The ASEAN is currently promoting and selling the concept of a "Roadmap to Fisheries Integration." The Fisherfolk Movement-Philippines believes this is nothing but an illustration of the desperate attempt of ASEAN governments to systematize the flow of capital and goods amongst ASEAN member countries in the fisheries industry.
It is clear that the document "Roadmap" does not serve the interests, or the welfare of the artisanal fisherfolk all over Southeast Asia.
First, it is becoming more evident that management of fisheries resources is not among the priorities of the ASEAN. The ASEAN is only concerned on how to ensure the smooth and free flow of imported fish products in its member countries. This is reflective of the Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary (SPS) at Hazard Analysis Critical Point (HACP) provisions, which both aim to monitor if exported and imported products pass quality and safety control standards.
Second, no fishery law or policy at the regional level was indicated in the "Roadmap" document. In the event that the implementation of laws concerning the fisheries sector in any of the countries in the region is still very weak and even laws/policies which are still being formulated are likewise ineffective, the flooding of imported fish products, vessels and capital will continue to drown the already helpless fisherfolk, domestic market and industry.
Third, it is obvious that the only sector that has a stake in the "Roadmap" document is the private or commercial sector primarily or mostly engaged in commercial fishing and aquaculture. Not even a single organization or group of the artisanal fisherfolk was consulted on ASEAN discussions regarding the fisheries sector, its issues and demands. The artisanal fisherfolk cannot rely on the private sector to defend and struggle for their rights and welfare versus the huge profits that capitalists will gain from these agreements.
Lastly, this framework only follows the worldwide trend of strengthening aquaculture methods and strategies as a primary tool to develop the fisheries industry in most ASEAN member countries and in the process lead towards barrier-free and smooth trade of fish products amongst ASEAN nations. In the final analysis, the document "Roadmap" is only a regional translation of the Non-Agricultural Market Access (NAMA) agreement being imposed by the WTO to developing countries such as the Philippines wherein the fisheries and other products such as auto parts, etc. are included.
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