On November 27, 2013 over 60 representatives for the Costa Rican small-scale fishing sector, along with assorted researchers, NGO representatives, and government officials met during the first “National small-scale artisanal fisheries forum: Challenges and opportunities, promotion and consolidation of Responsible Fishing Areas (RFAs)” to discuss local fisher and central government needs for successful implementation of the FAO’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries inside designated marine areas currently being established along the country’s coasts. These areas are managed by the Costa Rican Fisheries and Aquaculture Institute (INCOPESCA – Costa Rica’s national fisheries governing entity), a centralized governmental agency that does not recognize community based co-management systems, but hopes to develop these strategies through the establishment of fishing areas that encompass designated coastal areas where artisanal fishing gear types are used.
Fishers compiled a list of 10 “needs” necessary for the effective development, implementation, and management of RFAs. I hope these will add to this discussion on the development of SFF Guidelines.
Eliminate coastal IUU fishing and trawl net use
Certification (including chain of custody certification) strategies for products caught within responsibly fished areas that increase product value and traceability
Development of alternative employment opportunities for fishers
Development of strategies that promote active participation by local community members in the RFA management process (co-management strategies – something that does not currently exist in SFF in Costa Rica)
SFF representation within INCOPESCA’s board of managers
Improve mechanisms for education and awareness building among RFA users and their related coastal community members
Integration of governmental institutions for the protection, monitoring, and control of RFAs and their successful operation within established legal frameworks
RFAs should be established based on studies that guarantee their scientific, legal, and social viability – including integrated mechanisms that build awareness for their successful management – that promote ecosystem health for the benefit of all stakeholders
Foment scientific research (ecosystem and social) with the objective of developing a fisheries management plan that promotes the sustainable use of the resource
Minimum size limit (for individual species) control at all post-harvest stages along the chain of custody especially at local landing sites where products are first exchanged between fishers and buyers
On November 27, 2013 over 60 representatives for the Costa Rican small-scale fishing sector, along with assorted researchers, NGO representatives, and government officials met during the first “National small-scale artisanal fisheries forum: Challenges and opportunities, promotion and consolidation of Responsible Fishing Areas (RFAs)” to discuss local fisher and central government needs for successful implementation of the FAO’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries inside designated marine areas currently being established along the country’s coasts. These areas are managed by the Costa Rican Fisheries and Aquaculture Institute (INCOPESCA – Costa Rica’s national fisheries governing entity), a centralized governmental agency that does not recognize community based co-management systems, but hopes to develop these strategies through the establishment of fishing areas that encompass designated coastal areas where artisanal fishing gear types are used.
Fishers compiled a list of 10 “needs” necessary for the effective development, implementation, and management of RFAs. I hope these will add to this discussion on the development of SFF Guidelines.