Arab strategy for the sustainability of fisheries resources 2
Arab strategy for the sustainability of fisheries resources 2
Second: Fisheries Management
The objectives of fisheries management are defined as follows:
1- Exploiting fisheries resources in accordance with the principles contained in the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries to ensure maximum sustainable yield. Paragraph 3 of Article 6 (General Principles) states:
"States should prevent overfishing and excessive fishing effort and implement management measures to ensure that fishing efforts are proportionate to the productive capacity of fisheries resources and that these resources are used sustainably. States should take measures to replenish fish stocks as far as possible and when necessary."
Work Programme
Fisheries management requires several essential elements to achieve the set objectives, the most important of which are:
1- Providing a system for the regular collection of accurate data on catches, effort, and biological and economic data. This requires the provision of databases. The bases are based on fishing vessels according to the craft used, the number of fishermen, the class composition, fishing days, effort, lengths and weights of fish, costs, returns, etc.
The analysis of this data allows for its use in the following purposes:
A- Fisheries Assessment: This is achieved through indicators that can be derived regarding the status or health of fish stocks and fishing mortality, based on the analysis of data related to length, catch, and effort.
Furthermore, the analysis of economic data will help in assessing the economic viability of fishing activities, the size of the workforce associated with the activity, the sector's contribution to food security, and the estimated revenues and returns.
B- Monitoring: This involves tracking changes in the structure of the fishing fleet and the fishing gear used, as well as changes in the economic values โโand revenues generated from the activity as a result of the policies implemented in fisheries management.
C- Management: The assessment and monitoring indicators are used to modify the policies and tools used in fisheries management in order to achieve a balance between the sustainability of fish resources and maximizing the returns generated from them, i.e., Bio-economic Fisheries Management. (ARTFISH Fisheries Statistics System)
Paragraph 4.4 of Article 7 of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries states:
"States shall ensure the collection and maintenance of complete, reliable, and timely statistics on catches and fishing destinations, in accordance with applicable international standards and practices, and in sufficient detail to allow for sound statistical analysis. These data shall be updated and verified periodically through an appropriate system."
The FAO's Fisheries International Data and Statistics Unit has developed a statistical system that can be applied permanently and cost-effectively while ensuring a suitable degree of accuracy. This system is known as ARTFISH (Approaches, Rules and Techniques for the Statistical Monitoring of Fisheries).
The system is based on a sampling method for data collection and consists of three parts:
Part 1: Planning the statistical surveys (ARTPLAN)
Part 2: Sharing the sample data and providing monthly estimates of catches and fishing effort. ARTBASIC
Part Three: For preparing periodic reports on (catch - effort - values)
Training courses have been held for workers in the field of fisheries statistics in both Tunisia and Egypt, and this system is being implemented in some selected areas in the Arab Republic of Egypt, in preparation for its use in collecting fisheries during the coming year.
The results of the application indicate the ease of use and flexibility of this statistical system, while providing a high degree of data and information accuracy compared to the currently implemented system.
Therefore, research suggests the possibility of implementing this system in all Arab countries after conducting regional and national training courses on its use.
It should be noted that the FAO Regional Office for the Near East is expected to organize a regional training course at the beginning of 2004.
2- Establishing an Institutional Framework for Fisheries Management
Fisheries management should be carried out through an institutional framework or structure that allows all stakeholders in the fisheries sector to study and discuss issues related to the exploitation and conservation of fish resources in order to reach a unified, joint decision.
In this context, the formation of a local Fisheries Management Committee (for each region within the country) may be a suitable approach. The Fisheries Management Committee is expected to undertake the following tasks:
- Establishing a precise system for registering operating fishing vessels. - Establishing a strict system for issuing fishing licenses, whether for ships or fishermen.
- Monitoring the implementation of laws and regulations governing fishing.
- Determining the conditions for granting licenses within the limits permitted by national laws and the status of fish stocks.
- Participating in the work of the local committee for coastal zone management.
- Implementing, periodically reviewing, and amending fisheries management policies and tools as needed.
It is proposed that representatives from all official and public bodies connected to the fishing sector within the committee's area of โโoperation participate in this committee. This includes, for example:
- Cooperative societies and other informal fishermen's organizations.
- The governorate to which the fishing area belongs.
- Government agencies related to the activity.
- Entities related to marketing.
- The Coast Guard.
- Government legal authorities.
- Fisheries experts.
3- Public Awareness
Planning and implementing awareness programs for groups and individuals directly or indirectly involved with or impacted by fisheries resources is essential for the success of any fisheries management plans or programs.
Informing and educating fishing groups about the importance of providing the required data and statistical information, and the benefits they will gain from regulating the exploitation, conservation, and protection of fisheries resources, is a fundamental element for the acceptance and implementation of fisheries management policies and tools.
Similarly, planning and implementing awareness programs for officials, workers, and users of various coastal resources (tourism, industry, the service sector, and other investors), clarifying the impact of these activities on the sustainability of fisheries resources, and the importance of taking measures and methods to prevent or mitigate the harmful effects that these activities may cause, is a crucial aspect of fisheries resource sustainability programs. Recommendations
1- Achieving the sustainability of marine fisheries resources and repairing damage to the marine environment can be accomplished through the adoption of comprehensive plans and programs for integrated management of marine coastal zones and Arab fisheries. This approach achieves the following benefits:
โข Reducing potential damage to the marine environment and its resources.
โข Ensuring the effective use of essential environmental elements, information, and available technology for the development of coastal areas.
โข Achieving sustainable economic growth based on permanent natural resources.
โข Conserving habitats and species.
โข Controlling development activities that negatively impact coastal areas.
2. Given the importance of coastal areas and fisheries resources to the economies of Arab countries, preserving and developing these resources requires the rapid establishment and strengthening of institutional structures responsible for preparing integrated coastal zone and fisheries management plans and programs. This includes reviewing and developing existing legislation and securing the necessary investments to implement programs for the efficient management of coastal areas and the repair of existing damage.
3. Establishing working groups among Arab countries bordering the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and Gulf coasts to study the status of fisheries resources and the threats they face, and to propose mechanisms for cooperation and coordination in addressing these threats and mitigating their effects, within the framework of existing regional organizations.
4. Strengthening international, regional, and local efforts to preserve sensitive natural resources, most importantly coral reefs and seagrass beds, given their crucial role in coastal stability and the development of fisheries resources.
5. Combating pollution of all kinds and learning from successful experiences in this field in some Arab countries (such as Jubail Industrial City in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, and Bahrain).
6- Exploring the possibility of unifying fisheries information systems through the application of the ARTFISH system developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization
7- Adhering to the principles and provisions of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries when preparing plans and programs for the management of coastal areas and natural fisheries.
References
- Dr. Ahmed Abdel Wahab Barania, Water Pollution and its Economic and Social Impacts, National Planning Institute, November 1991, Cairo.
- Dr. Mahmoud Rady Hassan, The Reality and Prospects of Developing the Arab Fisheries Sector, National Conference on Investment and Trade in the Fisheries Sector in Arab Countries, November 7-10, 1995, Morocco.
- Working Papers of the Regional Conference on the Sustainable Use of the Marine Environment, organized by PERSGA, UNEP, ACPS, ROPME, October 9-12, 1995, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- Dr. Mohamed Khamis Al-Zouka, World Geography, University Knowledge House, Alexandria, 1988. - Arab Organization for Agricultural Development, Yearbook of Arab Annual Statistics, Volume 22, 2002.
- John R. Clark, Integrated Management of Coastal Zones, FAO Fisheries Technical Paper 327, Rome, 1992.
- Framework program for the Development of a National ICZM Plan for Egypt, Egyptian Environment Affairs Agency, December 1996, Cairo.
Source: Dr. Ahmed Abdel Wahab Barania, Professor of Economics and Fisheries Resources Development
