Alþjóðleg ráðstefna í Færeyjum um áhrif loftlagsbreytinga á lífríki sjávar í N-Atlantshafi, 7. apríl 2008
Address by the Iceland Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture,
Einar K. Gudfinnsson,
at the TransAtlantic Climate Conference in the Faroe Islands,
7 April 2008
In one of his genius novels, the Icelandic Nobel Prize winner, Halldór Kiljan Laxnes, had one of the main characters state the following, and I quote in an information translation: “What you are entrusted with - you are entrusted with” end of quote. Here the author is referring to how one shall not fail in the duties one shoulders.
To me this short but magnificent sentence contains the core of the ideology of responsibility that every fishing nation must adopt and follow. The goal of the utilization of natural resources in the interest of the nation is first and foremost twofold: one, to handle the resources cautiously, and two, to utilize the resources in a manner that provides the best living standards possible.
It may be said that in the debate on the utilization of natural resources, the concept sustainability rooted itself long ago, both in respect of the natural resources on land and in the ocean. The concept, sustainable utilization, does not mean that we should not utilize the natural resources. On the contrary, we are of the opinion that their sustainable utilization creates opportunity for the creation of valuables from natural resources that would otherwise not have yielded such valuables. Of course, this is a very ambitious goal and it cannot be said that mankind has succeeded well in these matters. There are far too many instances of people overexploiting the natural resources and not utilizing them in an appropriate manner. A nation that has the fortune of having a natural resource and is able to utilize it in a beneficial manner has many opportunities. Unfortunately, we know of several instances of nations that have extensive natural resources, yet have not managed to utilize them in a manner that serves their interests or in a responsible and credible fashion, i.e. in respect of renewable natural resources. The resources of a nation are no guarantee for it faring well.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Iceland was one of the poorest nations in Europe. We managed, however, to break the chains of poverty and to establish one of the most prosperous societies in the world. There were many interacting and contributing factors involved; however, one of the main reasons for this success is that the fishing industry became the driving force of the economy. The performance of the fishing industry totally determined the situation of the national economy. This did not happen by itself; instead through the sensible, moderate and responsible utilization of the marine resources. Of course, an essential part of the equation was Iceland gaining full control over its 200-mile economic zone. Considering that the fisheries have been the pillar of the Icelandic economy, the focal and unavoidable point has been how it must be subject to the law of economy and market conditions and not be the recipient of state subsidies. This is why the fishing industry has had to adjust itself to the competition it has always been in at the international markets.
I have become aware in various parts of the world how Iceland is regarded to some extent as a model in terms of the utilization of the natural resources of the sea. Of course, we take pride in such praise. I wish to emphasize, nevertheless, that we can do better in many respects, in fact, much better! I am not saying this out of pure modesty - definitely not. It is my firm belief that the main reason for us generally having tried to approach our utilization of the natural resource on grounds of long-term interests, is simply that we had no other alternative. We rely and have based our livelihood on the natural resources. This is why it has been clear to us right from the beginning that we must see to their utilization in a manner that enables us to hand them over to the coming generations in at least the same condition as it was when we received them. This is where our interests lie. It may therefore be said that we are driven by the interests entailed in carefully managing the natural resources, although there are different opinions how this is best ensured.
Obviously, there is much temptation to act differently in times and under circumstances we are faced with several other options. In such times the stakes may be less and occasionally results in people losing track of where they are headed. Of course it goes without saying that in instances where the relative importance of the fishing industry in society is less, people may focus less on the utilization of this natural resource.
There is every reason to emphasize that the management and utilization of the marine resources are never an easy task and many factors that must be included in the equation. In utilizing the marine resources in a sensible manner, we must remember that we are not tackling situations where all factors of the equation are known - far from it! This is a complex interaction of factors that in turn are affected by various things. We are not only talking about the utilization by mankind as being the only contributing factor; we must also understand the complex interaction in the ocean. This is why our answer is first and foremost entailed in increasing research and thereby casting a clearer light on the ecosystem here being addressed.
Changes in the temperature of the sea, the changing utilization of individual fish stocks, just to mention a couple of examples, are deemed as playing a major role in terms of comprehending the status of individual fish stocks. It is quite clear; for example, that the growth of the whale stocks here at the North Atlantic has had a negative impact on the size of various fish stocks, and also that the whale is literally in direct competition with man regarding the utilization of the fish stocks. This is a classic example of the interaction between a predator and a pray. This is why we believe that utilizing the whale stocks is an unavoidable part of utilizing the natural resources of the ocean in the best and most feasible manner. In order to strengthen one fish stock, we must know how to utilize another one that may be in competition for feed, or is perhaps the basis of the feed of the stock that we want to preserve and base our livelihood on. The classic example in Iceland is the interaction between capelin and cod. The capelin is the cod’s most important forage, yet is also an important commercial stock. We manage our utilization of this stock in a manner that prevents us from jeopardizing the strengthening of the cod stock. This tells us how we must always focus on many factors in our utilization of the marine resources. This, however, can only be done through the best available knowledge and expertise.
Marine research in Iceland is extensive, yet more needs to be done. Over the years, we have emphasized increasing such research and calling for as varied views as possible from all aspects of science. We have furthermore sought the views of fishermen and fishing vessel operators, as I regard it as a prerequisite for us being able to arrive at a sensible conclusion to hear the opinions of as many as possible and to fuel debate. Decisions derived from such a standing are not always easy ones, and in the short term they may cause much difficulty, particularly for those who have the greatest interests to protect. Striking and ignoring knowledge, however, is not an option in my opinion - in fact it is totally unthinkable! We have no option but to base our actions on the best available knowledge, which we must seek with our scientists and those who possess the most experience, the fishermen and the fishing vessel operators.
A decision was made in Iceland last year to decrease the total allowable cod catch, the cod TAC, by one third. This was not, - I repeat NOT -, because of any collapse of the Icelandic cod stock. The stock had decreased, however, recruitment was not sufficiently good, and neither the size of the stock nor the spawning stock was acceptable. Fortunately, we had various options and were not in a position of being forced to do just anything. We could, for example, postpone addressing the problem without placing the cod stock in major jeopardy. This would have weakened the stock, however, and eventually we would of course never have been able to refrain from taking measures. Problems regarding resource utilization do not vanish into thin air just by people trying to ignore them. As a responsible nation we surely had to strengthen the cod stock, this our most important fish stock, in order to render it able to continue being a pillar in the Icelandic economy. This is why we chose to do the sensible thing to strengthen the cod stock again, namely expand it in order to generate the best yield and also to facilitate fisheries from the stock at minimum cost. The short-term impact will be negative and will unavoidably affect some more than others. As a nation, we try to shoulder this responsibility and attempt to even out the burden even though it is clear to us that those who will be hit the hardest by such measures are those who had the most interests to protect regarding the fisheries and processing of cod.
I have frequently been asked whether this was not a hard decision to make. There is a simple answer to this question: yes - this was indeed a very difficult decision! The consequences, for example, affected the most the areas that I represent as a parliamentarian. I was born and raised in a fishing village that bases its entire livelihood on cod fisheries – I used to work in the fishing industry and I have worked in close proximity with people who totally rely on their income from the utilization of this fish stock. The impact was therefore very clear to me. But then again, this clearly illustrates how we take our role as a responsible nation very seriously. The fact that I, in my capacity as the minister of fisheries, was prepared to enter into this kind of a decision illustrates more than anything our position.
This decision was furthermore much disputed for many reasons. There are those who questione the scientific grounds and those who felt that we should take things more slowly. Of course, these are matters that will always be disputed. One thing is clear, however, namely that when such a decision is made the main thing is having identified and knowing the goal and how to realize it. We all know how easy it is to get lost on the track. We all know how simple it is for those who focus on the short term to just take the easy and comfortable path. Such a path, however, is not one that yields good results although it may be popular for the time being. The main thing is that if one does not set the course straight, one is faced with the risk of being blown off course in the turmoil of the political winds and hardly make any progress at all. Demagoguery is not what we need when setting the course in important matters. A politician who has received the trust of the nation in public elections and been given an extensive mandate must of course focus on long-term strategies and must base his or her decisions on clear ideology and ethics.
In this respect, of course, it is essential for the views on sustainable utilization and long-term focus being acknowledged in the society. Realizing when such a situation emerges may be difficult; however, the prerequisite for this is debate with the participation of many people. I believe that the discussions that have taken place in Iceland on the utilization of the marine resources and on how short time has passed since Iceland obtained full sovereignty over its economic zone, contributed to increasing the nation’s understanding for the importance of safeguarding and carefully managing the natural resources of the ocean.
Furthermore, it is significant how we have strengthened our economy and society, and built it on more foundations. This is why we, as a nation, have been able to better tackle the short-term difficulties resulting from the cuts in the total allowable catch. This does not, however, change the fact that the fishing industry is, as before, the pillar of the Icelandic economy. We see this clearly now when storms are sweeping across the financial markets of the world. We recognise that the organization of our fishing industry should be perceived as a solid industry to which major demands for yield are made and that the fishing industry is looked upon as any other field of work wherever in the world.
Unfortunately, there are too many people who do not regard the fishing industry in this manner. They believe that the fishing industry may hold a social and rural developmental role only, and should therefore not be subject to the rules of the market. Such thinking entails two things: one, sentencing those working in the fishing industry to lifelong poverty, and two, the risk, as has frequently materialized, that the demands made become less and thereby people treat the resource worse than before.
This is why I believe that the fishing industry should be given the opportunity it needs for economizing and responding, thereby rendering it possible for it to be able to engage in competition. We have no choice. If we do not succeed in maintaining the fishing industry as a solid and prosperous industry that generates good living standards, the living standards in Iceland will deteriorate at least when compared to other nations. It is worth noting that we have succeeded in organizing the fishing industry in a manner that has made it the main driving force in improving the living conditions in Iceland over the last decades. This should not be taken for granted. The fishing industry in too many countries is deemed as being a second-rate industry that does not compete with other industries, neither for capital nor manpower. One of the adventures during the last decades in Iceland is that the living conditions improved rapidly, not least as a result of the input of the fishing industry. One thing is clear, namely that if the fishing industry had been a burden, the living conditions in Iceland would not have improved as rapidly and steadily as they did. This is how important the fishing industry is for the national economy of Iceland.
An actual fact is that today the fishing industry is a knowledge based industry where we need to employ the best of the best. The technical improvements , the improved handling of the catches, market knowledge and progress in logistic, all of these factors have opened new doors to us and greatly increased the performance and yield of the fishing industry. Although the quotas have in some instances decreased; the value-creation increases. Additionally, the fishing industry has generated other industries producing top-quality technology.
It cannot be denied, however, that like in various parts of the world, the fishing industry in Iceland plays an important rural-development role. This should never be undermined. This, however, must not result in a decrease of the incentive for every district to economize and to strive towards better yields in the fishing industry as a whole. The route however entails putting aside a certain part of the fishing right and to utilize it under other prerequisites without, nevertheless, limiting the general possibilities for economizing in the industry. There is no doubt that this route is more attractive than constantly increasing the burden of the fishing industry as a whole, in the name of any kind of social views, which is a path various nations have gone with disastrous consequences as we know.
In discussing these matters we must strongly emphasize how to define fishing rights. Let’s not forget that this is something the nations which have reached the greatest results have focused on. Looking at the whole equation, to me it does not change everything whether we look at the fishing right as a quota – a measurable weight unit, as in Iceland and elsewhere, or as a catch-effort right, as is the case here at the Faroe Islands, for example. The main thing is that this is an individual right fueling rationalisation and also us creating as much valuables from the natural resource as possible. This furthermore generates long-term thinking, because he who receives the right to utilize the natural resource of course wants to do it in a manner that yields both him and the national economy permanent long-term valuables.
Earlier I touched up on how there are various examples in the world of nations having extensive natural resources, yet do not deal their cards right in respect of the opportunities entailed therein. This illustrates to us such a great paradox, namely, a natural resource, irrespective of how abundant it is, will not become tangible valuables unless it is sensible utilized. We see examples of this in many parts of the world - they stare us in the eyes. This is why we must always keep two things in mind: responsible utilization of the natural resources and an organization that results in less costs and fuels increased income.
Ladies and gentlemen
Buyers and consumers of fish products increasingly want to know whether the origin, catch methods and processing of such products are in conformity with the respect one must exercise for the marine resources and whether they are in conformity with the sensible utilization of the resources. More often than not we, the Icelanders, are asked such questions regarding the fish products we sell. Fortunately, we have succeeded in creating a good reputation throughout the world and enjoy this reputation at several international markets. It is felt that our resource utilization is symbolized by responsibility and that therefore it is safe to purchase and sell items whose origin is within the Icelandic fisheries management system and are processed by Icelandic enterprises. We strongly emphasize safeguarding this reputation, because it is easy to loose but hard to reconstruct. I have clearly become aware that the decision on reducing the cod TACs last year constitutes in the minds of many of our buyers as living proof how Iceland can be trusted regarding responsible natural-resource utilization. It is interesting in this respect to draw attention to how the prices of Icelandic cod products have increased considerably since the middle of last year, or since it became clear that the cod TACs in the Icelandic waters would be reduced significantly. This reflects the great interest of the buyers of Icelandic fish and also reflects that shortage of these products. This the sellers of Icelandic fish can vouch for. This is why I take exception when unsophisticated organizations maintain propaganda that has, directly or indirectly, smeared the reputation of those utilizing natural resources in a responsible manner. This does not only apply to us, Icelanders, but also to many other nations that find themselves in similar circumstances as ours. We must, of course, respond firmly and clearly, drawing attention to what we are doing. We should, of course, demand that any discussion about us is responsible and professional. Again, this puts pressure on us to do well in our efforts.
Responsible fishing nations at the North Atlantic should demand that they are judged by their actions; instead of being subjected to unfounded comments by those who cannot even be bothered to study matters, individuals or organizations that express themselves with total lack of knowledge and full prejudice, as we have unfortunately witnessed, even by parties that are respected and held in regard at the international arena.
Distinguished conference members
The Faroe Islands are setting a very good example for us all in initiating this international conference. Here is an opportunity for us to discuss important and pressing issues; to cast a light upon various issues of question, some of which are complex. This is furthermore a venue where various views are presented and in-depth and critical discussions are suggested. Here we, the nations whose livelihood depends on successful fisheries and other successful natural-resource utilization, are given opportunity to explain our cause and discuss in a wide context. Such an opportunity is rare. Most of us have probably, first and foremost, discussed these matters from a more narrow perspective, which in itself is normal and alright, however, expanding the debate deepens it and generates increased understanding, as we are at a venue where the topic is more extensive and the perspective is wider. This is a welcome opportunity for which I am grateful.
Friends and colleagues, thank you for this opportunity to share my views with you in an international context.