Fisheries Industry Development
Planning for Commercial Fishing Trade Requires Integrated Approach
Aug 18, 2008
The need for partnerships is especially important in remote, rural districts that don't share the numerous economic connections found in more heavily populated regions. Development and support of the fisheries industry needs to approach planning holistically for its successful implementation.
The commercial fishing industry depends on an interrelated web of support infrastructure and auxiliary businesses. A potential fishing port with vessel hauling capability, but lacking a fish buyer will not attract or support vessel operators. The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) uses this web analogy to describe what they term as a Community Fishery Center (CFC). The synergy of interrelated businesses creates a whole greater than the sum of the individual business concerns.
Community Fishery Centers Defined
M. Yami writes in FAO publication, Community Fishery Centres: Guidelines for Establishment and Operations that:
“A CFC is more than just an assembly of stores and workshops. A CFC becomes the focus of the fishing life in the village. It is where the fishermen meet for a chat and a drink, where they can negotiate a loan with the bank or credit-scheme functionary…can get advice from the extensionist (like the Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program in Alaska), congregate and organize into groups and associations, through which they may met and negotiate prices and deliveries with the fish dealers and more…”
It isn't realistic to expect a small waterfront community to develop every component required for a successful CFC simultaneously. It is however important that planning be in place to account for all of the required workings of successful fishing community. The overarching goal of fisheries industry development should see that individual components of the CFC are identified and actions advanced to support their establishment.
The Value of Holistic Planning
Port feasibility studies and concept plans often concentrate on single infrastructure projects that may have limited benefits. Seldom are there functions or activities occurring within the fishing community that are not in some part dependent on another endeavor or activity. A marine haulout may not be a profitable in of itself, however the economic activity generated by boat repairs, vessel storage and other maintenance activities would provide a greater economic benefit to the overall community than that reflected in the cost of the haulout equipment and infrastructure.
Planning for a CFC must consider the needs of the community and categorize the components required for a successful fishing industry to operate. These components can be broken into functional areas for better study. Some areas of concern would be vessel maintenance, ship supplies, fish markets, seafood handling equipment, fish processing facilities, upland infrastructure, vessel moorage, and supporting community services.
Communities can benefit from the Community Fisheries Center concept through careful planning and persistence. Potential economic impacts and benefits, especially for rural communities, are certainly worth making the planning effort.
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