Fisheries Innovations Conference; Rotterdam November 6 – 7 2009

Summary of the discussions

Theme 1: the role of policy in fisheries innovations

Fishermen find it difficult to anticipate the development of legislation and policies at the EU level, as they feel that these are continuously varying. To be able to innovate and invest in their fisheries, fishermen seek guarantees from policy makers on the future of their fisheries, especially in relation to the beam trawl. However, such guarantees cannot be provided. Instead, it is more important that the sector continue to search for more (cost) efficient gear that has less impact on the ecosystem. Indeed, what is the use of investing in the beam trawl, for instance, if good alternatives - such as the pulse trawl and the sumwing - exist. Recommendation: Fishermen should continuously invest in the development of more cost efficient gear that generates less damage to the environment.

Furthermore, according to fishermen, innovations are too often negatively rewarded. For instance, cod selective gear was developed to reduce discards and thus help fish cod more effectively. However, fishermen with vessels that use this gear feel that they are punished as they receive fewer fishing days. This has to do with the current system of effort management. Indeed, in order to reduce catches of cod, vessels with innovative selective gear that catch mostly cod and less by-catch are allocated fewer fishing days than those vessels using less selective gear, as these catch less cod as a result. These measures are contra-productive, as fishermen then decide to fish with smaller mesh sizes to avoid losing fishing days. Recommendation: Management measures should be clear, unambiguous and communicated and explained in a transparent manner to the parties involved.

Furthermore, as circumstances change, policies should be more flexible. Results-based management was suggested as an alternative. For example, Denmark introduced Individual Transferable Quotas (ITQ) in 2007. ITQs are quotas or quota shares allocated to fishermen or fishing vessels in such a way that they can be used, sold or rented out by the holders. This system has become very successful and provides a way to reduce discards. A similar initiative from the Scottish White Fish Producers Association, called ‘The Conservation Credits’ was presented by Mike Park. It uses a matrix of measures to reduce discards. Recommendation: Search for alternative management measures.

Transparency and so-called traceability systems in fisheries are of growing importance. Fishermen cooperate in research projects and develop and participate successfully in traceability systems, such as electronic logbooks and CCTV in Denmark. However, follow up is needed.

Theme 2 & 3: The role of research in fisheries innovations & initiatives by fishermen

While the main role of scientists is to produce observations and data, the role of fishermen in research is growing. Indeed, according to Martin Scholten, fishermen could and should be integrated more actively in research, for example by involving fishing vessels in monitoring and surveys. Trust is the key to a successful collaboration between fishermen and scientists.

The role of science is also to provide research to support initiatives by fishermen. It is important that fishermen know where to find scientists, even more so as fishermen should initiate the development of innovative and sustainable fishing. According to Kees Taal, science and industry collaboration could be more effective if fishermen organize themselves and communicate their problems and ideas.

Research can then be organized around solving fishermen’s existing problems. The knowledge circles in the Netherlands can be used as an example of how to move in this direction. These knowledge circles are groups of fishermen who work together on issues that they face. Researchers and managers participate in the group to facilitate and help focus the discussion. The project stimulates the involvement of fishermen and removes boundaries between fishermen and science. At the international level, more coordination of innovation projects and exchange is needed, not only between scientists but also amongst fishermen. Recommendation: Export the Dutch example of knowledge circles to other countries and facilitate an international exchange of knowledge circles.

The European Fisheries Technology Platform (EFTP) can be used as a platform for this exchange. Recommendation: The fishing industry should aim for more active involvement in the EFTP.

It seems that banks have lost trust in the fishing industry, and as a result fishermen have a hard time receiving financial support for new innovations. According to Albert Vermuë, Director of Fisheries at the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, banks should be better informed, and they should be more actively involved in innovation activities. Recommendation: The fishing industry needs to show that fishing is sustainable and that there will still be fish in the sea to catch in the future, as this will be the most convincing argument for banks.

Another issue discussed during the conference is that the market has not yet mirrored innovations. Indeed, some innovations have lead to lower catches, but with improved quality of fish. As long as the prices of these higher quality fish remain the same as before, fishermen lose income. It is therefore discouraging for fishermen to continue with these responsible fishing methods. More attention to this marketing aspect of innovations is required. As emphasized by a fisherman, a final Recommendation: in order to sell their fish, fishermen must be able to tell the story of their innovative fishing methods, thereby demonstrating the additional value of the fish.

This conference was organized by the Dutch Fisheries Innovation Platform, in cooperation with the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, the European Fisheries Fund, Imares, LEI Wageningen, the Dutch Fish Product Board and Schuttelaar & Partners.