Fisheries aid

95 per cent of all those whose livelihood is derived from fishing live in developing countries. They are most often engaged in artisanal fisheries or aquaculture, which therefore represent an important export revenue for developing countries.

The export of fish and fish products exceeds total net exports of tea, cocoa, bananas, sugar and rice.

Approximately 70 per cent of all fisheries and 90 per cent of all aquaculture globally takes place in developing countries as well as in China.

Fisheries resources represent a valuable renewable resource in terms of nutrition and food security.

Role of the central government

The political priorities of developing countries and sector objectives may be contradictory.

In some regions a growth in industrial fishing activities and export may lead to reduced access to cheap fish products locally. Therefore finding political solutions and compromises may be essential if good resource management is not in place.

Previously the central government played a key role in fisheries and fish processing in many developing countries. For the most part, these activities have now been passed on to the private sector.

In the majority of countries the task of the central government today is primarily to regulate fisheries and to promote framework conditions for business development.

The government also plays an important role in educating specialists in the sector, funding research and providing necessary infrastructure such as roads, electricity and clean water.

Business development

The provision of venture capital by the private sector is also essential for business development. It is crucial for job creation, good living conditions and the establishment of a tax base for the central government.

In countries where natural conditions are favourable, sound governance and good framework conditions can create a basis for investment and improve access to local and international markets. The development of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors offers considerable potential for business development in many countries.

Norway contributes to business development in fisheries in the South through Norad’s business sector funding schemes.

Grant schemes have been employed to support the development of relevant framework conditions for the fisheries sector, often through bilateral agreements with partner countries in the South. This is exemplified by an agreement with Malaysia to develop a regulatory framework for inland aquaculture.

Grant schemes also facilitate support to private companies that wish to establish a foothold in a developing country. Aquaculture companies receive funding through this mechanism.

In 2009 Norad prepared a survey identifying potential investment projects and partners in Africa. The findings can support new establishment of businesses in fisheries and aquaculture.

Technical assistance from Norway

Competence building is an integral element of fisheries cooperation with developing countries. Norway is considered to have good technical expertise in a number of the specialist areas within fisheries and aquaculture that are in demand.

This includes everything from on-the-job training, advisory services, short courses and education at university level.

University partnerships which include the development of educational programmes as well as research are of vital importance in promoting practical cooperation in fisheries economics and management, and aquaculture. In addition, support is given to vocational school courses in aquaculture.

Most initiatives supported by Norway include institutional cooperation between sister institutions in Norway and the South. Such partnerships are one of the tools used in technical development assistance.

Norway’s role in fisheries development assistance

Norway contributes to sustainable fisheries management on several levels.

Norway provides support to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and other UN organizations as well as to regional fisheries management organizations and other regional initiatives.

In partner countries, funding is given for research, monitoring of resources, fisheries and resource management based on an ecosystem approach, including fisheries legislation and the regulatory framework as well as education.

The fisheries and aquaculture sectors must have regard to a number of international agreements and guidelines. These are intended to ensure sustainable management and conservation of fishing resources (see list below). The development of statutes and a regulatory framework, and follow-up of these, are management prerequisites.

Norway also helps to ensure that representatives of developing countries, including civil society, can participate in the design and follow-up of such international instruments and processes.