The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) notes the consultation to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the common fisheries policy (CFP). It welcomes the intention to conduct a thorough evaluation of the CFP's achievement of its objectives, ranging from sustainability of fisheries to the maintenance of a fair standard of living for fisheries and aquaculture communities.
The fisheries sector and related policies and management are characterised by various dimensions, such as the economic and the environmental dimension, as well as the social dimension. Any related policy (such as the CFP) is likely to generate impacts across these dimensions, and these should be given due consideration in the formulation, implementation and review of sustainable policy via impact assessments.
In this light, the MSA proposes the adoption of a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) that follows a comprehensive and scientific approach in conformity with the International Principles for Social Impact Assessment. The International Association for Impact Assessment defines SIA as being “the processes of analysing, monitoring and managing the intended and unintended social consequences, both positive and negative, of planned interventions (policies, programs, plans, projects) and any social change processes invoked by those interventions”. An SIA is an interdisciplinary process, and follows established social-scientific methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Social impact assessments should not be one-off exercises, but ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and which report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.
Link to MSA submission - click here