Fisheries Workshop Outcomes: A New Song for Coastal Fisheries Pathways

A new song for coastal fisheries: pathways to change Workshop Outcomes Report

Overview of process Workshop with a wide range of sectors represented; fisheries and environment departments communities NGOs CBFM specialists regional agencies and others Series of plenary and workshop sessions Impressive and extensive outputs, which will be available on the web, including the The New Song outcomes document, a summary record of the key issues raised, presentations and outcomes of working groups

Context (1) Poorly-managed fisheries a) Fish needed by growing population Quantity of fish/habitat Fish habitat Fish available from coastal stocks stocks Fish available from Gap in supply of fish to be filled Time Well-managed fisheries b) Fish needed by growing population Quantity of fish/habitat Fish habitat Fish available from stocks Fish available from coastal stocks Time

Context (2) Previous support: Vava u declaration; Apia Policy, Palau Declaration, The Ocean: Life and Future Pacific Oceanscape: Implement integrated coastal resource management arrangements drawing on the strengths and traditions of community, as well as government to achieve sustainable life

Context (3) Managing communities and fishers rather than fish role of communities via CEAFM crucial Emphasis on an ecosystem/social system approach Many good, but isolated examples of successful CBFM Challenge faced by the New Song is to upscale to sub-national and national levels

Key Needs

Understanding the Facts Know what works and does not work in CEAFM and the consequences of inaction Worse case scenarios becoming reality Value of coastal fisheries to communities is frequently understated Further analytical work on inshore fisheries will however better define problems and help to focus inputs where they will have the best effect

Advocacy and Political Will Significant commitment in terms of resources and support at all levels will be needed Support at the highest political levels and beyond the fisheries sector vital if hard decisions are to be made and real change happen at a meaningful scale. Champions for the cause of sustainable coastal fisheries needed at all levels.

Scaling up Small pockets of effective coastal fisheries management not enough to address the problem. Awareness of CBFM widespread but commitment from government and other stakeholders to commit resources vital if scale up to national level is to be achieved

Balancing offshore and inshore fisheries Historical focus of fisheries departments has been on development and tuna fisheries Good management enables development The ongoing livelihoods and food security benefits of good coastal fisheries management are clear Now is the time to ensure there is an appropriate level of resources to securing the sustainable future of coastal fisheries Relying on external funding on an ad-hoc project basis is a risk.

Supporting Communities Coastal fisheries management is about supporting people at the community level and not just managing fish. Communities must be supported empowered, motivated, and adequately Traditional and local management will often be effective in their own right, but Governments have a role where different forms of coastal management are required.

Women and Youth Women and youth are integral to successful coastal fisheries management. Their role often overlooked or diminished. Vital that the voices of women and youth are heard and acted upon In addition to playing a greater role in decision-making, women and youth must share more equitably in the benefits flowing from coastal fisheries.

Closing the Gap Minimising and filling the gap to meet increases in fish demand from growing populations will require using alternative sources of protein including tuna and bycatch, coastal FADs etc Inclusion of alternative sources of protein, and other foods, as diets diversify will require need to avoid the risk of diet-related Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Working Together Huge range of stakeholders with a range of complex interactions. Stakeholders must sing in harmony from the same songbook, or risk being ineffective. Communities must have direct and effective contact and support from all relevant participants, and particular local government

A holistic apporach While unsustainable fishing is a key factor there are others Mining, logging, development associated with urbanisation, tourism and the growth of cities, climate change and natural disasters Fisheries cannot be managed in isolation

Using the right methods One size will not fit all coastal fisheries management must fit local CEAFM is central to our efforts, but other tools and mechanisms will be required, including control of exports and regulatory approaches as defined in statute. CEAFM is difficult to implement in urban areas or places with contested marine tenure. Where reliance on CEAFM is not appropriate, government will have a particularly critical role. Developing and resourcing relevant and effective monitoring, control and surveillance Approaches must also be simple, realistic and implementable.

Maintaining livelihoods Increasing need for cash in coastal communities is increasing. If income is reduced from management measures in the short term, this may cause hardship and a reluctance to adopt CEAFM. Alternative livelihoods should not be traded off as a prerequisite to taking effective fisheries management decisions, which will secure longer- term incomes and underpin the future sustainability of coastal communities.

The New Song To make this broad vision more meaningful, eight outcome statements were developed and agreed, along with intermediate outcomes, activities and responsibilities,. The suggested approach seeks to be non- prescriptive. It is designed to provide direction and encourage coordination, cooperation and an effective use of regional and other support services

Barriers (1) Geographical isolation, the extent of coastlines and the diversity of coastal communities. Lack of political profile, will and support in advancing CEAFM, including services delivered at the sub-national level. Inadequate focus on coastal fisheries management by fisheries agencies compared to the offshore tuna sector, with limited capacity and resources being applied to coastal fisheries management.

Barriers (2) Outdated management policy, legislation and planning, with little or no monitoring of effectiveness or sustainability. Lack of relevant data, analysis and knowledge to inform management at all levels. Inadequate empowerment of local communities and links with sub-national government. Poor stakeholder collaboration/connection at the national level and regional level.

Barriers (3) Inadequate compliance with fisheries rules and variable/inadequate sanctions. Lack of integration of CEAFM into national economic policy and strategies. Failure to recognize the crucial role women play in the management and sustainable use of inshore fisheries resources. Limited alternative livelihoods and lack of available commercial funding mechanisms to support small-scale community livelihoods.

The Vision Sustainable well managed inshore fisheries, underpinned by community based approaches that provide food security, long-term economic, social, and ecological benefits to our communities

Overarching Outcomes 1. Improved wellbeing of coastal communities 1. Productive and healthy ecosystems and fish stocks

#1: Informed, empowered coastal communities with clearly defined user rights Informed and compliant communities robust awareness and communication programmes Coastal fisheries management and marine ecosystems included in school curriculum Legal framework recognising community empowerment Community management programmes Strong partnerships at all levels

# 2: Adequate information to inform management and policy Government and community managers have quality information to inform decisions Science is translated into simple and informative material to guide community management Communities have a greater understanding of status, biology and habitats of key species (in addition to existing local ecological knowledge)

#3: Recognition of, and strong political co support for, coastal fisheries management at a national and sub-national scale Informed and supportive politicians at the national and sub-national levels Adequate budget allocations for coastal fisheries management Coastal fisheries management is a permanent agenda item at regional meetings (e.g. PIF, MSG, SPC, FFA) Raised public awareness of coastal fisheries through the use of celebrities, role models and other media

#4: Re-focused fisheries agencies that are transparent, accountable, and adequately resourced, supporting coastal fisheries management underpinned by CEAFM Coastal fisheries management is adequately resourced Fisheries departments are transparently reporting on activities and finances Reviewed and integrated coastal fisheries management activities Coastal fisheries staff conducting effective CEAFM activities All regions have dedicated coastal fisheries unit Raised community awareness of coastal fisheries

# 5: Strong and up-to-date management policy, legislation and planning Updated coastal fisheries policies guiding management Updated legislation that allows policy to be implemented and empowers communities Effective policy implementation through plans, monitoring and evaluation Illegal, unsustainable and unregulated fishing is minimized

# 6: Effective collaboration and coordination between stakeholders and key sectors of influence Coastal fisheries management is included in broader development processes National forums are coordinating and providing cross- sector advice relevant to coastal fisheries management Faith-based groups are integrated into coastal fisheries management activities Private sector, microfinance providers and land-based actors are involved in CEAFM Regional and national coordination of policy Increased spread and quality of CEAFM among communities

# 7: More equitable distribution of benefits and decision making within communities, including women and youth Equitable distribution of benefits within communities Greater inclusivity of decision-making while acknowledging traditional hierarchies Decision-making processes are transparent Plans take account of equity issues, especially those involving gender and youth

# 8: Diverse livelihoods reducing pressure on fisheries resources, enhancing community incomes, and contributing to improved fisheries management Diverse livelihoods contribute to coastal fisheries management Enhance value of wild-caught fisheries

Roles of Governments, SPC and other stakeholders There is a need to commit to substantial support for a community-driven approach to coastal fisheries management. The different forms of support necessary from governments and all other stakeholders are outlined in the following tables and will be addressed in follow-up work. SPC will be responsible for building momentum for this new direction and supporting, facilitating and preparing regular assessments of progress with the New Song. A coordinated approach is necessary which will include communities and fisheries departments, working together with stakeholders from a range of other sectors, including health, environment, agriculture and climate change in recognition of fish in the broader Pacific food system.

Monitoring and Evaluation If the New Song is to be effective, it is vital to monitor progress and identify and address critical issues in a timely manner and take account of the dynamic nature of coastal communities and ecosystems. The tables below make preliminary suggestions as to possible performance indicators. Monitoring of the New Song will provide an opportunity for the region to report to Leaders on coastal fisheries, including under the FFA/SPC Future of Fisheries initiative.

Thank you and good afternoon (bon apres midi)