As some certification schemes prospect in West Africa, we have consulted our partners CAOPA, the African Confederation of Professional Fisheries Organisations, on the challenges African small-scale fishermen face entering the pre-certification process.
Here is a summary of the key points.
1. The CHANGES REQUIRED CAN BE COSTLY
Though some external funds can be mobilised, the evaluation leading to a possible (pre) certification is only one aspect of the cost. The conditions imposed by the labeling body may include changes in fishing methods and gear used, for example. In many cases, the costs associated with these changes tend to be much higher than the evaluation costs and very few small-scale fishing operators can afford these expenses.
2. HIGHER PRICES OF PREMIUM BENEFIT THE EXPORTING COMPANIES
The benefits of a premium certified product are not automatic. In many cases, as artisanal fishers have little bargaining power in the value chain, the main beneficiaries of a potential premium would be the owners of exporting companies that sell in foreign markets. While certification can lead to higher prices, this profit growth might not reach the artisanal fishermen.
3. ARTISANAL FISHERMEN DEPEND TOO MUCH ON EXTERNAL FACTORS
There are many external factors on which the artisanal fishermen have no influence and that can negatively affect the fishery, with the result of a de-labellization. Some of these may include changes in fisheries management by governments, the impact of climate change or illegal fishing. Loss of label is damaging in terms of marketing because it sends a confusing message to consumers and distributors.
4. A ROBUST FISHERIES MANAGEMENT IS KEY FOR SUCCESSFUL CERTIFICATIONs
States play a critical role in the success of labelling systems: they provide data for the assessment, and should implement potential changes in fisheries management. One of the three main considerations in the labeling process is the robustness of the management system. Fisheries authorities may not have the capacity and political will to respond to these requests. They can also lack transparency and accountability. The artisanal fishermen who will have invested their energy to have a product labelled, can be victims of governmental ‘mismanagement’ policies
5. FISHMEAL FACTORIES ARE PROVOKING OVER EXPLOITATION OF STOCKS
Some labelling schemes are starting to ecolabel fishmeal and fish oil derived from the exploitation of small pelagics in Mauritania. This is problematic as these stocks are overexploited and there is a lack of regional management for these resources. On top of this, fishmeal and fish oil industry in West Africa directly competes with the supply of local and regional markets for human consumption. Certification organisations should make sure that their certification schemes do not threaten food security in Africa.
6. LABELS SHOULD NOT WHITEWASH COMPANIES THAT DO NOT ENSURE DECENT WORKING CONDITIONS
The priority for African artisanal fishing organizations is that their States ratify and implement international tools aimed at improving the working and living conditions of artisanal fishing operators, such as the ILO Convention C188 and the FAO Guidelines on Sustainable Small Scale Fisheries. There is a concern that the ‘social’ aspect of certification would be less demanding than these international conventions, and would provide an easy way out for those companies who do not want these conventions implemented to still benefit from the label image added value.