In October 1995, when the FAO was organising a Symposium, representatives of fishermen from four continents met in Quebec. They observed that fishing communities across the world were faced with the same problems. They decided to meet in 1997 in India for the International Forum (see article). They drew up a declaration in 1995 (see extracts hereunder) that sums up their concerns which have not changed.

"We, representatives of fishermen from North America, South America, Africa and Asia express our concern regarding the manner in which seas are plundered especially by large industrial fishing fleets that lead to the paucity of fish stocks thereby endangering food security of millions of people.

We strongly condemn the moves made by governments of different countries to try and solve their national problems by exporting these ships to other countries under the cover of various agreements such as joint ventures, chartering ships, hiring, licences or bilateral accords. We also hold the governments responsible for authorising the entry of such ships in their country, as this goes against the interest of their fishermen and the protection of their fish stocks. Exporting crisis is disloyal and aggravates destruction of fish stocks and brings about the migration of fishermen.

The FAO’s documents that were made public confirm that 70% of sea fish stocks have reached limits of exploitation and that the situation leads to serious problems of feeding millions of people. The FAO also reveals that it is the small-scale fishing companies who supply 50% of the world’s fish produce.

The International meeting highlighted the situation of these owners who are forced to give up their activities as big shipping companies come to plunder their wealth of traditional fishing. And this, in spite of their social, cultural and economic dependence on fish resources from a very long time. These industrial fishing fleets bring together 25 000 ships from countries like South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Russia, United States and the European Union. These countries have already depleted their stocks of coastal and deep-sea fishing and are now turning towards developing countries to drain their resources as well (...).

The international representatives stated that development of fishing could not be measured only by production. According to them, one must adopt sustainable fishing practices and aim to protect the livelihood of coastal fishing communities. They decided to form an ad hoc committee that would serve as a link between fishermen’s associations and ensure the setting up of an international front to preserve their way of life."

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