The implementation of the FiTI Standard is voluntary. The intention to do so must come from a country’s national government, recognising that by making fisheries management more transparent and inclusive, the FiTI appeals to all stakeholders that appreciate the significant value of marine fisheries, in terms of food & nutrition security, employment, the value to national economies, as well as the cultural significance of fishing.

Promoting these positive features of fisheries lies at the heart of the Fisheries Transparency Initiative.

Public Commitment

Engaging with the FiTI starts by signing a collaboration agreement, for example, in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding. Through such an agreement, the government demonstrates to all stakeholders its political will and sincere intention to engage in the FiTI implementation process, including to work with civil society and businesses and to create or maintain the necessary enabling conditions for a trust-based collaboration. It also serves to announce the initiative to a broad audience, including relevant national and international stakeholders.

After the country’s public commitment, it will be referred to as a FiTI Committed Country.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about joining the Fisheries Transparency Initiative:

Are there any initial sign-up costs or regular membership fees associated with a government’s commitment to join the FiTI?

No, there are no costs associated with a government’s commitment to join the FiTI. Furthermore, the FiTI does not require mandatory, annual financial contributions from countries joining the initiative.

While a public commitment to engage with the FiTI demonstrates a sincere intention of the country’s government to increase transparency in fisheries management, such an initial commitment should not be misinterpreted as official acceptance into the initiative.
Only when such a commitment is followed by concrete implementation activities to establish an enabling environment for fisheries transparency and stakeholder collaboration, and the subsequent approval of the country’s aplication by the FiTI International Board, will the country be formally recognised as an FiTI Implementing country.

For more information about an enabling environment for fisheries transparency and stakeholder participation, please see here.