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FISH: AN ISSUE FOR EVERYONE A Concept Paper for  Produced by WorldFish Center When you think of 'fish,' perhaps you also think of rivers, reefs and restaurants…but do you think of war, HIV-AIDS, or climate change? Do you think of high infant mortality rates or the loss of traditional cultures? In one way or another, the subject of 'fish' has an impact on every person in every society, if only because we are global citizens surrounded by the fishes' habitat: that most vital of all life giving substances-water. In less than 50 years, the world's average per capita consumption of fish has almost doubled, while those who catch, grow, process, trade and consume fish have changed almost beyond recognition. As overall demand for an adequate supply of fish continues to increase, we are forced to face the fact that this level of demand may not be met. Trying to meet it may cause long-term, irreversible damage to the environment and limit the future options of many people. The problems are multiplying, and the time has come for an informed, inclusive, public dialog. Such a dialog should shape a vision for the future in which aquatic life has a positive impact on food security and nutrition, providing people with better livelihoods. To this end, it should establish sustainable environmental practices along the world's rivers and coastlines, and in its lakes, seas and oceans. The opportunity for such international dialog and action is presented by the Fish For All Initiative. The dialog must take place on a global scale. It cannot be the work of one organization or one nation. Fish For All is, ultimately, an independent voice for the world. Communicating the specific realities of fish and fish supplies on our planet are matters of critical importance. Therefore, the ultimate goal of Fish For All is to establish fish-related matters as a significant issue on world economic and environmental agendas. But, in order for this to occur, leaders must understand the realities and complexities of the subject of fish in the modern, global context. Those with influence must also recognize the need for positive developments, which must suggest the multiple and meaningful next steps that should be taken to ensure a positive impact on those people whose futures depend on fish...  Click here
for full copy of this paper including information on 'Current Realities
and Complex Dilemmas' and 'Positive Developments and Next Steps'. |
