Let us listen to what the fishermen have to say. They say they practice the most wonderful profession in the world, but admit that it is an increasingly difficult livelihood as the seas are polluted, plundered by destructive technologies. Without fish there are no fishermen. That is precisely why they demand the right to manage the resources that constitute their livelihood. They have come together to adopt sustainable techniques – Irish fishermen; to diversify their activities – fishermen of Chili; sort out their conflicts – South of France. United, they want to get their point across: to be associated in defining and setting up policies that are of concern to them.

Does globalization pose a threat to their survival? Fishermen are united in opposing it because the sea knows no frontiers. When Senegalese fishermen manage to amend fishing agreements to their advantage, the victory is as much for small-scale fishery. Some politicians are of the opinion that the fishing community will become like the reserves of the Amerindians in the next few years. Like Indians of the Chiapas, small-scale fishermen are united in their endeavor to preserve their space and identity. The movement of small-scale fishermen is clearly inscribed against globalization and for sustainable development which preserves resources, recognizes the prime role of women and takes into account the future of the generations to come.

Fish is the much coveted resource and attracts "dangerous liaisons", like the WWF and the Unilever group that want the creation of an eco-label. Small-scale fishermen do not want big industrial groups to decide whether a particular fish was caught according to the rules of fair trade. In order to impose their criteria, they have yet another long struggle. And they must be heard at a time when the question of food security is becoming increasingly crucial especially for protein resources. The sea is not spared. In the seventies, aqua-culture was supposed to solve the problem of hunger. Today, we know that it can generate pollution and spread deadly diseases. Besides, breeding carnivorous species that consume other fish, leads to the extinction of many species. It is in the interest of all to encourage sustainable fishing and support small-scale fishermen’s movements across the world.

S.N.
* French journalist who lives in Portugal (E-mail: snick@nscentre.org)

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