COUNTRY STUDIES: PORTUGAL

Transcription

1 ANNEX V COUNTRY STUDIES: PORTUGAL 1 NATIONAL CONTEXT 1.1 OVERALL CONTEXT 1.1 SELECTION OF FDAS 1.2 DATA SOURCES 1.3 THE NATIONAL FISHERIES SECTOR 2 KEY DATA COLLECTED 2.1 EMPLOYMENT 2.2 LEGISLATION 2.3 ORGANISATION 2.4 EDUCATION & TRAINING 2.5 SOCIO-CULTURAL STATUS 2.6 ECONOMIC STATUS 3 CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 KEY FINDINGS 3.2 CONCLUSIONS 3.3 RECOMMENDATIONS Appendix 1: Bibliography Appendix 2: People interviewed Appendix 3: Relevant legislation March 2002 MacAlister Elliott and Partners Ltd page 1

2 1 NATIONAL CONTEXT 1.1 SELECTION OF FDAS Identification of Fisheries Dependent Areas and non dependent areas in Portugal are presented below. These relate to the results of the socio-economic study of Table 1 : Most fishery dependent regions at NUTS 3 level (1996) Fisheries Dependent Areas at NUTS 3 Level NUTS 1 NUTS 2 NUTS FDA Ratio 1 (%) Portugal Region Groups of Councils (Ratio 1 >1%) Continente Norte 0,4 Minho Lima 1,7 FDA Cavado 0,2 Grande Porto 0,7 Centro 0,3 Baixo Vouga 0,8 Baixo Mondego 0,3 Lisboa e Vale do Tejo 0,3 Oeste 1,4 FDA Grande Lisboa 0,1 Peninsula de Setubal 0,7 Alentejo 0,3 Alentejo Litoral 1,3 FDA Algarve Algarve 5,7 FDA Açores Açores Açores 3,7 FDA Madeira Madeira Madeira 1,1 FDA March 2002 MacAlister Elliott and Partners Ltd page 2

3 2 KEY DATA COLLECTED 2.1 EMPLOYMENT General The overall gender breakdown of employment in fisheries shows a substantial majority of men in the activities of fishing, bivalve production (viveiros) and aquaculture, as well as in fishing Producers Organisations. In fish processing and research women are in the majority, and in all other fishing related activities women are equally represented. Table 2: Employment data for the fisheries sector 1998 DATA Women Men Total Fisheries Total (excluding viveiros men) (1*) Fishing overall: skipper at sea * 0 Na Na crew at sea (ESTUARINE FISHING) 293 Na Na support/admin ashore (Netting and Management) 197 Na Na Aquaculture (semi-intensive & intensive fish production) overall: stock husbandry technical/lab management/marketing/trading Aquaculture (extensive fish production) overall (2*): 10%* 90%* 287* Aquaculture Bivalve Production (3*) 675* 5000* 5675* viveiros 150* 1500* 1650* harvesting 525* 3500* 4025* Processing overall: foreman (factory floor) worker (factory floor) technical/lab management, sourcing, marketing, trading Trade (Retail and Wholesale including auctions) (4*) foreman worker technical management, sourcing, marketing, trading Wholesale Auctions Administration, management Governmental Administration Técnicos (Licenciatura) Técnicos (bacharelato) Técnicos March 2002 MacAlister Elliott and Partners Ltd page 3

4 Others Administrative Research Statal Institution (5*) Directors Researchers Técnicos (Licenciatura) Técnicos (bacharelato) Técnicos (Professional Training) Auxiliar Técnico Others Administrative Training Institutions Directors Técnicos / Trainers (Licenciatura) Técnicos / Trainers (bacharelato) Others Administrative Auxiliar Staff External Trainers (broad participation) Producer Organisations / Associations / Cooperatives Social corps Administrative * (1) Men from viveiros are usually also registered fishermen and therefore not included in overall total * (2)estimates and approximate percentages - no specific data available for the sub-classes; Also are mainly part-time. This activity is characterised by self-employed people / small family businesses with their main economic activities in other sectors. * (3) estimates of full-time people involved * (4) Trade employment can be under-estimated. Statistical source has poor data on self-employed people and family businesses where formal employment is not registered. * (5) University Departments specialising in fisheries are not considered; In addition the Oceanographic and Fisheries Institution in Azores is not considered. In terms of fishing and harvesting activities it is important to note that women from a community in the Algarve living on the Island of Culatra are not counted here, however they do have activities in fishing, bivalve harvesting, netting operations and viveiros (estuarine areas where bivalves are seeded and reared). This is a community with about 400 to 600 people, living mainly on fisheries activities. Every member of the family, from young to old, has an important role in the activity. However, there are no statistics/reports available quantifying the exact number of people in this community. March 2002 MacAlister Elliott and Partners Ltd page 4

5 2.1.2 Viveiros and bivalve harvesting In terms of numbers of enterprises and people employed this is an important sector, with about 4,800 people involved in approximately 1,000 family enterprises on the Portuguese mainland. Production is seasonal, and there are substantial numbers of part-time and temporary workers. The Ria Formosa area of Algarve is known to be the most important region for viveiros with approximately 1000 active self-employees. Owners, operators and workers in bivalve mollusc harvesting are often members of the same extended family, therefore this activity frequently involves women. Part time activities are characterised by a link between artisanal fisheries and viveiros. People often have full time employment in fisheries but with various activities from different subsectors. Registered fishermen with a small artisanal vessel may also own viveiros, undertaking each activity depending on weather conditions, seasonality and consumer demand. Women are frequently involved in these activities as they are family businesses. Workers who do not own a fishing vessel or a viveiros, or only have small areas, may work for others; usually in either fishing, aquaculture, viveiros or harvesting (mariscagem). This work can also alternate with other jobs in activities not related to fisheries. In fish trading, retail and wholesale business, men and women are represented fairly equally. Men represent the majority of workers in the wholesale sector, which includes the national fish auctions run by a state owned company (Docapesca). However it is believed that women have a higher representation than is shown in the figures for trading due to under-estimated data. In fact there are several women who undertake trade activities as self-employed persons or through family businesses. This category of employment is poorly represented in the statistics available Trade All fish landings are obliged to pass through an auctions system of first sale. The auctions company has delegations spread over Portugal and the Islands in all fishing areas. Exporters and fish mongers (wholesalers, mobile fish mongers, retailers within markets or shops) buy their products at the auctions. Retailers in fish markets or in shops may also buy at second sale, from wholesalers. Mobile fish mongers sell fresh fish to the consumer directly from their van, going from village to village, and are responsible for fresh fish distribution into the interior of the country. March 2002 MacAlister Elliott and Partners Ltd page 5

6 Table 3: Regional Employment in Fisheries Activities at NUTS 3 level 1998 Employ. Region Characteristics Fishing (f.) / Support (s.) Processing Aquaculture Int. / Semi- Int. Trade (R./W.) Nuts 3 W/f. W/s. T (M+W ) M W T M W T M W T Norte Minho Lima FDA E/R Cavado Non FDA Ave Non FDA I Grande Porto Non FDA Tâmega Non FDA I E.D. e Vouga Non FDA I A. T. Montes Non FDA I Centro Baixo Vouga Non FDA E/R Dão Lafões Non FDA I Baixo Non FDA Mondego P.I. Norte Non FDA I Pinhal Litoral Non FDA P.I. Sul Non FDA I Lisboa e V.T. Oeste FDA E/R Grande Lisboa Non FDA E/R Peninsula de Non FDA E/R na Na Setubal Médio Tejo Non FDA I Lez. do Tejo Non FDA I Alentejo Alentejo FDA Litoral Algarve FDA E/R Açores FDA Madeira FDA Legend: I.: Regions situated in the interior of the country E/R: Regions with estuarine, river or lagoon / Ria activities FDA: Fisheries Dependent Area according to Ratio of Value Added above 1%, for March 2002 MacAlister Elliott and Partners Ltd page 6

7 2.1.4 Employment in non-fdas The Non-FDAs with significant fisheries activity (Grande Porto, Baixo Vouga, Grande Lisboa and Peninsula de Setubal) are characterised by important employment industries, fish processing, fish trade and fishing. Employment of women is very high in fish processing and fish trade. Employment in fisheries is diluted by the high population and demographics of these regions, and high employment in other sectors. However, there are some important fishing communities in these areas where the role of women is important. These are generally communities of artisanal small-scale coastal or local fisheries where family involvement as a whole is extremely important for family revenue. Fishing vessels are usually operated as much as possible by members of the same family so that the income stays within the family. This includes wives, sons and daughters, with the men being usually the skipper. The economical need in these regions means the involvement of women is necessary and is considered normal. Women are considered as good as men for most working activities, and are not discriminated against. Nevertheless, women have an exclusive role in taking care of the family, house, children and cooking. Therefore women have a very heavy workload; keeping their traditional roles and adding to these the fishing support and management tasks for which they do not receive any salary. In Grande Porto, the most important communities are Vila do Conde and Póvoa do Varzim; 50% of women work in netting operations and 50% in onshore support and management of family fishing vessel. In general, the men go to sea while the women take care of all needs on land. Baixo Vouga, Grande Lisboa, and Península de Setubal all contain important estuarine and river areas for fishing. Women are involved in fishing small-scale artisanal fishing vessels. The interior areas of the country (also non-fdas) are linked with employment in fish processing activities which are mainly related with the drying of bacalhau or processing of frozen fish. Therefore it is important to underline the importance of dependency on the imports of cod and other fish. There are some new factories in Baixo Mondego and Dão Lafões processing bacalhau Employment trends Fisheries overall employment Overall fishing output has shown relative overall stability (a 9% decline over the period , 4% growth over , 10% growth from and zero growth from ). However, the general perception is that individual wage of crew members have been reduced, while vessel operation costs have increased; hence value added has also decreased. Hence overall employment in the sector has declines (see table 4). Portuguese National Sector Guidelines (1999) also support this view. The overall value of sales from fish processing shows slight growth (12% growth over the period , and 20% growth for ). March 2002 MacAlister Elliott and Partners Ltd page 7

8 Table 4: Total employment in fishing activity & annual variation Year Total employment Annual variation (%) decline Fish processing employment has also registered a decline from 6475 people in 1996 to 6294 in 1998; a decline of 2.9%. Age Characteristics of Fishers (Men) Overall, the sector is characterised by an ageing workforce (see table 5). 84% of fishermen were in the year age range, with a majority of these in the age range. Few fishers were less than 30 or over 59 years. All of those over 59 worked in the artisanal sector. Most of the under 30s worked in the Algarve region (see table 6), which has a different age profile, with 37% being under 40 years, and 62% under 50 years old. In the islands of the Autonomous Region of Azores, (table 7), this is even more pronounced, with 45% being under 40 years, and 71% under 50 years old. However, in the north of Portugal fishers frequently comment that few young people are involved in fisheries. Table 5: Age profiles of Portuguese fisheries: Age characteristics of fishers in 1999 based on survey of 172 in Centre (Aveiro, Nazaré) and South of Portugal Algarve (Olhão). Age Group < >59 total Number % Table 6: Age profile of matriculated fishers in activity in Olhão (Algarve), 1999 Age Group < >61 total Number % Table 7: Age characteristics of matriculated fishers in activity in 2001 based on survey of 775 in the Azores Age Group < >59 Total Number % March 2002 MacAlister Elliott and Partners Ltd page 8

9 Age Characteristics of Processing employees (Women & Men) Women in the processing sub-sector are generally young, particularly in the Azores where more than 81% of women are under 45 years old and 54% are under 35 years. Table 8: Age distribution of women in processing in 1998 Region % Age Mainland Portugal 40 under 35 years old 70 under 45 years old Islands Madeira 32 under 35 years old 68 under 45 years old Islands - Azores 54 under 35 years old 81 under 45 years old Table 9: Age characteristics of processing workers by gender in 1998 in Portugal: Mainland, Madeira & Azores Mainland Portugal >65 Ignor. total Men Nº % Women Nº % Islands Madeira >65 Ignor. total Men Nº % Women Nº % Islands Azores >65 Ignor. total Men Nº % Women Nº % March 2002 MacAlister Elliott and Partners Ltd page 9

10 2.2 LEGISLATION The Portuguese Constitution guarantees equal rights regardless of gender within the Portuguese Society in all sectors (education, health, labour, justice, social security, politics, etc.). There are a number of national laws specifically affecting women's rights, the most important of which in this context are the following: Gender relevant laws and description PRT nº 186/73 revoked by Law 142/99 (31/08/99) art 21 Prohibiting or creating conditions concerning women working in specific fields - revoked L. D. nº 392/79 (20/09/79) Equality of opportunities and treatment at work L. D. nº 95/88 (17/08/88) Guarantee of rights for women associations L. D. nº 426/88 (18/11/88) Equality of opportunities and treatment at work, in respect with public administration L. D. nº 166/91 (9/05/91) Setting up Commission for the Equality and Women Rights Law 105/97 (13/09/97) Direct and indirect discrimination There are no specific regulations applying solely to the fisheries sector (or indeed any other sector). There are two enforcement institutions, charged with responsibility for seeing that the laws are applied. These are the IGP (General Inspectorate of Labour) and CITE (Commission for Equality at Work and Employment, which covers all workers). In addition, there are two state institutions directly concerned with promoting women s rights. These are the Secretary of State for Equality and the Commission for Equality and Women's Rights. More detail on these and the laws described above are given in Appendix 3, which also lists the key legislation in Portuguese. 2.3 ORGANISATION The fisheries sector includes organisations such as co-operatives, Producers Organisations and unions. Their high level staff and officials are almost all men, as is the social core structure, although membership includes women and the organisations are open for the full involvement of men and women. In some circumstances women are not members of co-operatives but their can be involved in meetings, usually due to being married to members of the organisation. This is particularly true of bivalve production, viveiros and harvesting activities. It is important to note that none of these organisations have fostering women s aspirations as one of their objectives, but are concerned with production related questions. The unions are the only organisations with broader social objectives such as defending workers rights (salaries, social benefits, working conditions, etc) although they are not targeted specifically at women. March 2002 MacAlister Elliott and Partners Ltd page 10

11 Processing is the only sector with women in organisations. Women have a high membership in the unions of the Fish Processing Industry Workers, and are involved as delegates and operational members. This situation is a result of the high number of women in this sub-sector as well as the general union organisation within factories. One of the two major confederations of unions in Portugal has a Food Processing Union, with units incorporating the fish processing industry. These include in all regions (FDA and non-fda) where fish processing is highly active (Algarve, Grande Porto, Lisboa e vale do Tejo, Lezíria do Tejo which includes the Oeste region). Women from the factories often act as delegates, but many commented that they have difficulties arranging this with their family due to lack of agreement from husbands. Two of the main Portuguese confederations of unions have specialised central units on women s rights, based in Lisbon but covering the whole country. They are charged with defending women s rights with labour legislation. These are small units involving women in charge of the organisation Key specific questions Unions: Women and men are both represented in the same trade unions, in terms of membership, and even as delegates. Trade associations: Women belong to the same producer organisations, fishermen s associations etc. as men. The fishing associations are almost exclusively men, because men are the huge majority of the labour force and vessel owners. Aquaculture producer organisation are also male dominated, due to the fact that most owners are men. However, in producer organisations related to bivalve production (viveiros mainly, but also harvesters) involvement is equally shared by both genders. This is a result of the specific family business which surrounds this type of production, where both men and women from the same family defend their interests independently of gender. Informal associations: There are no specialist fisheries women s clubs, NGOs etc in Portugal. We were informed that there was an attempt to develop a women s association in the North of Portugal (Vila do Conde and Póvoa de Varzim) with women from the informal fishing activity, but the attempt did not succeed. Women s involvement was not sufficient, and also men did not support the idea of such an organisation (and still do not). Women s position in these organisations: When present, women in Producers Organisations or Cooperatives and unions are usually in junior posts. Support facilities: In general support facilities are poor in the production sectors. Outside the cities these facilities are poor in number and capacity. However this is not considered as a major problem. Women in fishing, bivalve viveiros production and harvesters and the processing industry organise their tasks in order to leave their children in the home of family relatives, neighbours or friends, since child care is not usually available, and where present it is usually not affordable for women in the fishing sector. However, facilities such as administrative support, research and training are common and easily available. March 2002 MacAlister Elliott and Partners Ltd page 11

12 2.4 EDUCATION & TRAINING An extremely low educational level characterises women in the processing sector as shown in Table % have only primary level education or below, while graduates represent only 0,6%. Only 3% of men are graduates, with 54% only have primary level education or below. Low educational levels also characterise the trade sub-sector, with 49% of women and 45% men having only primary level education or below, while graduates only represent 1% (women) and 2% (men). Graduates in aquaculture have higher levels of representation of 12% (women) and 6% (men), with women having a more relevant role in technical positions. Table 10: Educational levels (1998) in processing, fish trade and aquaculture Below Primary Preparatory Secondary Bachelor Graduate Total Primary (1º Ciclo) (2º&3ºCiclo) Processing Women % Men % Aquaculture (Fish Production) Women % Men % Trade (Retail & Wholesale Women % Men % Facilities available In Portugal there is a specialised state training institution (Forpescas) and a centralised Fisheries training school in Lisbon (Escola de Pesca e Marinha de Comércio). The institution Forpescas is present Portugal wide, especially in the main fishing regions: North (Viana do Castelo, Matosinhos), Centre (Aveiro, Peniche, Lisboa), South (Sesimbra, Setubal, Olhão). This institution covers the Algarve main FDA and actually also non-fdas where fisheries are important. This institution covers specific sector courses opened for both genders: fishing / seagoing (includes in the job training in commercial fishing vessels); marine engineering; aquaculture, fish handling, processing, quality and hygiene procedures; marketing and management. There are also specific short term courses catering to specific needs and requirements. Some of these have been organised after requests from women and men in the north of Portugal and are targeted at women in informal fishing support activities. These courses relate to accounting, bookkeeping and basic manipulation of the computer for management purposes. Specific courses have also been organized for processing industries (for the staff of each establishment interested in this type of training). March 2002 MacAlister Elliott and Partners Ltd page 12

13 As well as providing training for those already in the sector, it also provides courses to youngsters of both gender with no experience of the sector on basic fishing and aquaculture courses (EU level 3). However, very few of the young boys and girls who have been trained have stayed in the sector. Generally, the training period at sea in commercial fishing vessels, where boys and girls are exposed to the hard work and poor working conditions of vessels, put trainees off, and they leave for another sector. Boys in these courses represent the majority although the proportion of women has been increasing. Training courses have also helped women in the sector regularise their legal situation and register with port authorities. Once they have a fishers registration, they can join the land crew of the fishing vessel and benefit from social security. This has been particularly helpful to women in the non FDAs such as Baixo Vouga where estuarine fishing is important. Tables 11 and 12 present numbers of people by type of training course. The largest courses for young people outside the sector is on fishing (67% of total hours and 88% of trainees). Training in processing was only 8% of total training hours and 2% of trainees. Surprisingly few people have undertaken training on fish processing given the importance and needs of the sub-sector. Processing has around 14% of total employment and about 54% of the total female employment in the fisheries sector. Fish processing is also characterised by unskilled and non-qualified staff (69% of women processors have primary school education or below). The needs for training are therefore quite urgent. However, there were only 44 trainees, out of a total workforce of about 6300 people. Table 11: Training courses developed within the period 1994 to 1999 Training Courses Total Training Hours (all courses) Nº of trainees Nº of trainees finalising course with approval Fishing related Aquaculture Fish Processing Fisheries Management Vessel Construction & Repairs Cold Stores Others TOTAL Short term training took place different areas as shown in table 12. The non FDA of Peninsula de Setubal and Grande Porto have had the most help and support for women in informal fishing activities relating to their husband s activity. There is also a basic computer training course currently being developed in Grande Porto. March 2002 MacAlister Elliott and Partners Ltd page 13

14 Table 12: Short term courses for women in informal fishing activities (1993-9) Period Short term training Hours Nº on NUTS 3 Area (Women in informal fishing) course Development Non FDA - Peninsula de Setubal Technicians Local Leaders FDA - Azores Professional Non FDA - Peninsula de Setubal reorientation Management of small 60 9 Non FDA - Grande Porto businesses Basic Administrative Practices FDA Minho Lima Non FDA Grande Porto Non FDA - Baixo Vouga Non FDA Baixo Mondego FDA Oeste Non FDA Peninsula de Setubal FDA Algarve 2.5 SOCIO-CULTURAL STATUS There are no specific social or cultural reasons which exclude women from fisheries; on the contrary, women do have an important role in the fisheries sector in Portugal. Women are the majority in the fish processing industry, administration and fisheries research, trading and fish marketing, and are also represented in the aquaculture sector. Appendix 4 lists some individuals currently in senior positions within Portuguese fisheries administration Cultural influences Fishing There are no cultural reasons to exclude women from fishing. It is generally accepted that women could be received onboard fishing vessels without any problem. On the other hand, it is considered that conditions on board fishing vessels are not usually suitable for having both genders onboard. Hence in practice the sector is divided into two parts; the coastal and deepwater fleet where women are not involved at all, and the small-scale fishing fleet (small coastal vessels and artisanal fishing vessels, fishing at sea near the coast or in estuarine areas or lagoon systems), where women are involved, although they only exceptionally go fishing. When women are involved in fishing (in small scale fisheries) they usually play a complementary role to the fishing activity at sea. They undertake informal activity as self-employed fishermen s wives, responsible for onshore activities, such as at auction sites. In some cases women are the owners of the vessels due to inheritance. March 2002 MacAlister Elliott and Partners Ltd page 14

15 Some parts of Portugal, such as the north, (Póvoa de Varzim and Vila do Conde - NUTS 3 Grande Porto) and some communities in the NUTS 3 Lisboa and Vale do Tejo, there is a strong tradition of family organisation which has been in existence for decades. Men go fishing, women have the responsibility of onshore activities (washing, handling and selling of fish; netting and other fishing gear operations) and all domestic tasks, plus management of total income, bookkeeping, documentation (of vessel and men) and accounts. Women receive all the money resulting from the landings after tax and social security deduction and manage it, some times in partnership with her husband who is fully responsible for the fishing. Usually the gender roles pass through the family while youngsters, boys start fishing at sea, girls starts helping their mothers onshore. Under these conditions, it is important to both men and women that women are not excluded from the fishing activity. The regions where this system is common are non-fdas. Women who are not wives of self-employed fishermen (vessel owners) but are in most cases related to the family (e.g. daughters and daughters-in-law) can also undertake onshore activities. These will involve in particular repair and preparation of fishing gear and not only for small-scale artisanal vessels. NUTS 3 areas where women are associated with gear preparation are: - Grande Porto (Vila do Conde / Póvoa do Varzim / Matosinhos); associated with netting. - Azores (Island of Terceira); longline preparation; - Algarve (the island of Culatra); multi-fishing gear - Lisboa e Vale do Tejo (small fishing communities); multi-fishing gear - Baixo Vouga (Ílhavo / Aveiro); multi-fishing gear In a very few cases there are women fishing at sea. These women fish in areas with estuarine or lagoon systems, and are in the areas of Minho, Aveiro, Lisboa and Algarve. Their activities are related with estuarine fishing and local fishing at sea. Socio-economic studies have revealed cases which contradictory the general comments above, and where exclusion of women in the fisheries has been noted. These were found in the Aveiro Area (the NUTS 3 Baixo Vouga) and in the Azores. In both cases women referred to exclusion being due to the sexist behaviour of men who considered women as being unable to fish. The women were fishing in artisanal small-scale fishing vessels, one working only in estuarine fishing (a vessel with a further five women in the crew), the others in local fishing at sea (the other crew members being their sons). In both cases the women could undertake their activity and be vessel owners because of recent training in fishing. Aquaculture In comparison with fishing, this is a fairly recent activity, therefore the role of men and women are not stuck in the traditional family breakdown of tasks, and the role of each gender are more similar. Specialised biological knowledge is important, and the role of women is growing. Women are involved as technicians (medium level training) and high level technicians (university level) with many of the posts of production control, sanitary and quality control. This is logical given that a majority of those on university courses, March 2002 MacAlister Elliott and Partners Ltd page 15

16 particularly in biology, marine biology and aquaculture, are women. However, men make up the majority of owners and fill the majority of management posts. There are also women in unskilled positions in the sector. Viveiros / Bivalve Harvesting (Mariscadores) These are traditional activities sometimes associated with subsistence. They are described as follows: - Bivalve culture designated as Viveiros; Mainly associated with estuarine and lagoon systems, they are predominately in the Algarve area (Ria Formosa and Alvor), although some viveiros still exist in Aveiro Region. Leases are issued individuals on estuarine waters for the harvesting of bivalve molluscs, principally clams. Bivalves are planted, grown and harvested in the leases by each owner. The beds for these bivalves have frequently prepared, renovated and cleaned during the year. - Bivalve Harvesting; this harvesting activity is undertaken in free estuarine land and also onshore. It can be carried out with a small support vessel or by foot. Harvesting is processed by hand or adequate individual instruments handled just by one person. People which undertake the activity usually do not own or have a lease. Viveiros activity is exclusively a family business, and the role of women is similar to that in small scale family fishing. Mostly they work part time or seasonally, helping their husband when needed. Usually, the men are also fishermen and women take responsibility for the production of the viveiro while the men are at sea. Women in some families run a more organised trading and marketing business in which they also buy from other producers and individual harvesters. Bivalve harvesters usually undertake this activity in couples (women and husband). A few people run viveiros part time, for additional income, but the majority of the harvesters in the Algarve undertake it in on a daily basis and as a main activity. It is also an important subsistence activity for those on a low pensions, the unemployed and unskilled, including both men and women. Fish Processing Industry Women are the main labour force in the processing industry, occupying basic production posts. Processing factories actually have a preference for women for this type of job, as they are considered better handlers and processors of fish, with better indices of productivity in the handling of raw material. Women also represent the majority of technical posts in the industry (production managers, quality control technicians and managers). Again this reflects the high number of women graduates / bachelors in the fields of chemical and food technology courses. The owners of processing companies and the top administration, on the other hand, are almost all men. March 2002 MacAlister Elliott and Partners Ltd page 16

17 Trade / Auctions / Marketing Women are central to this sector, in particular in the retail trade. Their role is less important in the auction companies, but still they represent about 34% of the high qualified staff and there are some female managing directors. In the trade sector it is common to find women managing small businesses buying and selling fresh fish, independent of any particular fishing enterprise. This type of trade involves small companies with a minimum of 2 or 3 vans each for fish supply and distribution directly to consumers or to retail sellers in fish markets. These are mainly located in Non-FDAs (the NUTS 3, Grande Porto and Lisboa e Vale do Tejo). These small and family businesses, which control the majority of the fish trade, are poorly represented in labour statistics. Therefore it is likely that the number of women employed is higher and women play a more important role than the present numbers indicate. Individual fish mongers at market places are usually women. They are not a company with employees and are therefore excluded from the labour statistics. Administration / Research / Training Women again represent the majority in this sub-sector. This reflects the high numbers of women graduates in the fields of biology and marine biology. Research activities include the following areas: - fish quality control and testing; - biotechnology, fish product innovation and development; - fish resource assessment - natural resources and conservation - fishing technology - artificial reefs - aquaculture - environmental control and quality There is one major research institute with delegations spread over 7 fisheries areas. The central unit is located in Lisbon. In Algarve there is also a major unit, receiving at present an important development incentive. A major pilot aquaculture research unit is in development, and artificial reefs have been constructed by this unit. Other units are spread over non-fdas (Grande Porto, Baixo Vouga and Peninsula de Setubal, where fishery activities are important). There are also fish research institutions in Madeira and Azores. Employment in research in Madeira is included in the general administration staff of Madeira; in the Azores it was not included at all. Some University Departments are involved in marine research and fisheries, such as the University of Algarve in the Algarve nuts 3 FDA and University of Porto (Grande Porto non-fdas). March 2002 MacAlister Elliott and Partners Ltd page 17

18 2.5.2 Social status of fisheries related jobs Fisheries related jobs are defined as high, medium or low status according to two main associated characteristics, level of instruction and salary value. Low status jobs are always recognised as jobs characterised by people who only have primary levels of education or below and in general are associated with the national minimum wage, independently of the sector (in or outside fisheries). Fishing Fishing is generally considered low status. Exceptions (medium status) are: - skippers and other officers of deepwater fleet; - skippers and officers of coastal trawling; - skippers of purse seining fleet. - skippers of vessels above 15m of the coastal multi-fishing gear fleet In general, fishing jobs, if analysed economically, can be considered medium status. But when analysed as a whole, socially (education, life organisation) and economically (earnings, value per capita), society considers the activity of low status, particularly given the low level of education common in the sector. Crew members are normally associated with low status jobs. Vessel owners and skippers are commonly considered as medium status jobs. Aquaculture Jobs above the level of technician are considered as medium status. Some management positions can be considered high status positions but it is not common. All the unskilled labour is in general characterised as low status jobs. Fish Processing Industry Job status in processing is characterised by analogy with other sectors, where production is not undertaken by high level skilled labour. Production line jobs are always considered low status, due to the low education level of workers in this field, (usually around the minimum national wage). Women in these jobs often have alternatives such as house keeping or cleaning, or similar positions in other industries (e.g. textiles), which are all recognised as low status jobs. On the other hand, technical positions in quality control and production management, are associated with medium status jobs, while management of the factory is medium or high status. Administration / Research / Training All positions in this area are recognised as medium status jobs, although directors or principal scientists can be considered high status. March 2002 MacAlister Elliott and Partners Ltd page 18

19 2.5.3 Women s position re high, medium or low status jobs in the sector Women are represented throughout the three categories, depending mainly on their level of education. In general, women in fishing or viveiros have low status jobs, as do the majority of women in the processing sector, although they are represented throughout the hierarchy. Women in the other subsectors (aquaculture, trade, research) have equal status to men on average. Portugal is unusual in having women in some high positions within the fisheries administration (i.e. the state sector). Thus in contrast with the sector generally where women tend to occupy the low status roles, change in the public sector is leading the challenge to traditional roles. 2.6 ECONOMIC STATUS Key gender differentials Discrimination Women in fisheries administration, research and training have the same social benefits as women in other administrative sectors or universities. There is no gender differentiation (salary, job security, equal pay for equal work) in this sub-sector, which is also the scenario at university level and multi-sector state administration. There are generally no gender-related salary differentials or differentials in job security in the sector in those areas where women receive a traditional salary for work. However, where women have a role in informal support activities, they do not receive any salary, although the work adds to the total income of the family business. Men, e.g. crew members, receive a share of the value of the landings, after taking out costs and social security payments. Having said that, when women carry out onshore gear repairs, they are paid as a member of the crew. Social benefit entitlements: Women are entitled to the minimum social security, as are all workers in all sectors. It applies to any activity where an individual is contracted as a worker, which includes the processing, aquaculture, auctions, trade, research and administration sub-sectors. In the fishing sub-sector (where women usually have an informal support role) they are only entitled to social security directly if they are nominated as member of the land crew of the vessel (which does not mean they have to receive salary). Otherwise they can get social security only through their husband. The entitlement either directly or through their husband gives them medical assistance and assistance during pregnancy, however they do not in this case get any maternity leave benefits. The same applies to self-employed March 2002 MacAlister Elliott and Partners Ltd page 19

20 women or women working in family businesses (trade sub-sector and bivalves harvesting and viveiros sub-sector) Earnings differentials In processing and trade, women earn on average around 70-80% of men s wages. This includes both low status jobs and highly qualified staff. However, in all government related activities, research, administration, training and the auction sector there is no gender differentiation. Table 13: relative earnings for men & women in the fisheries sector Activity Women s average annual earnings (Escudo) Men s average annual earnings (Escudo) Differential (*) (% male level) Data source Fishing overall: Skipper at sea N.A. Crew at sea N.A. Support (netting) 980, , Prod. Org. Aquaculture overall: 1,485,892 1,609,670 92,3 Processing overall: Foreman (factory floor) 1,961,917 2,931,368 66,9 Worker (factory floor): - - Semi-qualified worker 987,975 1,588,058 62,2 Non-qualified worker 980,116 1,210,270 81,0 Apprentice 995,834 1,421,899 70,0 Processing: Management, sourcing, marketing, trading / technical / lab: Quadros Superiores 4,110,763 4,684,462 87,8 Quadros Médios 3,099,772 3,299,894 93,9 Highly Qualified 2,211,717 2,920,702 75,7 Qualified 1,291,946 1,856,944 69,6 Trade (Retail) Foreman 2,034,892 2,603,259 78,2 Semi-qualified worker 1,060,951 1,398,041 75,9 Non-qualified worker 1,040,742 1,364,641 76,3 Apprentice 1,004,535 1,164,239 86,3 Trade: Management, sourcing, marketing, trading, technical Quadros Superiores 3,574,674 4,359,160 82,0 Quadros Médios 3,647,369 2,792, ,6 Highly Qualified 2,068,012 2,113,762 97,8 Public income Statistics March 2002 MacAlister Elliott and Partners Ltd page 20

21 Qualified 1,377,833 1,708,748 80,6 Trade (wholesale including auctions) Foreman 1,216,725 1,543,150 78,8 Semi-qualified worker 925,385 1,076,669 85,9 Non-qualified worker 902,650 1,087,334 83,0 Apprentice 902, , ,6 Wholesale trade: Management, sourcing, marketing, trading, technical Quadros Superiores 1,830,000 2,017,210 90,7 Quadros Médios 2,053,698 1,797, ,3 Highly Qualified 1,819,895 1,058, ,9 Qualified 1,062,354 1,229,075 86,4 Administration, management(**) Government Administration (*) Técnicos (Licenciatura) 406, ,468 n.a. Técnicos (bacharelato) 171, ,318 n.a. Técnicos 155, ,534 n.a. Others 97,555 92,061 n.a. Administrative 110, ,908 n.a. Fisheries Research Institution (*) Directors 503, ,049 n.a. Researchers 555, ,856 n.a. Técnicos (Licenciatura) 372, ,395 n.a. Técnicos (Bacharelato) 264, ,957 n.a. Técnicos 166, ,841 n.a. Others 119, ,046 n.a. Administrative 222, ,856 n.a. Fisheries Training Institutions (*) Directors 505, ,315 n.a. Técnicos / Trainers 252, ,984 n.a. (Licenciatura) Técnicos / Trainers 226, ,444 n.a. (Bacharelato) Others 200, ,056 n.a. Administrative 124, ,399 n.a. Auxiliary Staff 83,681 87,951 n.a. Fisheries Administrations and Control Fisheries Research Institution (*) Note: In some situations the differential in earnings can be related to the inclusion of people in the same category but with different levels of wage (related with time and level in career, experience, etc). This is the situation in the Administration / Research and Training Institutions. (**) e.g. Government and Producer Organisations, trade organisations, scientists, trainers and fisheries NGOs March 2002 MacAlister Elliott and Partners Ltd page 21

22 3 CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 KEY FINDINGS Analysis and recommendations were developed according to the following objectives: - Diversification potential of women: women s contribution to the sector - Prospects for improving women s position: improving the sector s value to women Review of women s contribution to the sector Women make an important contribution to the sub-sectors of processing, aquaculture, research and management of fisheries. The role of women in small family businesses related to fishing and bivalve production (viveiros) are essential for the economic support of the families. Women in this part of the sector have exclusive tasks that add value to the fishing and augment family income, and they are important for the overall family economy. Families have been open to the upgrading of women s knowledge in the fields of accounts, computer skills, taxes, and management tools, which has been very beneficial. In terms of employees in the sector, the women can be divided into two main groups: 1. The major involvement of women in the processing sector. These women usually have an extremely poor education level 2. The high proportion of women graduates in fisheries-related fields provides skilled women with specific training in aquaculture, for intensive and semi-intensive production companies and in research, fisheries management and training. These highly qualified women are very important in the development of the sector because they are interested in fisheries related activities (aquaculture, quality control, research, fisheries management and resource conservation) even when alternatives in other sectors are also available. March 2002 MacAlister Elliott and Partners Ltd page 22

23 3.1.2 Women s contribution: key constraints and opportunities in key FDAs Item Key Constraints Key opportunities (*) FDAs - Alternative employment outside the fisheries sector (tourism) mainly in the Algarve can be a major constraint on women s involvement in and contribution to the sector. - The main contribution to the sector is made by unskilled women and with low educational attainments. - Bivalve Production (Viveiros) could be an important opportunity for skilled, knowledgeable women interested in the production area. The sector has an extensive production area (around 2000 ha). Currently producers are not knowledgeable about quality, sanitary and biological control. On the other hand there is not a strong producers organisation, which would otherwise play a role in linking producers with technical knowledge (biology of the resource, market requirements, quality and sanitary control). Product certification is also an important opportunity. The high level of existing women graduates could be an opportunity for modernising and adding value to this sub-sector. - High quality artisanal marine salt production in the Algarve area. This is a growing activity related to the rehabilitation of the artisanal salt production fields, Salinas, and artisanal handling and production procedures. Artisanal salt has a specific production technique and provides a quality product with characteristic chemical elements deemed good for health and high quality food preparation. This product is becoming increasingly popular in other countries. In the Algarve there are already some companies starting production, but the involvement of skilled technicians is important, particularly for marketing Comparative Analysis for women s contribution in key non FDA fisheries The Non-FDAs with significant fisheries activity are Grande Porto, Baixo Vouga, Grande Lisboa and Peninsula de Setubal, all characterised by important employment industries, fish processing, fish trade and fishing. Women s employment is very high in fish processing and fish trade (as within the FDAs). There are large fishing communities in these areas where the role of women is very important but generally somewhat different from the FDAs. These are characteristically communities of artisanal, small-scale, coastal or local fisheries where the wives of fishing vessel owners have an extremely important role in family revenue. The economic need in these regions make the involvement of women a necessity for family survival. Women are not discriminated against in terms of the working activity, for which they are considered as good as men. Nevertheless, in these communities women are understood to have an exclusive role in taking care of the family, house, children and cooking. For example, in Grande Porto (Vila do Conde and Póvoa do Varzim) women working in netting operations may receive a salary just like another member of the crew, or they may undertake the work as the spouse of the owner of the vessel, as part of the maintenance of family s assets, without receiving any salary. In Baixo Vouga, Grande Lisboa, and Península de Setubal, women sometimes go fishing in estuarine or river areas on small- March 2002 MacAlister Elliott and Partners Ltd page 23