An intimate look at the farmers, ranchers, and businesses that are creating…
Weather The Storm
- Description
- Reviews
- Citation
- Cataloging
- Transcript
In today's global economy, the world's ocean resources are being hit hard. Enormous industrial 'floating factories' follow the fish wherever they are abundant, and move on when they have plundered the fish stocks. In the process, they squeeze the life out of small and local fishing communities.
The fishing communities of the Bigouden, on France's rugged Western coast, are determined to fight back. From the Paris fish riots of 1991, to the newly formed World Forum for Fish Harvesters, these small town fishermen have launched a sophisticated and multi-faceted strategy to stay small and successful in the face of global competition.
Filmed in ports from Western Canada to France, from Scotland to Senegal, Weather The Storm introduces viewers to the logic underlying both industrial and artisanal fishing economies. It provides compelling evidence for the environmental and socio-economic benefits of staying small and local. Although the battle to save the oceans is often publicly waged between environmentalists and corporations, this film gives voice to an important group who just may have the solutions we need: the small-scale artisanal fishers.
'Through a very biographical and anthropological lens, the film raises critical questions about the potential loss of artisanal fishing to a globalized and corporate model of fish harvesting. This loss would not only spell the end of unique regional cultures of fishermen and the identities they have built around their work, but also the end of a flexible system of resource management that relies upon local ecological knowledge and techniques that preserve entire species of fish. At a time when economies of global scale and fish harvesting technologies threaten to deplete fish stocks throughout the world, this film asks us to consider that the global conservation of natural resources and the local conservation of working people are often highly dependent upon each other. As such, Weather the Storm asks conservationists of all stripes to make local and global alliances with working people in the effort to design new global models of sustainable resource use.' Joe Bandy, Associate Professor of Sociology, Department of Sociology/Anthropology, Bowdoin College
'Weather the Storm tells the story of local fishers everywhere under pressure. By taking a stand against industrial fleets that devastate fish stocks worldwide, fishers on the western coast of France may have just the solutions we need to save fish, fishers, and their communities.' James R. Karr, Professor Emeritus, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Washington
'Weather the Storm provides a compelling illustration of many issues associated with the concept of fishing down the food web, from ecological to social phenomena. The film's focus on artisanal fishers and the effects they experience from the growth of industrial fisheries captures audience interest in the plight of real people in real fishing communities. Through clear narration and English subtitles, viewers are introduced to individual artisanal fishers and learn their perspectives about the interplay of family, community, economics, and politics and their increasing concerns with collapse of fisheries regionally and globally. The film helps demonstrate the importance of evaluating potential resource management strategies such as area and season closures.' Barbara A. Knuth, Senior Associate Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Professor, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University
'The filmmakers present the challenges facing artisanal fishermen as crucial not only for their own communities but for a healthy ocean. Weather the Storm captures their frustrations in dealing with management regimes that promote intensification and industrial fisheries, and expresses the importance of giving them a voice and a role in the world-wide production of fish. What I particularly like here is that the film brings them out of the touristic, folkloristic frame in which they're too often seen. It presents them as modern actors in a world that seems to discourage diversity - not only of species but of ways of life.' Jane Nadel-Klein, Professor, Department of Anthropology, Trinity College, Author, Fishing for Heritage: Modernity and Loss Along the Scottish Coast
'Menzies and Rashleigh provide an intimate picture of the challenges facing small-scale fishermen and coastal communities across the globe. Based on over a decade of research that fisherman and anthropologist Charles Menzies conducted in French fishing ports, the film complicates the 'dangerous simplicity' of common oppositions between industrial and artisanal fishers and between environmentalists and extractive fishery systems. Weaving together the narratives of a diverse range of informants, Weather the Storm presents a story of resistance to the globalization and privatization of fisheries to argue that 'choosing to stay local is the best way to stay sustainable.'' Dr. Courtney Carothers, Assistant Professor of Fisheries, School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks
'Recommended for libraries with comprehensive or specialized environmental collections.' Library Journal
Citation
Main credits
Menzies, Charles R. (film producer)
Menzies, Charles R. (film director)
Rashleigh, Jennifer (film director)
Distributor subjects
African Studies; Anthropology; Business Practices; Canadian Studies; Conservation; Ecology; Economics; Environment; Environmental Ethics; European Studies; Fair Trade; Fisheries; Food And Nutrition; Geography; Global Issues; Globalization; Humanities; International Studies; International Trade; Local Economies; Marine Biology; Natural Resources; Oceans and Coasts; Resource Management; Science, Technology, Society; Sociology; Sustainable Agriculture; Sustainable Development; TechnologyKeywords
00:00:16.400 --> 00:00:19.400
[somber music]
00:00:20.800 --> 00:00:22.599
(Menzies) THERE IS A STORY
ABOUT A FISHERMAN
00:00:22.600 --> 00:00:25.199
AND A WEALTHY BUSINESSMAN.
00:00:25.200 --> 00:00:28.799
THE BUSINESSMAN CAME BY ONE DAY
AND SAW THE FISHERMAN SITTING,
00:00:28.800 --> 00:00:30.932
JUST SITTING BY THE WATER.
00:00:30.933 --> 00:00:32.999
THIS HORRIFIED HIM.
00:00:33.000 --> 00:00:36.799
"WHY AREN'T YOU OUT FISHING?"
00:00:36.800 --> 00:00:38.499
"I'VE CAUGHT ENOUGH FISH
FOR ONE DAY,"
00:00:38.500 --> 00:00:41.199
SAID THE FISHERMAN.
00:00:41.200 --> 00:00:43.366
"DON'T YOU KNOW,"
SAID THE BUSINESSMAN,
00:00:43.367 --> 00:00:46.799
"THAT IF YOU CONTINUED,
YOU COULD EARN EVEN MORE MONEY,
00:00:46.800 --> 00:00:49.866
"AND WITH THAT,
YOU COULD BUY ANOTHER BOAT?
00:00:49.867 --> 00:00:51.766
"WITH TWO BOATS,
YOU COULD EVEN MAKE MORE MONEY
00:00:51.767 --> 00:00:53.266
"AND BUY BETTER NETS.
00:00:53.267 --> 00:00:55.732
"THEN YOU COULD CATCH
EVEN MORE FISH,
00:00:55.733 --> 00:00:58.299
"AND PRETTY SOON, YOU'D HAVE
A WHOLE FLEET OF BOATS.
00:00:58.300 --> 00:01:01.632
THEN YOU'D BE RICH LIKE ME."
00:01:01.633 --> 00:01:03.966
"WHAT WOULD I DO THEN?"
ASKED THE FISHERMAN.
00:01:03.967 --> 00:01:07.866
"WELL, THEN YOU'D ENJOY LIFE!"
00:01:07.867 --> 00:01:10.567
"BUT WHAT DO YOU THINK
I'M DOING RIGHT NOW?"
00:01:19.000 --> 00:01:21.299
THE FISHERMAN IN ME
BEGAN AS A YOUNG BOY,
00:01:21.300 --> 00:01:23.266
SPENDING TIME
WITH MY DAD ON HIS BOAT.
00:01:23.267 --> 00:01:26.267
[upbeat rock music]
00:01:29.133 --> 00:01:32.832
MY FATHER BOUGHT
HIS FIRST BOAT IN 1967
00:01:32.833 --> 00:01:34.399
AND THEN,
WHEN TIMES LOOKED GOOD,
00:01:34.400 --> 00:01:38.099
SOLD THAT BOAT
AND BOUGHT THE MISS GEORGINA.
00:01:38.100 --> 00:01:41.099
HE'S FISHED FROM VANCOUVER
ISLAND TO THE BERING SEA
00:01:41.100 --> 00:01:43.533
FOR HERRING,
SALMON, AND HALIBUT.
00:01:45.667 --> 00:01:48.666
UP TO SIX CREW WORKED
ABOARD THE MISS GEORGINA,
00:01:48.667 --> 00:01:51.999
AND MY FATHER OFTEN BROUGHT
ALONG HIS VIDEO CAMERA.
00:01:52.000 --> 00:01:54.166
OUR CREW CHANGED
FROM YEAR TO YEAR,
00:01:54.167 --> 00:01:56.099
BUT THE CORE GROUP OF MEN
FISHED WITH HIM
00:01:56.100 --> 00:01:58.799
FOR MUCH OF THEIR CAREERS.
00:01:58.800 --> 00:02:01.199
THAT'S MY DAD,
BASIL MENZIES,
00:02:01.200 --> 00:02:02.333
"BASSO" TO HIS FRIENDS.
00:02:03.933 --> 00:02:07.099
THIS HALIBUT TRIP IS JUST
ONE OF THE MANY WE MADE
00:02:07.100 --> 00:02:09.199
IN THE MISS GEORGINA
IN THE LATE 1980s
00:02:09.200 --> 00:02:11.632
AND EARLY 1990s.
00:02:11.633 --> 00:02:14.232
I'VE GROWN UP
WORKING WITH MY FATHER.
00:02:14.233 --> 00:02:18.066
THAT'S ME, CARRYING A SKATE
OF HALIBUT GEAR.
00:02:18.067 --> 00:02:20.499
AT TEN,
I JOINED HIM ON THE BOAT.
00:02:20.500 --> 00:02:23.500
AT 16, I EARNED THE RIGHT
TO A FULL CREW SHARE.
00:02:27.933 --> 00:02:29.732
THERE'S AN APPEAL TO FISHING.
00:02:29.733 --> 00:02:33.232
THERE'S AN ALLURE
TO THE OCEAN THAT PULLS US IN.
00:02:33.233 --> 00:02:38.299
EACH TIME IS A NEW BEGINNING,
A NEW CHANCE.
00:02:38.300 --> 00:02:41.432
YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT WILL COME UP
ON THE HOOK.
00:02:41.433 --> 00:02:44.199
IT'S AS THOUGH WE ARE
COLLECTIVELY HOLDING OUR BREATH,
00:02:44.200 --> 00:02:46.567
WAITING FOR THAT FIRST FISH.
00:02:57.500 --> 00:03:02.232
IT'S HARD WORK, BACKBREAKING,
AT TIMES TEDIOUS.
00:03:02.233 --> 00:03:04.800
BUT FISHING IS
MORE THAN JUST A JOB.
00:03:05.800 --> 00:03:09.299
IT'S A WAY OF LIFE.
00:03:09.300 --> 00:03:12.632
FISHING TOOK A DRAMATIC TURN
IN THE 1980s:
00:03:12.633 --> 00:03:15.366
PRIVATIZATION,
FREE TRADE OF FISH,
00:03:15.367 --> 00:03:18.666
AND NEW, MORE DEVASTATING
TECHNOLOGY.
00:03:18.667 --> 00:03:23.299
BY THE 1990s, FRONT-PAGE DEBATE
SPELT THE END OF FISHING.
00:03:23.300 --> 00:03:25.932
IF PEOPLE KNEW WHAT
WAS HAPPENING TO THE OCEANS,
00:03:25.933 --> 00:03:29.499
THAT THESE CORPORATIONS
ARE RAPING THESE OCEANS...
00:03:29.500 --> 00:03:31.932
WHAT WE'RE SEEING
IS A SYSTEMATIC WIPEOUT.
00:03:31.933 --> 00:03:34.066
AND MANY SCIENTISTS,
INCLUDING MYSELF,
00:03:34.067 --> 00:03:37.132
HAVE BEGUN TO WONDER,
IS IT EVEN POSSIBLE
00:03:37.133 --> 00:03:39.932
TO HAVE SUSTAINABLE FISHING
IN THE DEEP SEA?
00:03:39.933 --> 00:03:42.632
(Menzies) IN CANADA,
THE COLLAPSE OF ATLANTIC COD
00:03:42.633 --> 00:03:45.866
DESTROYED A WAY OF LIFE
ON THE EAST COAST.
00:03:45.867 --> 00:03:49.199
ON THE WEST COAST, SALMON
AND HERRING WERE IN PERIL.
00:03:49.200 --> 00:03:51.399
I REALIZED THERE WERE
FORCES AT PLAY
00:03:51.400 --> 00:03:53.599
BIGGER THAN WHAT I UNDERSTOOD.
00:03:53.600 --> 00:03:55.066
I WANTED TO MAKE SENSE
00:03:55.067 --> 00:03:58.699
OF THE REASONS
BEHIND CRISIS AND CHANGE.
00:03:58.700 --> 00:04:01.767
[man singing in French]
00:04:08.933 --> 00:04:10.166
(Menzies)
SEVEN YEARS LATER,
00:04:10.167 --> 00:04:12.199
I'D BECOME AN ANTHROPOLOGIST.
00:04:12.200 --> 00:04:15.166
I ARRIVED IN FRANCE
TO FIND THEIR FISHING
00:04:15.167 --> 00:04:16.966
IN A STATE OF CRISIS.
00:04:16.967 --> 00:04:20.432
AND THE FISHERMEN
WERE FIGHTING BACK.
00:04:20.433 --> 00:04:23.332
[man singing in French]
00:04:23.333 --> 00:04:26.032
ON A WINTER'S NIGHT IN 1993,
00:04:26.033 --> 00:04:28.032
A THOUSAND FISHERMAN
AND THEIR ALLIES
00:04:28.033 --> 00:04:30.232
STORMED A MAJOR
FISH AUCTION HOUSE
00:04:30.233 --> 00:04:32.032
ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF PARIS.
00:04:32.033 --> 00:04:34.766
THEY FOUGHT
THE FRENCH RIOT POLICE,
00:04:34.767 --> 00:04:37.066
BUT THE REAL ENEMY WAS CLEAR:
00:04:37.067 --> 00:04:39.532
THE GLOBAL FISH TRADE
THAT WAS DESTROYING
00:04:39.533 --> 00:04:42.099
THEIR LIVES AND COMMUNITIES.
00:04:42.100 --> 00:04:45.332
THEIR MISSION THAT NIGHT
WAS CLEAR AND SPECIFIC:
00:04:45.333 --> 00:04:48.299
DESTROY THE FOREIGN-CAUGHT
FISH FLOODING THE MARKETPLACE,
00:04:48.300 --> 00:04:51.700
AND LET FRENCH-CAUGHT FISH
PASS UNHARMED.
00:04:55.200 --> 00:04:59.099
THE PROTESTERS WERE REGULAR
FISHERMEN, MEN I'D MET:
00:04:59.100 --> 00:05:01.899
JEAN JACQUES COIC,
CREW MEMBER;
00:05:01.900 --> 00:05:04.199
PASCAL CRICET, BOAT OWNER;
00:05:04.200 --> 00:05:05.266
RENE-PIERRE CHEVER,
00:05:05.267 --> 00:05:07.532
GENERAL SECRETARY
OF THE COMMITTEE;
00:05:07.533 --> 00:05:08.866
ANDRE LEBERRE,
00:05:08.867 --> 00:05:11.399
FORMER PRESIDENT OF
THE LOCAL FISHERMAN'S COMMITTEE;
00:05:11.400 --> 00:05:12.532
AND ROBERT BOURGEON,
00:05:12.533 --> 00:05:14.166
THE CURRENT PRESIDENT
OF THE COMMITTEE:
00:05:14.167 --> 00:05:17.199
WORKING MEN, FAMILY MEN.
00:05:17.200 --> 00:05:20.566
TO ME AS A FISHERMAN,
AN ANTHROPOLOGIST,
00:05:20.567 --> 00:05:23.332
I SAW A TRANSFORMATION
TAKING PLACE.
00:05:23.333 --> 00:05:26.632
HOW TO MAKE SENSE OF ALL THIS?
00:05:26.633 --> 00:05:29.199
IS A SUSTAINABLE FISHERY
POSSIBLE?
00:05:29.200 --> 00:05:33.166
CAN WE DO IT IN THE CONTEXT
OF A GLOBALIZED WORLD?
00:05:33.167 --> 00:05:37.332
WHAT LESSONS CAN WE LEARN
FROM THESE MEN AND WOMEN?
00:05:37.333 --> 00:05:39.432
I'VE SPENT 12 YEARS
WITH THESE FISHERMEN
00:05:39.433 --> 00:05:40.799
AND THEIR FAMILIES,
00:05:40.800 --> 00:05:43.100
LOOKING FOR ANSWERS
TO THESE QUESTIONS.
00:05:45.067 --> 00:05:48.067
[accordion music playing]
00:05:51.067 --> 00:05:53.732
IT'S A LIFE
THAT ALL FISHERMEN KNOW WELL,
00:05:53.733 --> 00:05:55.732
NO MATTER IF YOU'RE
IN RUPERT OR LE GUILVINEC,
00:05:55.733 --> 00:05:57.732
CAPE TOWN OR SYDNEY.
00:05:57.733 --> 00:05:59.466
IN THE EARLY HOURS
OF THE MORNING,
00:05:59.467 --> 00:06:01.099
THE FISHERMEN LEAVE THEIR HOMES
00:06:01.100 --> 00:06:03.599
AND DRIVE THE DARK ROAD
TO THEIR OTHER HOME,
00:06:03.600 --> 00:06:04.733
THE BOAT.
00:06:08.367 --> 00:06:10.999
THEY FIRE UP THE ENGINE,
THROW ON COFFEE,
00:06:11.000 --> 00:06:12.232
CHECK THE WEATHER,
00:06:12.233 --> 00:06:14.632
AND DECIDE IF THEY'LL
GO OUT FISHING.
00:06:14.633 --> 00:06:17.633
[Gouyen speaking French]
00:06:30.300 --> 00:06:33.300
[Cricet speaking French]
00:06:42.433 --> 00:06:45.899
[Gouyen speaking French]
00:06:45.900 --> 00:06:48.900
[breezy instrumental music]
00:06:56.233 --> 00:06:59.233
[Cricet speaking French]
00:07:33.867 --> 00:07:36.299
(Menzies) THIS IS THE REALITY
OF THE ARTISANAL FISHERY...
00:07:36.300 --> 00:07:37.499
LONG DAYS AT SEA,
00:07:37.500 --> 00:07:40.332
EACH KNOWING YOUR OWN JOB TO DO,
00:07:40.333 --> 00:07:43.432
FREEDOMS:
OWNING YOUR OWN BOAT,
00:07:43.433 --> 00:07:47.066
CHOOSING WHO YOU WORK WITH,
DECIDING WHERE TO FISH.
00:07:47.067 --> 00:07:50.632
[Cricet speaking French]
00:07:50.633 --> 00:07:52.832
(Menzies) THE FISHERMEN
ARE THE FIRST IMPORTANT LINK
00:07:52.833 --> 00:07:54.166
IN A FISHING COMMUNITY
00:07:54.167 --> 00:07:57.400
THAT WORKS TO GET FISH
FROM OCEAN TO DINNER PLATE.
00:08:00.900 --> 00:08:03.899
[speaking French]
00:08:03.900 --> 00:08:06.900
[instrumental folk music]
00:08:14.733 --> 00:08:17.099
(Menzies) IT'S A DAILY RITUAL
IN THE AUCTION HOUSE.
00:08:17.100 --> 00:08:19.099
FISH IS THE FOCUS OF LIFE
00:08:19.100 --> 00:08:21.932
FOR ONE IN FOUR PEOPLE
IN THE REGION.
00:08:21.933 --> 00:08:23.932
THESE MEN ARE
THE FISH STORE OWNERS,
00:08:23.933 --> 00:08:26.599
SUPERMARKET BUYERS
WHO COME EVERY DAY
00:08:26.600 --> 00:08:29.866
TO HANDPICK THEIR FISH.
00:08:29.867 --> 00:08:31.999
THE BIDS ARE CAST,
00:08:32.000 --> 00:08:34.266
AND THE HIGHEST BIDDERS CART
THEM OFF TO THE FISH MARKETS,
00:08:34.267 --> 00:08:37.132
WHERE THEY ARE SOLD
JUST AROUND THE CORNER
00:08:37.133 --> 00:08:39.799
OR ALL OVER FRANCE.
00:08:39.800 --> 00:08:42.999
THE SYSTEM IS
A REMARKABLY EFFECTIVE WAY
00:08:43.000 --> 00:08:45.632
OF LINKING SMALL-SCALE FISHERS
TO MARKET BUYERS,
00:08:45.633 --> 00:08:49.432
FRESH FISH TO CONSUMERS.
00:08:49.433 --> 00:08:52.299
BUT THE SYSTEM IS NOT
WITHOUT ITS CRITICS.
00:08:52.300 --> 00:08:55.799
A GROWING NUMBER OF POLITICIANS
SEE THE ARTISANAL FISHING SYSTEM
00:08:55.800 --> 00:08:59.099
AS INEFFICIENT AND OUTDATED.
00:08:59.100 --> 00:09:02.533
[Guellec speaking French]
00:09:33.733 --> 00:09:35.799
(Menzies)
NOT FAR AWAY,
00:09:35.800 --> 00:09:38.367
WE FIND THE MODERN VISION
OF FISHING.
00:09:40.767 --> 00:09:42.232
THE ORIENT.
00:09:42.233 --> 00:09:46.832
THE NAME OF THIS CITY SPEAKS
OF TRADE ON A GLOBAL SCALE.
00:09:46.833 --> 00:09:48.999
THE NAME POINTS EAST
00:09:49.000 --> 00:09:52.566
TO THE DISTANT MARKETPLACES
OF THE ORIENT.
00:09:52.567 --> 00:09:54.999
ALAIN LE SANN
IS A FRENCH ACADEMIC
00:09:55.000 --> 00:09:57.299
WHO HAS SPENT HIS CAREER
STUDYING AND TEACHING
00:09:57.300 --> 00:09:59.266
ABOUT FISHING
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
00:09:59.267 --> 00:10:01.766
IN THE GLOBAL CONTEXT.
00:10:01.767 --> 00:10:04.767
[Le Sann speaking French]
00:10:30.800 --> 00:10:33.266
(Menzies) THESE HUGE VESSELS FISH
WEEKS AT A TIME,
00:10:33.267 --> 00:10:37.666
CAPTURING TONS OF FISH,
TRAVELING WHERE THE FISH ARE.
00:10:37.667 --> 00:10:39.966
THIS IS A FISHERY
OF BIG INVESTMENT,
00:10:39.967 --> 00:10:43.099
INTENSIVE MACHINERY,
MULTI-FLEET COMPANIES.
00:10:43.100 --> 00:10:44.799
WITHOUT WARNING,
00:10:44.800 --> 00:10:47.999
ONE LARGE BOAT
CAN ENTER LOCAL WATERS
00:10:48.000 --> 00:10:49.632
AND SCOOP THE CATCH
OF LOCAL FISHERMEN
00:10:49.633 --> 00:10:52.499
FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR.
00:10:52.500 --> 00:10:55.500
[Bourgeon speaking French]
00:11:38.500 --> 00:11:41.499
[LaGarde speaking French]
00:11:41.500 --> 00:11:44.500
[man speaking French]
00:11:47.500 --> 00:11:50.499
[LaGarde speaking French]
00:11:50.500 --> 00:11:53.500
[man speaking French]
00:12:02.233 --> 00:12:04.599
(Menzies) THE CHANGES IN FISHERIES
OVER THE LAST 30 YEARS
00:12:04.600 --> 00:12:07.699
IS THE FAMILIAR STORY
OF CORPORATE CONCENTRATION.
00:12:07.700 --> 00:12:11.599
ONE COMPANY WILL OWN THE BOATS,
CANNERIES, AND OUTLETS,
00:12:11.600 --> 00:12:14.732
FISHING OFF SPAIN,
CANNING IN SENEGAL,
00:12:14.733 --> 00:12:17.032
SELLING IN FRANCE.
00:12:17.033 --> 00:12:19.932
[Bourgeon speaking French]
00:12:19.933 --> 00:12:22.933
[Janick speaking French]
00:12:24.900 --> 00:12:27.900
[Chever speaking French]
00:12:39.467 --> 00:12:42.467
[speaking French]
00:13:02.900 --> 00:13:04.532
(Menzies)
ON A SCALE LIKE THIS,
00:13:04.533 --> 00:13:08.766
THE SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES
ARE DWARFED IN COMPARISON.
00:13:08.767 --> 00:13:10.399
BACK ON THE DOCKS,
00:13:10.400 --> 00:13:14.132
TOURISTS STILL FLOCK
TO SEE THE ACTION.
00:13:14.133 --> 00:13:17.133
[man speaking French]
00:13:19.300 --> 00:13:21.332
(Menzies) IT MAY LOOK LIVELY
TO AN OUTSIDER,
00:13:21.333 --> 00:13:23.799
BUT IS IT A THRIVING INDUSTRY?
00:13:23.800 --> 00:13:26.732
WHEN I ARRIVED
IN THE EARLY 1990s,
00:13:26.733 --> 00:13:28.632
THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT
HAD EMBARKED ON A PROGRAM
00:13:28.633 --> 00:13:31.466
TO DECOMMISSION
THE ARTISANAL FLEET,
00:13:31.467 --> 00:13:33.267
TO BRING IT
INTO THE MODERN AGE.
00:13:34.467 --> 00:13:37.467
[speaking French]
00:14:04.067 --> 00:14:07.067
[Guellec speaking French]
00:14:25.967 --> 00:14:28.466
(Menzies)
BUT IS IT REALLY THAT SIMPLE?
00:14:28.467 --> 00:14:29.632
ARTISANAL FISHING:
00:14:29.633 --> 00:14:32.466
AN OUT-OF-DATE,
ANTIQUATED SYSTEM,
00:14:32.467 --> 00:14:34.099
STEEPED IN FOLKLORE,
00:14:34.100 --> 00:14:38.166
UNWILLING TO STEP ASIDE
FOR PROGRESS?
00:14:38.167 --> 00:14:41.799
THOUGH IT MAY SOUND NOSTALGIC,
PERHAPS ROMANTIC,
00:14:41.800 --> 00:14:45.532
I HAVE A FEELING,
AS A FISHERMAN, AS A RESEARCHER
00:14:45.533 --> 00:14:47.766
THAT THE ARTISANAL WAY
MUST BE PRESERVED.
00:14:47.767 --> 00:14:51.999
IT HAS SOMETHING TO TEACH US.
00:14:52.000 --> 00:14:55.999
I WANTED TO GET THE COLLECTIVE
OPINION OF THE BIGOUDEN FISHERS,
00:14:56.000 --> 00:14:58.332
THE PEOPLE LIVING
AND WORKING RIGHT HERE.
00:14:58.333 --> 00:15:03.932
IT LED TO THE COLLAPSE
OF THE ARTISANAL FISHERY.
00:15:03.933 --> 00:15:07.867
(Menzies) DEBATE AMONGST THE AUDIENCE
BEGAN ALMOST IMMEDIATELY.
00:15:08.967 --> 00:15:11.967
[speaking French]
00:15:28.267 --> 00:15:31.267
[man speaking French]
00:16:15.833 --> 00:16:18.432
[man speaking French]
00:16:18.433 --> 00:16:21.433
[Chever speaking French]
00:17:22.667 --> 00:17:25.667
[speaking French]
00:17:29.033 --> 00:17:32.033
[Chever speaking French]
00:17:41.233 --> 00:17:45.632
[mixed conversation]
00:17:45.633 --> 00:17:48.633
[speaking French]
00:17:54.433 --> 00:18:01.366
[speaking French]
00:18:01.367 --> 00:18:03.400
[speaking French]
00:18:27.000 --> 00:18:29.332
(Menzies) BUT WHAT IF THERE ARE NO FISH
LEFT TO CATCH,
00:18:29.333 --> 00:18:33.199
AS SOME ARE FORECASTING?
00:18:33.200 --> 00:18:35.232
ROBERT TELLS ME
ABOUT CHANGES HE'S SEEN
00:18:35.233 --> 00:18:36.832
AT PETERHEAD, SCOTLAND,
00:18:36.833 --> 00:18:39.599
THE LARGEST WHITEFISH AUCTION
IN EUROPE.
00:18:39.600 --> 00:18:42.600
[speaking French]
00:19:18.533 --> 00:19:19.799
(Menzies)
NOT JUST SCOTLAND.
00:19:19.800 --> 00:19:22.332
IT'S THE SAME STORY IN FRANCE.
00:19:22.333 --> 00:19:25.799
PROFESSOR ALAIN LE SANN
HAS SEEN THE SAME COLLAPSE HERE.
00:19:25.800 --> 00:19:28.800
[Le Sann speaking French]
00:19:38.667 --> 00:19:41.132
(Menzies) THE MASSIVE TOOLS
OF INDUSTRIAL FISHING
00:19:41.133 --> 00:19:43.432
HAVE NOTHING LEFT TO CATCH HERE.
00:19:43.433 --> 00:19:46.399
THEY CAN NO LONGER JUSTIFY
THEIR COST.
00:19:46.400 --> 00:19:49.266
THEY'VE BEEN LEFT
TO GATHER RUST.
00:19:49.267 --> 00:19:52.932
[seagulls shrieking]
00:19:52.933 --> 00:19:55.933
[Le Sann speaking French]
00:20:11.533 --> 00:20:14.299
(Menzies) AND WHAT ABOUT
THE SMALL-SCALE FISHERMEN?
00:20:14.300 --> 00:20:17.099
ARE THEY MORE SUSTAINABLE?
00:20:17.100 --> 00:20:20.732
THESE MEN ARE ALSO WORKING
FOR PROFITS AND A BIG CATCH.
00:20:20.733 --> 00:20:23.066
YOU COULD ARGUE
THAT 300 SMALL BOATS
00:20:23.067 --> 00:20:25.732
ARE JUST AS DRAINING
AS ONE BIG BOAT.
00:20:25.733 --> 00:20:27.999
BUT MY RESEARCH HAS SHOWN ME
00:20:28.000 --> 00:20:30.732
THERE IS
A FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCE.
00:20:30.733 --> 00:20:33.199
IT'S HOW
THE ARTISANAL FISHERS RESPOND
00:20:33.200 --> 00:20:35.467
WHEN THE RESOURCE
STARTS TO DWINDLE.
00:21:05.267 --> 00:21:07.966
(Menzies)
THIS ABILITY TO ADAPT IS COMMON
00:21:07.967 --> 00:21:11.766
TO ARTISANAL FISHERS EVERYWHERE.
00:21:11.767 --> 00:21:14.767
[Le Sann speaking French]
00:21:39.233 --> 00:21:41.966
(Menzies) THE INDUSTRIAL SKIPPER
IS PROUD OF HIS ABILITY
00:21:41.967 --> 00:21:44.232
TO HUNT THE FISH ANYWHERE.
00:21:44.233 --> 00:21:47.233
[man speaking Spanish]
00:21:55.033 --> 00:21:57.399
(Menzies) IT'S WHAT MY RESEARCH
HAS SHOWN ME:
00:21:57.400 --> 00:21:59.032
BECAUSE HUMANS HAVE THE POWER
00:21:59.033 --> 00:22:01.432
TO HARVEST A RESOURCE
TO EXTINCTION,
00:22:01.433 --> 00:22:04.499
CHOOSING TO STAY LOCAL
IS THE BEST WAY
00:22:04.500 --> 00:22:08.532
TO STAY SUSTAINABLE
AND STILL MAKE A GOOD LIVING.
00:22:08.533 --> 00:22:10.366
ROBERT, FOR EXAMPLE,
00:22:10.367 --> 00:22:12.366
HAS DEVELOPED
A SIMPLE AND ELEGANT WAY
00:22:12.367 --> 00:22:16.767
TO MAXIMIZE HIS HARVEST
AND SAVE THE UNDERSIZED FISH.
00:22:55.200 --> 00:22:57.199
(Menzies) THE FISHERMEN ADD VALUE
TO THEIR FISH
00:22:57.200 --> 00:22:58.799
IN THE MARKETPLACE AS WELL.
00:22:58.800 --> 00:23:02.366
IT'S ANOTHER WAY TO CATCH
FEWER FISH AND MAKE A LIVING.
00:23:02.367 --> 00:23:05.367
[speaking French]
00:23:22.733 --> 00:23:24.466
(Menzies)
FIRST THINGS FIRST.
00:23:24.467 --> 00:23:27.899
THE TAGS SHOW THE ARTISANAL
FISHER'S CONFIDENCE
00:23:27.900 --> 00:23:29.432
THAT THERE ARE VALUES
MORE IMPORTANT
00:23:29.433 --> 00:23:30.899
THAN THE BOTTOM DOLLAR,
00:23:30.900 --> 00:23:34.632
AND IN THIS FISH SHOP,
ANYWAY, THE CONSUMERS AGREE.
00:23:34.633 --> 00:23:40.699
[LaGarde speaking French]
00:23:40.700 --> 00:23:43.700
[Mercer speaking French]
00:24:03.800 --> 00:24:05.699
(Menzies) JOSE EARNS HIS LIVING
DIGGING CLAMS
00:24:05.700 --> 00:24:07.199
ON BRITTANY'S SHORES.
00:24:07.200 --> 00:24:08.466
WHEN HE AND OTHER DIGGERS
00:24:08.467 --> 00:24:10.932
NOTICED THEIR CLAM STOCKS
WERE GETTING LOW,
00:24:10.933 --> 00:24:13.966
THEY QUICKLY AGREED
ON A SELF-IMPOSED CLOSURE.
00:24:13.967 --> 00:24:16.699
FOR HALF A YEAR,
NO ONE TOUCHED THE CLAM BEDS.
00:24:16.700 --> 00:24:18.866
THEY TURNED TO OTHER FISHING.
00:24:18.867 --> 00:24:20.367
AND SIX MONTHS LATER...
00:24:39.467 --> 00:24:41.132
(Menzies)
ANOTHER EXAMPLE:
00:24:41.133 --> 00:24:42.732
TROLLING FOR FISH,
00:24:42.733 --> 00:24:47.032
A MORATORIUM BY THE FISHERS
DURING THE SPAWNING SEASON.
00:24:47.033 --> 00:24:50.033
[Mercer speaking French]
00:25:02.700 --> 00:25:05.700
[Le Floc'h speaking French]
00:25:35.067 --> 00:25:37.832
(Menzies) COMMUNITY SUPPORT LIKE THIS
GIVES FISHERMEN CONFIDENCE
00:25:37.833 --> 00:25:41.466
TO MAKE TOUGH DECISIONS,
TO STOP FISHING FOR MONTHS,
00:25:41.467 --> 00:25:44.499
EVEN WHEN INDUSTRIAL FISHING
IS BREATHING DOWN THEIR NECKS.
00:25:44.500 --> 00:25:46.632
THEY HAVE BUILT-IN ADAPTABILITY,
00:25:46.633 --> 00:25:51.499
SHEDS AND WAREHOUSES FILLED WITH
NETS, BASKETS, LINES, HOOKS.
00:25:51.500 --> 00:25:53.199
WHEN ONE FISH STOCK DRIES UP,
00:25:53.200 --> 00:25:55.032
THEY FISH ANOTHER SPECIES
FOR A WHILE
00:25:55.033 --> 00:25:57.833
UNTIL THE RESOURCE COMES BACK.
00:26:02.733 --> 00:26:07.832
(Menzies) IT'S AN INTERESTING FORM
OF ENVIRONMENTALISM.
00:26:07.833 --> 00:26:11.666
FISHERS ADAPT NOT SO MUCH
TO "SAVE THE OCEANS"
00:26:11.667 --> 00:26:14.332
BUT BECAUSE THEIR NEIGHBORS
AND FAMILY
00:26:14.333 --> 00:26:17.132
DEPEND ON THEM
TO FISH SUSTAINABLY.
00:26:17.133 --> 00:26:19.732
THEIR COMMUNITY RELIES ON FISH.
00:26:19.733 --> 00:26:23.866
IT GIVES THE INCENTIVE
NOT TO DRAIN THE OCEAN.
00:26:23.867 --> 00:26:26.867
[Pratt speaking French]
00:26:40.067 --> 00:26:44.399
(Menzies) FREE TRADE HAS COMPLICATED
THE STORY.
00:26:44.400 --> 00:26:47.666
SINCE THE EARLY 1990s,
FREE TRADE HAS OPENED EUROPE UP
00:26:47.667 --> 00:26:51.532
TO CHEAP FISH FROM CHINA,
SENEGAL, CANADA.
00:26:51.533 --> 00:26:54.533
[Chever speaking French]
00:27:07.167 --> 00:27:09.366
(Menzies) MORE THAN HALF OF THE FISH
ON FRENCH SHELVES
00:27:09.367 --> 00:27:10.999
ARE FROM FOREIGN SOURCES,
00:27:11.000 --> 00:27:14.999
AND FRENCH SHOPPERS ARE REACHING
FOR THE CHEAPER PRICE TAG.
00:27:15.000 --> 00:27:18.000
[LeBerre speaking French]
00:27:32.567 --> 00:27:35.567
[Chever speaking French]
00:28:40.733 --> 00:28:43.132
(Menzies)
ARTISANAL FISHERS DID JUST THAT.
00:28:43.133 --> 00:28:45.266
THE FIRST WORLD FORUM
FOR FISH HARVESTERS
00:28:45.267 --> 00:28:48.166
MET IN NEW DELHI IN 1997.
00:28:48.167 --> 00:28:51.799
FISHERS FROM 40 COUNTRIES MET
FACE-TO-FACE FOR THE FIRST TIME.
00:28:51.800 --> 00:28:52.966
TO BE ABLE TO RAISE THEIR VOICE
00:28:52.967 --> 00:28:55.466
IN AN INTERNATIONAL FORUM
LIKE THIS.
00:28:55.467 --> 00:28:58.467
[Chever speaking French]
00:29:24.933 --> 00:29:27.600
[man singing in native language]
00:29:30.633 --> 00:29:33.633
[Chever speaking French]
00:29:35.800 --> 00:29:37.399
(Menzies)
THE WORLD FORUM DISCUSSIONS
00:29:37.400 --> 00:29:40.099
WERE A MAJOR STEP
IN INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY
00:29:40.100 --> 00:29:42.033
FOR ARTISANAL FISHERS.
00:29:53.000 --> 00:29:56.000
[percussive music]
00:29:57.000 --> 00:29:59.232
THESE PEOPLE
REPRESENT EVERYONE ELSE,
00:29:59.233 --> 00:30:02.032
THE NORMAL EVERYDAY CITIZENS
WHO GO AND EAT FISH EVERY DAY.
00:30:02.033 --> 00:30:04.399
WE ALSO WANT
TO EAT SUSTAINABLE FISH,
00:30:04.400 --> 00:30:05.766
AND WE ARE ALSO A VOICE
00:30:05.767 --> 00:30:07.666
TO BE HEARD
DURING THIS COUNCIL MEETING.
00:30:07.667 --> 00:30:10.032
SO IT'S THE CHEFS;
IT'S THE MOTHERS AND THE FATHERS
00:30:10.033 --> 00:30:12.299
WHO COOK FISH
FOR DINNER EVERY DAY...
00:30:12.300 --> 00:30:14.232
(woman) GREENPEACE IS WORKING
WITH A COALITION
00:30:14.233 --> 00:30:16.032
OF INTERNATIONAL
AND NATIONAL NGOs
00:30:16.033 --> 00:30:17.199
ON THIS ISSUE
00:30:17.200 --> 00:30:18.899
AS WELL AS OVER
A THOUSAND SCIENTISTS
00:30:18.900 --> 00:30:21.332
WHO ARE ALSO CALLING
FOR A MORATORIUM
00:30:21.333 --> 00:30:23.332
ON HIGH SEAS BOTTOM TRAWLING.
00:30:23.333 --> 00:30:26.333
[Le Sann speaking French]
00:30:36.700 --> 00:30:38.599
IF THERE ARE NO FISH LEFT
IN THE SEA,
00:30:38.600 --> 00:30:40.732
THERE IS NOT GOING
TO BE ANY INCOME OR JOBS
00:30:40.733 --> 00:30:42.466
FOR FISHERMEN IN THE FUTURE.
00:30:42.467 --> 00:30:44.866
SO SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO TAKE
DIFFICULT DECISIONS
00:30:44.867 --> 00:30:47.732
IN THE SHORT TERM
FOR THE FISHERMEN TO ENSURE
00:30:47.733 --> 00:30:50.033
THAT THERE ARE HEALTHY STOCKS
IN THE LONG TERM.
00:31:06.233 --> 00:31:08.733
WHAT WE'RE WITNESSING IS
EXTINCTION AFTER EXTINCTION.
00:31:27.867 --> 00:31:30.867
[Le Sann speaking French]
00:31:44.200 --> 00:31:45.499
IT IS BANKRUPTCY.
00:31:45.500 --> 00:31:48.932
IT IS RUINOUS THAT THESE
MEASURES HAVE BEEN PUT IN PLACE.
00:31:48.933 --> 00:31:50.666
(woman) WELL, THEY COULD LEAD
TO THE LOSS
00:31:50.667 --> 00:31:52.932
OF BETWEEN
30,000 AND 40,000 JOBS.
00:31:52.933 --> 00:31:55.933
[Le Sann speaking French]
00:32:07.100 --> 00:32:09.832
(Menzies) WHEN GOVERNMENTS GET TOUGH
ON FISHING REGULATIONS,
00:32:09.833 --> 00:32:13.532
WE OFTEN THINK IT'S TO GUARANTEE
A FUTURE FOR OUR FISH.
00:32:13.533 --> 00:32:16.366
BUT WHEN I LOOK AT FRENCH
AND E.U. REGULATIONS,
00:32:16.367 --> 00:32:20.000
I HAVE TO ASK:
WHAT'S REALLY GOING ON?
00:32:29.600 --> 00:32:32.066
(Menzies) DEVELOPMENT COMES
WITH CENTRALIZED FLEETS,
00:32:32.067 --> 00:32:34.766
HIGH INVESTMENTS,
HIGH EFFICIENCY.
00:32:34.767 --> 00:32:37.767
[Bourgeon speaking French]
00:32:43.767 --> 00:32:46.066
(Menzies) THEY TRY TO TEMPER
THIS INTENSIVE PRODUCTION
00:32:46.067 --> 00:32:49.999
BY CUTTING FISHERS,
RESTRICTING THEIR FISHING TIME.
00:32:50.000 --> 00:32:54.332
THEIR STRATEGY BRINGS LOTS
OF CHEAP FISH TO THE MARKETPLACE
00:32:54.333 --> 00:32:57.766
BUT AT THE COST OF JOBS,
COASTAL CULTURE,
00:32:57.767 --> 00:33:01.666
AND THE DIVERSITY OF THE OCEANS.
00:33:01.667 --> 00:33:05.266
IF SUSTAINABILITY
IS REALLY WHAT WE ARE AFTER,
00:33:05.267 --> 00:33:07.899
I HAVE TO ASK THIS QUESTION:
00:33:07.900 --> 00:33:10.199
DO THE REGULATIONS SUPPORT
00:33:10.200 --> 00:33:13.766
ADAPTIVE, RESPONSIVE
LOCAL FISHERS?
00:33:13.767 --> 00:33:15.199
OR DO THEY SIMPLY SUPPORT
THE GROWTH
00:33:15.200 --> 00:33:19.366
OF BIG-BUSINESS
FISHING COMPANIES?
00:33:19.367 --> 00:33:22.166
LOOKING AT THE CHANGES
TO FISHERIES IN MY LIFETIME,
00:33:22.167 --> 00:33:23.699
IT'S CLEAR TO ME
00:33:23.700 --> 00:33:26.300
AND TO THE FISHERS
OF THE BIGOUDEN AS WELL.
00:33:52.500 --> 00:33:55.500
[people conversing indistinctly]
00:33:59.700 --> 00:34:02.767
[Le Sann speaking French]
00:34:38.700 --> 00:34:42.366
(Menzies) THERE'S A FRENCH EXPRESSION,
FACE LA TEMPETE,
00:34:42.367 --> 00:34:45.666
"WEATHER THE STORM."
00:34:45.667 --> 00:34:49.899
THE STORM IS OVERWHELMING,
BUT IT WEATHERS THE WOOD.
00:34:49.900 --> 00:34:53.466
WE ARE CHANGED
BUT STRENGTHENED.
00:34:53.467 --> 00:34:55.032
I REMEMBER MY DAD SAYING,
00:34:55.033 --> 00:34:56.999
"YOU HAVE TO WORK WITH THE SEA,
00:34:57.000 --> 00:35:01.466
BUT YOU ALSO HAVE TO KNOW
WHERE YOU ARE GOING."
00:35:01.467 --> 00:35:03.166
WHERE ARE WE GOING?
00:35:03.167 --> 00:35:06.899
AS ONE BIGOUDEN MAN SAID TO ME,
"PEOPLE NEED TO REALIZE
00:35:06.900 --> 00:35:13.132
THAT THE WORLD IS STILL
TO BE BUILT A BIT EVERY DAY."
00:35:13.133 --> 00:35:16.199
IF WE WANT TO WEATHER
THE STORM OF GLOBALIZATION,
00:35:16.200 --> 00:35:19.900
WE MUST FIGHT TO KEEP
OUR FISHING FLEETS LOCAL.
Distributor: Bullfrog Films
Length: 36 minutes
Date: 2008
Genre: Expository
Language: English
Grade: 10-12, College, Adult
Color/BW:
Closed Captioning: Available
Existing customers, please log in to view this film.
New to Docuseek? Register to request a quote.
Related Films
Vividly reveals the dysfunctionality of the industrialized world food…
The first major feature documentary film revealing the impact of overfishing…