The Fisheries Secretariat (FISH) is a non-profit organisation working towards sustainable fisheries in Europe and worldwide. Our long-term goal is healthy seas with thriving fish stocks and great diversity. We would like to see a profitable fishing sector working within the limits of the marine ecosystem, preserving the marine resources as well as their habitats. Our aim is sustainable use of fish and shellfish with minimal effects on the marine environment.
The Secretariat works towards more sustainable fisheries through information, international co-operation, capacity building and lobbying at an international level, but with a focus on the European Union.
In 2007 the Fisheries Secretariat decided to focus its work on the Baltic Sea region and the critical situation of its two cod stocks. Poland was selected as a key country for this new focus, since it has a high impact on the state of stocks and increasing political liaisons with other countries with a strong fishing sector in EU negotiations, as well as being a powerful advocate in the other former eastern block countries.
FISH has therefore started a number of collaborative projects with a number of Polish NGOs in order to raise public awareness and increase public opinion in the area of professional fishing and its impact on the Baltic Sea environment. The Secretariat has a particular mission to support and help other organisations, as well as the public, with information and knowledge. To achieve this, we are also involved in, as well as run, our own projects.
FISH promotes the application of ecosystem-based management and the precautionary approach, together with practical solutions that minimise the effects of fishing on the marine environment. Our work is based on the best available knowledge and information.
To maximise the effects of our efforts, we strive to co-operate with environmental organisations and other stakeholders that share our goal.
In short, to achieve the goals of FISH we:
* track fishery policy development internationally as well as nationally;
* provide information about the fisheries issues in the EU and globally;
* aim to identify solutions and management measures that will make fisheries more sustainable;
* try to change fisheries policy through direct and indirect lobbying;
* collaborate with the industry, NGOs, scientists and other stakeholders to achieve sustainable fisheries;
* encourage public debate about fisheries issues; and
* support our members and other stakeholders in their work.
The Stockholm-based Secretariat was set up in 2003 by three environmental NGOs: the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, WWF Sweden and the Swedish Angler\\'s Association. In May 2009, Nature and Youth Sweden (Fältbiologerna) was admitted as a new member organisation. Our Board members are: Klas Hjelm (chair), Swedish Society for Nature Conservation; Inger Näslund, WWF Sweden; and Stefan Nyström, Swedish Anglers’ Association. FISH currently has five staff. |
