresenta la voce 300 pescatori Prud’hommes (per 250 imbarcazioni di meno di 10 metri) e che ha tra i suoi obiettivi la promozione di pratiche di pesca sostenibili e lo sviluppo di politiche appropriate alla flotta ed all’ambiente locali.  Benvenuti a LIFE!

 

 

  • Asociación para la defensa de la pesca artesanal del Mediterráneo (ADPAM – Spagna)

AdpamADPAM è un’associazione creata nel 2008 che rappresenta le comunità di pesca della Spagna, in particolare delle Province di Castellὸn e della Catalogna, sulla costa del Mediterraneo. Ad oggi rappresenta 40 pescatori (per 40 imbarcazioni) e mira ad assicurare la creazione di politiche europee per una gestione sostenibile degli stock del Mediterraneo. LIFE è lieta di dare il bevenuto all’ADPAM come membro attivo della Regione del Mediterraneo!

 

Questa newsletter è solo una selezione delle attività esterne di LIFE. Oltre a queste ultime, il personale di LIFE in Gran Bretagna, Belgio e Spagna lavora su numerose pratiche del settore e sviluppa continuamente politiche e attività a favore di una pesca artiginale sostenibile.

I nostri Direttori Regionali, tutti pescatori artigianali, lavorano anch’essi ogni giorno per promuovere I valori ed i benefici della pesca costiera.

Desiderate informazioni aggiuntive su eventi specifici, progetti o iniziative? Non esistate a contattarci a communications@lifeplatform.eu o seguiteci su Facebook ( Low Impact Fishers of Europe ) e Twitter  ( @LIFEplatformEU )

 

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Quote, Unquote

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Quote, Unquote: the French Platform for small-scale low impact fishers voice their concerns about how fisheries are managed in France.

Brussels, 10th of May 2016 LIFE Platform Brian O’Riordan

This article is adapted from an article that appeared in Le Marin “Forum” 22.04.2016 http://www.lemarin.fr/secteurs-activites/peche/25102-critique-dun-systeme-de-gestion-inadapte-la-petite-peche?_=1461345037035, written by three co-Chairs of the Platforme, Anne Marie Vergez, a Basque fisher, Gwen Pennarun, a Brittany fisher, and Frédéric Reste, a fisher from the Mediterranean.

For more details see http://www.plateforme-petite-peche.fr/

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France, like many EU Member States, has administrative and management systems that are ill suited to the needs of the small scale fisheries sector. Despite much promise, two years on, the implementation of the CFP has so far failed to deliver tangible benefits for fishers who have chosen to fish ways that limit their impacts on the environment, who want to combine traditional small scale fishing ways with modern technology and decent working conditions, and who want to support the local communities in which they are rooted.

Despite the lack of delivery to date, LIFE is optimistic that Article 17 does provide the possibility to reward those who fish sustainably, so long as the political will is there to apply its provisions in the spirit as well as in the letter of the law.

The authors of the article below speak not only for themselves and for the French Platform for Small Scale Artisanal Fisheries, but for small scale fishers across Europe who share their worries and frustrations. Their concerns are very much our concerns.

The French Platform of Small Scale Artisanal Fisheries, a founder member of LIFE, represents fishermen from the French Atlantic facing coasts and from the Mediterranean. The Platform was launched in June 2012 by a group of associations representing 500 fishers.

The Platform was set up to defend the under 12 metre fleet segment that uses predominantly passive fishing methods. Despite the importance of this fleet segment, it is often marginalised, treated unfairly, not given proper consideration by the authorities, and not given sufficient space within professional organizations.

The aim of the Platform is not to fight against vessels over 12 meters. The complementarity of small scale and large scale activities is recognized and respected by the Platform, which considers that fleet diversity is important for the economic and social wellbeing of both fishing harbours and the sector as a whole.

Of course there are points of contention, and we may disagree on a number of issues. However, like the Platform, LIFE contends that the management of small scale fisheries require a differentiated approach, and that measures are needed to ensure that a balance is maintained between small-scale fishing and other fleet segments, and the small scale low impact segment can thrive.

LIFE identifies with, and wholeheartedly embraces these objectives and views.

In France, as in other European countries, there are many hurdles to setting up as a small scale owner operator. First of all, it is necessary to obtain the PME (Fishing Vessel License). Then a plethora of permits must be obtained, including AEP (European Fishing License), licenses for gears, and licenses for different species like bass, shellfish, sole etc. For bass, no more licenses are available for fishers using hooks, despite this being the most responsible fishing method as far as the resource and the marine environment are concerned, and on which hundreds of fishers depend. Their contribution to the overexploitation of the species is minute compared to the pelagic trawl fleet, where the number of licenses has remained unchanged.

And then there’s the painful question of quotas; a management tool much feared – and with reason – by small scale fishers. It is applied through a mechanism – based on catch history – that is deeply unfair. It rewards those who fish the most, whilst overlooking those who practice low impact fishing.

LIFE and the French Platform both denounce the current distribution system of quotas and its many perverse effects. Last December in France, the Competition Authority raised concerns on how quota is distributed among fishermen, the anti-competitive nature of the practices, the opaque allocation and management mechanisms, particularly in the POs (Producer Organizations).

The quota allocation system for Bluefin tuna graphically illustrates these concerns, with almost all the quota allowances reserved for purse seiners, pelagic trawlers or large longliners. This system should be fully reviewed in order to establish a distribution system based on environmental, social and economic criteria, as set out in Article 17 of the reformed CFP.

Some EU regulations include special provisions that favour small boats, by exempting them from certain fishing authorizations. However, in the case of access to cod in some areas, the exemption for vessels under 10 metres has been overturned by the professional organizations. Instead they have imposed a European Vessel Licence (AEP) on vessels under 10 meters, which penalizes them heavily. The French Platform also strongly objects to the unequal charges levied on small boats compared to large boats. Our sector is the main contributor, but not the primary beneficiary.

Then there is the administrative straitjacket, where bureaucratic requirements are not at all adapted to the constraints of small-scale fisheries. These include safety requirements, the need for life-rafts, the system for weighing the landings, manning levels, direct sales, and so on. It’s a real burden for small scale owner operators.

We are not asking for the exemption of small fishing from all management measures. However, we denounce a management system that is inappropriate. We depend on the areas where we fish – our fishing territories. We need to target the species found in our immediate vicinity, distributing our effort, based on a logic that is not to maximize profit.

It’s a philosophy and a socioeconomic model that the current system constantly undermines. There is nothing more absurd for us than having to avoid catching bluefin tuna that abounds all around us, or to discard it dead, and then having to travel great distances to find fish that we are allowed to catch.

Our critics contend that “if we followed your demands, then the coastal zone would simply fill up with vessels”. But we already find large ships on the coast, notably supertrawlers, other trawlers and 24 metre longliners, which thanks to derogations can operate within the 3-mile zone. All we are asking is that the maritime space be shared amongst vessels according to their size, and for the rules applied to be respected and strictly controlled. Our small vessels will never go far out enough to compete with vessels of 20 or 25 meters.

Similarly, we continually hear officials congratulating themselves on the sound state of stocks. But which stocks they talking about? Bass? Red seabream? Black bream? All these species are far from well managed. Many fishers will tell you how red seabream was decimated by high opening trawls, and how black bream has virtually disappeared in some places because of pelagic trawling. We call for a comprehensive scientific assessment, but are under no illusions that this will happen any time soon.

In the Mediterranean, too, there is an urgent need for progress to be made to improve the state of resources. But when addressing the problem, sports fishing (which is totally unregulated), pollution and coastal urbanization must also be factored in. Better recognition of the roles of prudhommies, ancient secular management bodies, should also be included in the equation. It is by strengthening theses indispensable institutions that we can make progress in fisheries management in the Mediterranean.

We had placed certain hopes in the new CFP, particularly concerning the provisions of Article 17. This article requires Member States to allocate quota using transparent and objective criteria, and to favour fishing vessels “deploying selective fishing gear or using fishing techniques with reduced environmental impact, such as reduced energy consumption or habitat damage.”

But where are these famous criteria that each state is supposed to define and implement? We fear that Danish seines and electric trawls may be the ones to eventually benefit from the misapplication of these environmental and social criteria.

sainte-marine-252068_960_720

Quote, Unquote

, , ,

sainte-marine-252068_960_720

Quote, Unquote: the French Platform for small-scale low impact fishers voice their concerns about how fisheries are managed in France.

Brussels, 10th of May 2016 LIFE Platform Brian O’Riordan

This article is adapted from an article that appeared in Le Marin “Forum” 22.04.2016 http://www.lemarin.fr/secteurs-activites/peche/25102-critique-dun-systeme-de-gestion-inadapte-la-petite-peche?_=1461345037035, written by three co-Chairs of the Platforme, Anne Marie Vergez, a Basque fisher, Gwen Pennarun, a Brittany fisher, and Frédéric Reste, a fisher from the Mediterranean.

For more details see http://www.plateforme-petite-peche.fr/

——————————————————-

France, like many EU Member States, has administrative and management systems that are ill suited to the needs of the small scale fisheries sector. Despite much promise, two years on, the implementation of the CFP has so far failed to deliver tangible benefits for fishers who have chosen to fish ways that limit their impacts on the environment, who want to combine traditional small scale fishing ways with modern technology and decent working conditions, and who want to support the local communities in which they are rooted.

Despite the lack of delivery to date, LIFE is optimistic that Article 17 does provide the possibility to reward those who fish sustainably, so long as the political will is there to apply its provisions in the spirit as well as in the letter of the law.

The authors of the article below speak not only for themselves and for the French Platform for Small Scale Artisanal Fisheries, but for small scale fishers across Europe who share their worries and frustrations. Their concerns are very much our concerns.

The French Platform of Small Scale Artisanal Fisheries, a founder member of LIFE, represents fishermen from the French Atlantic facing coasts and from the Mediterranean. The Platform was launched in June 2012 by a group of associations representing 500 fishers.

The Platform was set up to defend the under 12 metre fleet segment that uses predominantly passive fishing methods. Despite the importance of this fleet segment, it is often marginalised, treated unfairly, not given proper consideration by the authorities, and not given sufficient space within professional organizations.

The aim of the Platform is not to fight against vessels over 12 meters. The complementarity of small scale and large scale activities is recognized and respected by the Platform, which considers that fleet diversity is important for the economic and social wellbeing of both fishing harbours and the sector as a whole.

Of course there are points of contention, and we may disagree on a number of issues. However, like the Platform, LIFE contends that the management of small scale fisheries require a differentiated approach, and that measures are needed to ensure that a balance is maintained between small-scale fishing and other fleet segments, and the small scale low impact segment can thrive.

LIFE identifies with, and wholeheartedly embraces these objectives and views.

In France, as in other European countries, there are many hurdles to setting up as a small scale owner operator. First of all, it is necessary to obtain the PME (Fishing Vessel License). Then a plethora of permits must be obtained, including AEP (European Fishing License), licenses for gears, and licenses for different species like bass, shellfish, sole etc. For bass, no more licenses are available for fishers using hooks, despite this being the most responsible fishing method as far as the resource and the marine environment are concerned, and on which hundreds of fishers depend. Their contribution to the overexploitation of the species is minute compared to the pelagic trawl fleet, where the number of licenses has remained unchanged.

And then there’s the painful question of quotas; a management tool much feared – and with reason – by small scale fishers. It is applied through a mechanism – based on catch history – that is deeply unfair. It rewards those who fish the most, whilst overlooking those who practice low impact fishing.

LIFE and the French Platform both denounce the current distribution system of quotas and its many perverse effects. Last December in France, the Competition Authority raised concerns on how quota is distributed among fishermen, the anti-competitive nature of the practices, the opaque allocation and management mechanisms, particularly in the POs (Producer Organizations).

The quota allocation system for Bluefin tuna graphically illustrates these concerns, with almost all the quota allowances reserved for purse seiners, pelagic trawlers or large longliners. This system should be fully reviewed in order to establish a distribution system based on environmental, social and economic criteria, as set out in Article 17 of the reformed CFP.

Some EU regulations include special provisions that favour small boats, by exempting them from certain fishing authorizations. However, in the case of access to cod in some areas, the exemption for vessels under 10 metres has been overturned by the professional organizations. Instead they have imposed a European Vessel Licence (AEP) on vessels under 10 meters, which penalizes them heavily. The French Platform also strongly objects to the unequal charges levied on small boats compared to large boats. Our sector is the main contributor, but not the primary beneficiary.

Then there is the administrative straitjacket, where bureaucratic requirements are not at all adapted to the constraints of small-scale fisheries. These include safety requirements, the need for life-rafts, the system for weighing the landings, manning levels, direct sales, and so on. It’s a real burden for small scale owner operators.

We are not asking for the exemption of small fishing from all management measures. However, we denounce a management system that is inappropriate. We depend on the areas where we fish – our fishing territories. We need to target the species found in our immediate vicinity, distributing our effort, based on a logic that is not to maximize profit.

It’s a philosophy and a socioeconomic model that the current system constantly undermines. There is nothing more absurd for us than having to avoid catching bluefin tuna that abounds all around us, or to discard it dead, and then having to travel great distances to find fish that we are allowed to catch.

Our critics contend that “if we followed your demands, then the coastal zone would simply fill up with vessels”. But we already find large ships on the coast, notably supertrawlers, other trawlers and 24 metre longliners, which thanks to derogations can operate within the 3-mile zone. All we are asking is that the maritime space be shared amongst vessels according to their size, and for the rules applied to be respected and strictly controlled. Our small vessels will never go far out enough to compete with vessels of 20 or 25 meters.

Similarly, we continually hear officials congratulating themselves on the sound state of stocks. But which stocks they talking about? Bass? Red seabream? Black bream? All these species are far from well managed. Many fishers will tell you how red seabream was decimated by high opening trawls, and how black bream has virtually disappeared in some places because of pelagic trawling. We call for a comprehensive scientific assessment, but are under no illusions that this will happen any time soon.

In the Mediterranean, too, there is an urgent need for progress to be made to improve the state of resources. But when addressing the problem, sports fishing (which is totally unregulated), pollution and coastal urbanization must also be factored in. Better recognition of the roles of prudhommies, ancient secular management bodies, should also be included in the equation. It is by strengthening theses indispensable institutions that we can make progress in fisheries management in the Mediterranean.

We had placed certain hopes in the new CFP, particularly concerning the provisions of Article 17. This article requires Member States to allocate quota using transparent and objective criteria, and to favour fishing vessels “deploying selective fishing gear or using fishing techniques with reduced environmental impact, such as reduced energy consumption or habitat damage.”

But where are these famous criteria that each state is supposed to define and implement? We fear that Danish seines and electric trawls may be the ones to eventually benefit from the misapplication of these environmental and social criteria.

sainte-marine-252068_960_720

Quote, Unquote

, , ,

sainte-marine-252068_960_720

Quote, Unquote: the French Platform for small-scale low impact fishers voice their concerns about how fisheries are managed in France.

Brussels, 10th of May 2016 LIFE Platform Brian O’Riordan

This article is adapted from an article that appeared in Le Marin “Forum” 22.04.2016 http://www.lemarin.fr/secteurs-activites/peche/25102-critique-dun-systeme-de-gestion-inadapte-la-petite-peche?_=1461345037035, written by three co-Chairs of the Platforme, Anne Marie Vergez, a Basque fisher, Gwen Pennarun, a Brittany fisher, and Frédéric Reste, a fisher from the Mediterranean.

For more details see http://www.plateforme-petite-peche.fr/

——————————————————-

France, like many EU Member States, has administrative and management systems that are ill suited to the needs of the small scale fisheries sector. Despite much promise, two years on, the implementation of the CFP has so far failed to deliver tangible benefits for fishers who have chosen to fish ways that limit their impacts on the environment, who want to combine traditional small scale fishing ways with modern technology and decent working conditions, and who want to support the local communities in which they are rooted.

Despite the lack of delivery to date, LIFE is optimistic that Article 17 does provide the possibility to reward those who fish sustainably, so long as the political will is there to apply its provisions in the spirit as well as in the letter of the law.

The authors of the article below speak not only for themselves and for the French Platform for Small Scale Artisanal Fisheries, but for small scale fishers across Europe who share their worries and frustrations. Their concerns are very much our concerns.

The French Platform of Small Scale Artisanal Fisheries, a founder member of LIFE, represents fishermen from the French Atlantic facing coasts and from the Mediterranean. The Platform was launched in June 2012 by a group of associations representing 500 fishers.

The Platform was set up to defend the under 12 metre fleet segment that uses predominantly passive fishing methods. Despite the importance of this fleet segment, it is often marginalised, treated unfairly, not given proper consideration by the authorities, and not given sufficient space within professional organizations.

The aim of the Platform is not to fight against vessels over 12 meters. The complementarity of small scale and large scale activities is recognized and respected by the Platform, which considers that fleet diversity is important for the economic and social wellbeing of both fishing harbours and the sector as a whole.

Of course there are points of contention, and we may disagree on a number of issues. However, like the Platform, LIFE contends that the management of small scale fisheries require a differentiated approach, and that measures are needed to ensure that a balance is maintained between small-scale fishing and other fleet segments, and the small scale low impact segment can thrive.

LIFE identifies with, and wholeheartedly embraces these objectives and views.

In France, as in other European countries, there are many hurdles to setting up as a small scale owner operator. First of all, it is necessary to obtain the PME (Fishing Vessel License). Then a plethora of permits must be obtained, including AEP (European Fishing License), licenses for gears, and licenses for different species like bass, shellfish, sole etc. For bass, no more licenses are available for fishers using hooks, despite this being the most responsible fishing method as far as the resource and the marine environment are concerned, and on which hundreds of fishers depend. Their contribution to the overexploitation of the species is minute compared to the pelagic trawl fleet, where the number of licenses has remained unchanged.

And then there’s the painful question of quotas; a management tool much feared – and with reason – by small scale fishers. It is applied through a mechanism – based on catch history – that is deeply unfair. It rewards those who fish the most, whilst overlooking those who practice low impact fishing.

LIFE and the French Platform both denounce the current distribution system of quotas and its many perverse effects. Last December in France, the Competition Authority raised concerns on how quota is distributed among fishermen, the anti-competitive nature of the practices, the opaque allocation and management mechanisms, particularly in the POs (Producer Organizations).

The quota allocation system for Bluefin tuna graphically illustrates these concerns, with almost all the quota allowances reserved for purse seiners, pelagic trawlers or large longliners. This system should be fully reviewed in order to establish a distribution system based on environmental, social and economic criteria, as set out in Article 17 of the reformed CFP.

Some EU regulations include special provisions that favour small boats, by exempting them from certain fishing authorizations. However, in the case of access to cod in some areas, the exemption for vessels under 10 metres has been overturned by the professional organizations. Instead they have imposed a European Vessel Licence (AEP) on vessels under 10 meters, which penalizes them heavily. The French Platform also strongly objects to the unequal charges levied on small boats compared to large boats. Our sector is the main contributor, but not the primary beneficiary.

Then there is the administrative straitjacket, where bureaucratic requirements are not at all adapted to the constraints of small-scale fisheries. These include safety requirements, the need for life-rafts, the system for weighing the landings, manning levels, direct sales, and so on. It’s a real burden for small scale owner operators.

We are not asking for the exemption of small fishing from all management measures. However, we denounce a management system that is inappropriate. We depend on the areas where we fish – our fishing territories. We need to target the species found in our immediate vicinity, distributing our effort, based on a logic that is not to maximize profit.

It’s a philosophy and a socioeconomic model that the current system constantly undermines. There is nothing more absurd for us than having to avoid catching bluefin tuna that abounds all around us, or to discard it dead, and then having to travel great distances to find fish that we are allowed to catch.

Our critics contend that “if we followed your demands, then the coastal zone would simply fill up with vessels”. But we already find large ships on the coast, notably supertrawlers, other trawlers and 24 metre longliners, which thanks to derogations can operate within the 3-mile zone. All we are asking is that the maritime space be shared amongst vessels according to their size, and for the rules applied to be respected and strictly controlled. Our small vessels will never go far out enough to compete with vessels of 20 or 25 meters.

Similarly, we continually hear officials congratulating themselves on the sound state of stocks. But which stocks they talking about? Bass? Red seabream? Black bream? All these species are far from well managed. Many fishers will tell you how red seabream was decimated by high opening trawls, and how black bream has virtually disappeared in some places because of pelagic trawling. We call for a comprehensive scientific assessment, but are under no illusions that this will happen any time soon.

In the Mediterranean, too, there is an urgent need for progress to be made to improve the state of resources. But when addressing the problem, sports fishing (which is totally unregulated), pollution and coastal urbanization must also be factored in. Better recognition of the roles of prudhommies, ancient secular management bodies, should also be included in the equation. It is by strengthening theses indispensable institutions that we can make progress in fisheries management in the Mediterranean.

We had placed certain hopes in the new CFP, particularly concerning the provisions of Article 17. This article requires Member States to allocate quota using transparent and objective criteria, and to favour fishing vessels “deploying selective fishing gear or using fishing techniques with reduced environmental impact, such as reduced energy consumption or habitat damage.”

But where are these famous criteria that each state is supposed to define and implement? We fear that Danish seines and electric trawls may be the ones to eventually benefit from the misapplication of these environmental and social criteria.

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