Oceana Group


		Sustainability - Environment The RFA

	Launch of the Responsible Fisheries Alliance on 2 September 2009

On 2 September 2009, WWF South Africa, together with four major fishing industry players, launched the Responsible Fisheries Alliance (RFA).

Oceana CEO Francois Kuttlel said that, on behalf of Group, he was delighted to pledge support for the Alliance through Oceana’s active and enthusiastic membership, and collaboration with its partner companies, namely I&J, Sea Harvest and Viking.

In the WWF press release, Francois stated, “Environmental sustainability is one of the three pillars of the Oceana Group”s corporate sustainability framework. Oceana is committed to a policy of fair dealing and integrity in the conduct of its business. The sustainable utilization of marine resources, and support for the responsible management of these resources, is fundamental to this commitment.”

The objectives of the RFA are summarized below as extracts from the WWF press release, which can be read in full on the Media/News section of the Oceana Website dated 2 September 2009.

This is the first alliance of its kind in the history of South African marine conservation. The Alliance is a bid to achieve the common goal of ensuring that all stakeholders understand and support the implementation of an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) management in South Africa’s fisheries.

An EAF seeks to protect and enhance the health of marine ecosystems on which life and human benefits depend. The approach depends on balancing the diverse needs and values of both present and future generations.

“Fishing companies and environmental NGOs are often perceived to share little common ground. But in reality, responsible fishing companies that are committed to a long–term business view have a great deal in common with rational environmental NGOs that are committed to sustainable development goals. It is against this background that the concept of a Responsible Fisheries Alliance (RFA) was borne,” said Dr Samantha Petersen, Manager of WWF’s Sustainable Fisheries Programme, speaking at the launch.

The goals of the Alliance include promoting responsible fisheries practices, influencing policy on fishery governance, skills development to enable the implementation of an Ecosystem Approach and facilitating high quality ecological, socio-economic and governance related research to inform the implementation of an EAF.

The RFA was created on the basis of a strong ecological, market, operational and governance case agreed upon by both the fishing companies and WWF. The many years of good working relations between WWF and the key Alliance partners has already resulted in the development of a number of projects including the development of the responsible fisheries training programme, various bycatch assessments such as seabirds and vulnerable finfish amongst others.

Further background and rationale for the Responsible Fisheries Alliance:

The Ecological Case
Healthier marine ecosystems will continue to provide more ecological, social and economic services to society for longer. Ultimately, environmental NGOs and responsible fishing companies should be working together to secure the health of the ecosystems which underpin the business purpose of both sectors.

The Market Case
The recent increase in consumer awareness is leading to a higher demand for sustainable products and information, and it would be accurate to say that the present demand for sustainable, traceable seafood outstrips the supply. The Responsible Fisheries Alliance (RFA) will assist participating fisheries to respond proactively to the growing needs of informed consumers and a more demanding seafood market.

The Governance Case
The RFA will promote self governance through dynamic dialogue, capacity development and the promotion of market-based incentives e.g. eco–labeling or certification. It will also allow for the development of joint advocacy with government and other stakeholders on issues that may undermine responsible fishing.

The Operational and Financial Case
The RFA will facilitate the pooling of limited resources, increase efficiency and allow for a more coordinated and strategic response e.g. research to meet conditions of fishery certification bodies such as the Marine Stewardship Council. It will also allow for the sharing of complementary skills and competencies of the organizations belonging to the RFA and provides a highly responsive mechanism for the development and implementation of priority projects.

The Responsible Fisheries Charter

Members pledge to advance responsible fishing practices through:

Participating in the forum and openly sharing knowledge and experiences
Developing human capacity and skills on responsible fishing practices
Participating in research
Implementing agreed research outcomes
Complying with permit conditions
Engaging in dialogue with consumers and seafood buyers on the importance of responsible fishing practices

And acknowledge the importance of:

The long-term benefit of responsible fishing
An Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management
Transparency of operations e.g. using third-party observers
Traceability of products

Please visit www.rfalliance.org.za for further information.

About WWF

WWF is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organisations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. See www.wwf.org.za for more information on the organisation’s activities in South Africa.

WWF stands for the World Wide Fund for Nature. The organization prefers to be referred to just by the acronym.