LIFE at UNOC3 – A United Global Voice for Small-Scale Fishers
Reflections from Marta Cavallé, Executive Secretary of LIFE
16 June 2025, Barcelona – The past week, LIFE’s delegation participated actively and passionately at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, joining a broader global delegation of Small-Scale Fishers from every continent. Together, we raised a strong and united voice in defence of small-scale fisheries, reaffirming the “Small-Scale Fishers’ Call to Action” that we first launched at UNOC2 in Lisbon in 2022. This collective declaration is firmly rooted in the FAO Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries—a global policy framework that remains central to our advocacy.
Our presence was felt across key panels and plenaries. When Small-Scale Fishers delegates spoke, the energy was undeniable. Through close collaboration with Blue Ventures, the LIFE delegation successfully hosted two impactful screenings of Sea Change: The Future of Fishing, a film produced by ZED. These events provided a powerful platform to highlight the challenges faced by small-scale fisheries within today’s ocean governance landscape. We also participated in a diverse range of events and initiatives, from discussions on EU funding to panels on emerging technologies, as well as engaging directly with a variety of stakeholders. We extend our sincere thanks to Blue Ventures for their trusted partnership, which was instrumental in making these opportunities and impactful engagements possible.
Looking at the international context, at a side-event held on 12 June, Small-Scale Fishers’ representatives from every continent—joined by LIFE’s President, Gwen Pennarun—delivered shared messages loud and clear. The room responded with overwhelming applause, highlighting the emotional and political impact of our united call. We were especially encouraged by announcements from governments such as Costa Rica, Madagascar, the Seychelles, and Ghana, who committed to expanding preferential access zones and co-management arrangements for Small-Scale Fishers in their coastal areas. These are not just policy changes—they are tangible victories for the global small-scale fisheries movement. One particularly moving moment also came from Sandrine Thomas, a fisherwoman from France and member of the LIFE delegation, whose heartfelt speech electrified the audience.
For Europe, the conference marked the unveiling of the European Oceans Pact and a forthcoming Oceans Act. While the Pact represents a welcome move toward a more integrated and holistic vision for our seas, we believe it needs greater ambition. Consolidating existing initiatives is not enough. If Europe is to lead a genuine Blue Economy revolution, it must be underpinned by robust safeguards that protect marine ecosystems and ensure the long-term viability of coastal livelihoods.
We appreciate the Pact’s recognition of Small-Scale Fishers as a priority. But words are insufficient—we urgently need concrete, meaningful measures that provide real prospects for the future of our sector. As part of the upcoming “Small-Scale Fishers’ Implementation Dialogue” announced for November, we will advocate for the development of a binding Action Plan for Small-Scale Fishers in Europe, based on the practical solutions we have already put forward under the Oceans Pact framework.
What we witnessed in Nice this week was incredible: the call of Small-Scale Fishers is not only a call for food security, ocean stewardship, youth engagement, and coastal resilience—it is a legitimate, unified, and unstoppable movement. Across continents and cultures, Small-Scale Fishers’ communities are standing together with one voice—and that voice will not be silenced.
Noticias sobre pesca justa, mares sanos y comunidades pesqueras dinámicas
Join LIFE at #UNOC3 in Nice!
The high-level 2025 United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (the 2025 UN Ocean Conference) will be held in Nice, France, from 9 – 13 June 2025, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica.
Don’t miss LIFE’s inspiring events on small-scale fisheries and ocean sustainability:
Monday 9 June
The Future of Fisheries Subsidies: from Imbalance to Equity – LIFE will be on the panel of this event organised by ClientEarth, Seas At Risk and BirdLife to explore how a fair reallocation of funding/ subsidies can help us achieve nature restoration targets and support a just transition in the fisheries sector.
Venue: FOAM, Place du Pin (10min walk from the Blue Zone) – Arrival: from 16:30 Talks and Q&A: 17:00
Make Fishing Fair – A Film & Conversation with Small-Scale Fishers – Screening of a powerful new documentary called “Sea Change – The Future of Fishing” by ZED productions followed by a live discussion on the lived experiences and challenges of small-scale fishers.
Time: 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM Location: Ocean Base Camp, UNOC Green Zone “La Baleine” Details: Screening of a powerful new documentary, followed by a live discussion centering on the lived experiences and challenges of small-scale fishers. Languages: Interpretation available (English ↔ French)
All Things Data: Advancing the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines through Fisher-Led, Inclusive, and Scalable Data Systems –This interactive session will unpack how data systems—when co-designed with small-scale fishers—can transform fisheries governance, resilience, and equity
Location: Details: Startup Reef, Green Zone, La Baleine: Nice Acropolis Exhibition Center, 1 Esplanade Kennedy, 06000 Nice
Small-Scale Fisheries – At the Heart of Ocean Governance and Food Security – Engage with experts and community representatives in an essential conversation on how small-scale fisheries can and should shape the future of sustainable oceans and food systems.
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2025 Time: 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM Location: Room 4 – Blue Zone Access: Blue Zone and Host Country pass needed for this event
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21-23/5 European Maritime Day
LIFE’s Executive Secretary, Marta Cavallé, along with LIFE members from Ireland and Cyprus, participated in Día Marítimo Europeo in Cork, Ireland. LIFE was particularly active in its role as coordinator of the Small-Scale Fisheries Working Group within the Energy Transition Partnership (ETP). Marta Cavallé was a key speaker at a workshop organised by the ETP Assistance Mechanism—a session that brought together key stakeholders to shape final policy recommendations guiding the transition to a low-carbon future. The session was opened by DG Charlina Vitcheva (DG MARE), who delivered a strong message on the urgency of achieving climate neutrality.
Meetings followed with Delilah Al Khudhairy (Director, MARE A Unit) and Monica Grosse (JRC). Of particular importance was the Support Group meeting with Commissioner Costas Kadis. Marta acted as spokesperson for the entire Support Group, alongside Vincent Guerre, Coordinator of the Shipbuilding Working Group. In her remarks, she emphasised that small-scale fishers are already at the forefront of the energy transition due to their exceptionally low carbon footprint, and highlighted the need to position them as a central solution in EU policy.
Beyond the challenges of an ageing fleet, workforce, and lack of investment, the most pressing issue for SSF in the energy transition remains the absence of clear future prospects for the sector. A dedicated Action Plan could help secure a viable future for small-scale fishers in Europe and improve alignment with CFP implementation. With substantial financial support, the energy transition could offer an opportunity to modernise the sector, improve working conditions, and attract younger generations.
23/5 LIFE Members from Ireland – IIMRO- meet with EU Commissioner Costas Kadis
IIMRO meets EU Commissioner Costas Kadis – @IIMRO
IIMRO, LIFE members from Ireland, represented by Aisling Moran and Seamus Bonner met with Minister Timmy Dooley and EU Commissioner Costas Kadis in Castletownbere, Co. Cork, to highlight key issues facing island and coastal communities, especially the small-scale fishing fleet. They stressed the urgent need for generational renewal in the sector, with access to quota being the main barrier for new entrants. Concerns were raised over the pollack fishery closure and its impact on the small boat fleet, including young fishers of the future, like 15-year-old Muireann Kavanagh.
IIMRO also called for fair PO funding, having been refused an allocation following their recognition in 2021 due to Irish Government red tape. Commissioner Kadis acknowledged the challenges, affirmed the importance of small-scale fisheries, and announced an upcoming EU Small Scale Fisheries Dialogue. IIMRO will continue to follow up on these issues throughout the year.
28/5 ICES advice published
CIEM published their advice for the main commercial stocks in the Baltic and the scientific advice recommends that important cod and herring fisheries continue to be closed. LIFE participated in and followed the discussions at the ICES advice drafting group during May and raised concerns that the scientific advice, in its current form, was not able to support a recovery.
Despite the fact that the Baltic fisheries are in bad shape, implementing the ICES advice for the coming year would allow for an increase in catches of more than 70.000 tonnes (17.5%), almost exclusively for the fishmeal and fishoil factories. Quotas will be decided at the October Council and LIFE recommends that Ministers prioritise stock growth and cod recovery by significantly reducing catches of sprat and herring.
Round Goby dish presented at the event
Round Goby: A New Opportunity for Small-Scale Fishers
LIFE, as a key partner, is actively contributing to the Interreg project "Promoting Commercial Fishing of Round Goby in the Baltic Sea”by involving small-scale fishers from Sweden and Germany in test fishing and gear trials. Early findings are promising, showing good catch rates and minimal bycatch. In May, LIFE staff joined chefs, scientists, and fishers in Stockholm to explore ways to diversify seafood consumption. Round Goby impressed high-end chefs with its taste and quality, but high processing costs—due to a lack of infrastructure—remain a barrier. The next project phase will focus on overcoming these challenges by developing sustainable business models that support small-scale fishers.
12/5 Llamamiento a la reforma del acuerdo con el CIEM para la emisión de dictámenes científicos para la gestión de la pesca
In a letter to Commissioner Kadis, the Low Impact Fishers of Europe (LIFE) call for urgent reform of the European Commission’s agreement with ICES. They stress the need to ensure that scientific advice for fisheries management fully reflects the ambitions of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) — particularly the restoration of fish stocks above Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) levels, and providing support for a resilient, competitive, and sustainable future for Europe’s small-scale fishing sector.
20/5 Event at the European Parliament Highlights the Struggles and Hopes of Small-Scale Fishers in Sweden and the Baltic
An event held at the European Parliament brought attention to the challenges—and potential—of small-scale fisheries in Sweden and the Baltic Sea region. The evening featured a screening of Kingdom of Fish, a beautifully produced film that blends documentary storytelling with a road movie narrative. The filmmaker journeys along Sweden’s west and east coasts, meeting with coastal communities and individuals who are not only aware of the ongoing environmental and social challenges but are also actively engaged in addressing them. The following day, in a panel discussion tackling pressing questions, LIFE was asked: What is the current reality for small-scale fishers in the Baltic Sea region? How many have already been forced to leave the profession—and what are the wider implications for food security in Europe? LIFE Policy Advisor Brian O’Riordan responded that the issue was not so much about those leaving the profession as about those not entering it. Old fishers are stuck with old unprofitable investments unable to leave, whilst new fishers see no prospects with the closure of fishery after fishery. Brian contributed to the general discussions, hosted and supported by Swedish MEPs Emma Wiesner (Renew Europe), Sofie Eriksson (S&D), and Isabella Lövin (The Greens).
The panel set the scene for a Parliamentary visit to Denmark, where tough questions need to be asked to ICES scientists and national authorities on the failure of fisheries management.
28/5 LIFE urges EU decision-makers to place small-scale fishers at the heart of the Ocean Pact
Brussels, 28 May 2025 — In an open letter addressed to the College of Commissioners, the Low Impact Fishers of Europe (LIFE) has called on the European Commission to strengthen its proposed European Ocean Pact by placing small-scale, low-impact fishers at its core. LIFE’s key recommendations include the development of a dedicated Action Plan for Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF) to ensure their long-term viability across Europe; formal recognition of the crucial yet often overlooked contributions of women in the sector—a gap in the current draft; and the implementation of stronger protections for marine ecosystems, particularly in the context of the rapidly expanding blue economy. “The Ocean Pact must be fair to fishers, fair to future generations, and fair to nature,” writes LIFE Executive Secretary, Marta Cavallé.
Welcome Aksel!
Aksel Ydrén, LIFE Baltic Sea Project Officer
We are thrilled to welcome Aksel Ydrén, our newest team member, based in Sweden! Aksel brings years of hands-on experience with artisanal fisheries through his work at the Swedish National Center for Artisanal Food Production.
With a strong passion for sustainable, small-scale food systems, Aksel will be working closely with our Baltic and North Sea Coordinator, Christian Tsangarides, with a special focus on the RoundGoby Project. We look forward to the great work ahead.
Coming up:
9-13/6 Nice, France – UNOC Conference in Nice (see above)
11-12/6 Port Władysławowo, Poland – LIFE staff will join the “Round Goby Study Visit and Project Partner Meeting” during which stakeholders from across the Baltic Sea region will gather to share knowledge and discuss key aspects of the fishery’s development.
18-19/6 Gothenburg, Sweden – LIFE staff will travel to Sweden to meet with Seaglow project partners and strengthen cooperation for the next phase.
25/6 Baltfish Hamburg – Quotas for next year will be the main subject at the Baltic regional management body. This will be the last meeting under the German Presidency, which will be succeeded by Sweden on 1 July.
26/6: BSAC Excom – The Baltic Sea Advisory Council will also meet to develop advice to the Commission on the quotas for next year. This is largely based on the ICES advice and Baltic Management Plan.
In the Press
Industrias Pesqueras – LIFE letter to the College of Commissioners:
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