Scientists and the fishing industry want to cooperate more
On 9 and 10 November, scientists and people from the fishing sector came together during an international symposium in Ostend. They examined how they could cooperate more and how the fishing sector can become more sustainable in the future.
Flemish Minister-President and Minister of Fisheries Kris Peeters opened the symposium. "Scientific advice is essential for a sustainable fishing policy", he says. "This is why it is important that fishermen and scientists cooperate to compile better data. This is the only way we can pursue a proper and well- structured policy."
Kris Peeters is the chairman of the Fisheries Council during the Belgian EU Presidency and will propose the symposium’s recommendations to his fellow ministers during the official EU Fisheries Council of 29 and 30 November.
Better relations
Scientists and fishermen don’t always see eye to eye, especially when it comes to determining the fishing quota. Nevertheless, both parties have plenty of complementary knowledge and material possibilities that can contribute to better information and a clearer understanding between both parties.
During the symposium the participants debated on several concrete examples, resulting in better cooperation between scientists and fishermen.
Recommendations
Together the participants of the symposium formulated the following recommendations for better cooperation:
• Scientists and fishermen need to cooperate more to gather basic data, formulate advice and seek alternatives.
• Scientists and fishermen often consider each other as opponents, whereas they are, in fact, partners. More mutual trust will lead to better cooperation.
• Better communication is essential, both during the decision-making process as afterwards. In addition, this type of communication needs to be directed towards all stakeholders.
The participants believe that proper cooperation will lead to substantiated policy decisions and more sustainable fishing at all levels.
