ETHICS
IN PRACTICE:
Although different ethical theories
may have different priority principles and reasoning behind them, a consensus
has been forming about the main principles of bioethics:
Human dignity, human rights and justice, which refers to
the duty to promote universal respect for the human person. In the context of
fisheries, this principle relates, for example, to fishers' self-determination,
access to fishing resources and the right to food. It is best represented by a
rights-based approach in ethics that emphasizes the protection of the personal
domain of each individual. It may require, however, the establishment of
individual or community rights, the exact nature of which will depend on local
conditions.
Beneficence, which concerns human welfare, reducing the
harms and optimizing the benefits of social practices. In the context of
fisheries, this principle needs to be observed when the effects of policies and
practices upon the livelihoods of fishing communities are evaluated. The
principle relates to working conditions (safety on board), as well as food qua
lity and safety. The issue of genetically modified organisms should also be
addressed in this context (FAO, 2001b). This principle invites an ethical
approach to fisheries that puts consequences to general welfare in focus.
Cultural diversity, pluralism and tolerance, which relates
to the need to take different value systems into account within the limits of
other moral principles. The pressing moral issues in fisheries take different
shapes across different cultures, and it is an important moral demand that
people themselves define how their interests are best served in a particular
cultural setting. This principle squares well with dialogical ethics, which
stresses the actual participation of those concerned.
Solidarity, equity and cooperation, which refers to the
importance of collaborative action, sharing scientific and other forms of
knowledge, and nondiscrimination. In the context of fisheries, this principle
underpins the moral imperative to eradicate poverty in developing countries and
ensure equity within fisheries and between sectors. It also requires
transparent policies and stresses the need to reduce the gap between producers
and consumers. This principle is relevant at the level of policy as well as at
the individual level of virtues and professional duties to further trust and
tolerance among stakeholders.
Responsibility for the biosphere, which concerns the
interconnections of all life forms and the protection of biodiversity. This
principle stresses that ecosystem well-being is a sine qua non condition of
sustainable fisheries providing for the needs of future generations, as well as
for the lives of those who currently rely on the natural environment and are
responsible for its use. This principle combines ethical reasoning based on
rights and on consequences for human welfare, as well as on individual virtues
and duties to respect the environment.
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