Developing countries: fisheries and poverty reduction

The European Parliament adopted the resolution by Mr Paul LANNOYE (Greens/EFA, B) calling for EU aid policy to be adjusted to help develop fisheries in developing countries. The resolution points out that Community fisheries agreements signed with developing countries are financially more lucrative than the fishing industry's entire development aid. It stresses the importance of consulting local people, like fishermen's organisations and women's groups, in the implementation of fisheries agreements in communities that depend on fishing for their livelihood. Furthermore, given that fish stocks are at risk of depletion in developing countries, it will be necessary to ensure that local people, who are dependent on fishing activities are guaranteed sustainable access. Taking this into account, the EU has approved a code of conduct to help maintain good management practice in its relations with developing countries. The initiative focuses on conservation, management and exploitation. It also looks at employment, income and food security, emphasising the protection of the rights of fishers and fishworkers. On the issue of financial compensation, the resolution suggests that large payments encourage fishing activity even where it would not help reduce poverty. It concludes therefore that fisheries agreements with developing countries should be in the interest of reducing poverty as well as sustaining development. �