Platforma LIFE

Vijesti o poštenom ribarstvu, zdravim morima i živahnim ribarskim zajednicama

LIFE Elects its New Board of Directors 

LIFE is pleased to announce the election of its new Board of Directors, bringing together a diverse group of representatives from across Europe’s main sea basins. This renewed leadership reflects LIFE’s commitment to ensuring that the voices and perspectives of small-scale fishers are heard from the Baltic and North Sea to the Mediterranean and Black Sea. The newly elected Board will guide LIFE’s strategic direction and strengthen its role in advocating for sustainable and fair fisheries.

New BOD composition:

Mediterranean and Black Sea Region: 

Federico Gelmi, Associazione Pescatori di Pantelleria (Italy)

Kazimir Bogović, Udruga malih priobalnih ribara Jadrana (Croatia) 

Macarena Molina, Pescartes (Spain)

Baltic and North Sea Region: 

Bengt Larsson, SYEF (Sweden)

Kasia Stepanowska, Darłowska Group of Fish Producers and Shipowners (Poland) 

Erik Meyer, Fischereischutzverband Schleswig-Holstein (Germany)

Atlantic Region: 

Gwen Pennarun, Brittany Handliners Association (France)

Sharing seats North Atlantic: Seamus Bonner, IIMRO (Ireland) / Bally Philp, SCFF (UK) 

South Atlantic: Sandra Amezaga, Mulleres Salgadas (Spain) / David Pavon, Cofradia el Hierro (Spain)

With a refreshed Board, LIFE looks forward to continuing its mission to empower small-scale fishers and champion sustainable, low-impact fisheries across Europe.

24/11 LIFE Calls for an EU Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries at Implementation Dialogue with Commissioner Kadis

LIFE took part in the Implementation Dialogue on Small-Scale and Coastal Fisheries, the second in a series of such stakeholder dialogues, organised by the European Commission and hosted by Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis. Representing LIFE, Marta Cavallé, Executive Secretary, delivered a strong message on behalf of Europe’s small-scale, low-impact fishers, calling for urgent and concrete action to secure their future.

In her intervention, Marta stressed that despite decades of political recognition of small-scale fisheries (SSF), this has yet to translate into meaningful improvements. She highlighted the outcomes of the recent Učinite ribolov poštenim Forum, where 43 fishers from 16 countries warned that Europe has reached a tipping point of decline and cannot afford further delay in restoring fish stocks, safeguarding coastal livelihoods and ensuring fair access to resources.

LIFE urged the EU to adopt a Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries in Europe by 2026, rooted in the FAO SSF Guidelines and based on a differentiated approach between small-scale and larger-scale fisheries. LIFE also submitted detailed written responses to Commission’s questions outlining barriers for generational renewal, barriers faced by SSF in accessing EU funding, the need for ring-fenced budgets, tailored capacity-building, recognition of SSF Producer Organisations, and concrete measures to ensure that administrative and regulatory systems are truly fit for purpose. Additional recommendations addressed data gaps, fisher-led technologies, co-management, climate adaptation, and the training needs required for a modern, resilient SSF workforce.

LIFE welcomed the Commissioner’s commitment to continuing this dialogue, but emphasised that, within the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), Europe already has the tools to act. By adopting a Plan of Action with a binding timeline and embedding it in the upcoming Ocean Act, the EU can ensure that the SSF can play its part in restoring its seas, promoting responsible fisheries, and ensuring that coastal communities thrive.

As Marta concluded: “It is time to recognise small-scale fishers not as the past, but as part of the future of sustainable European fisheries. Together, we can make fishing fair"..."

17/11 LIFE Unites Small-Scale Fishers in Brussels for the Make Fishing Fair Forum

LIFE, in tight cooperation with Blue Ventures, brought together 43 small-scale fishers from 16 European countries in Brussels as part of the Make Fishing Fair Forum.

Fishers in the room reiterated what LIFE has long warned: after years of policies favouring industrial fleets, Europe’s inshore fish stocks are collapsing and small-scale fishers are being pushed to the brink. The fishers at the Forum made a unified call for an EU Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fishing by 2026, aligned with the FAO SSF Guidelines, to rebuild stocks, secure access in coastal waters, ensure fair allocation, strengthen co-management and support new entrants. LIFE asserts that the Plan, part of a wider Make Fishing Fair Roadmap, should be included in the Ocean Act with a binding timeline for Institutions and Member States. 

Commissioner Kadis, who addressed fishers and stakeholders in the afternoon session of the event. He asserted that “our small-scale fisheries are vital to the heart of our coastal communities”, acknowledged the urgency, noting the crises in the Baltic and Mediterranean and the importance of upcoming EU processes, including the 2026 Ocean Act. A number of LIFE members took the floor, including: Gwen Pennarun (LIFE), Muireann Kavanagh (IIMRO), Evelina Doseva (European Association European Association of fishermen at the black sea), Patricia Bros (Asociación de atuneros con linea de mano del mediterráneo), Søren Jacobsen (FSK-PO), Noora Huusari (Snowchange), Ken Kawahara (Association des Ligneurs de la pointe de Bretagne). Fishers on the panel and in the audience shared practical examples of best practices and low-impact solutions, while highlighting persistent political and legal barriers that hinder progress. A stakeholders’ panel presented diverse perspectives on advancing justice in EU fisheries policy, with contributions from Charles Braine (Pleine Mer and Poiscaille), Bellinda Bartolucci (ClientEarth), and MEP Luke Ming Flanagan (The Left), who highlighted the need for the EU to protect small-scale fisheries jobs and way of life. MEP Gabriel Mato (EPP) also intervened to underscore the importance of the small-scale fisheries sector.

For LIFE, the MFF Forum confirmed the strong unity among Europe’s small-scale fishers. Their shared experience and determination form a powerful foundation for pushing the EU toward genuinely fair, sustainable and inclusive fisheries.

14/11 Commission Publishes Vademecum on Article 17

The long awaited Vademecum contains guidelines that seek to help EU countries in supporting small-scale fishers and enhancing transparency and good governance in the allocation of fishing opportunities by EU countries. According to Commissioner Kadis “These guidelines invite EU countries to reflect on the allocation of fishing opportunities, bearing in mind that small-scale fishers are the most vulnerable to structural and unexpected challenges. Small-scale fishers are the backbone of our coastal communities. We must recognise their role and provide them with the necessary support".

4-5/11 Energy Transition in Fisheries – From Visions to Actions

The Conference on Energy Transition in Fisheries – From Visions to Actions took place in Helsinki, bringing together Northern European stakeholders to discuss practical steps toward decarbonising the fisheries sector. LIFE was represented by Christian Tsangarides, Baltic and North Sea Coordinator, who contributed to the panel discussion “Can Decarbonization in Fisheries Be Achieved by 2050?”, where the discussion explored what can already be done to reduce emissions, the medium-term technologies that could be adopted without compromising the economic viability of fishing vessels, the long-term outlook for developing and deploying carbon-free fuels, and the need for tailored approaches that reflect the different realities of small and larger vessels. With a focus on the Northern European fisheries sector, pitches from entrepreneurs for solutions to the energy transition were presented with the winning entry being for solar powered electric boats.

5-6/11  Round Goby Project: Meeting & Study Visit in Lithuania

On 5–6 November, LIFE took part in a two-day meeting of the Round Goby project and study visit in Lithuania, organised jointly by project partners Submariner, KTU Food Institute, MCS and SLU. The visit provided valuable insight into Lithuania’s coastal fisheries, processing sector and the ongoing pilot activities within the Interreg Round Goby project.

The first day began with a study visit to Baltijos Konservai, a canning factory processing a variety of Baltic species. Participants had the opportunity to observe the production process and taste prototypes of canned round goby developed within the project.

This was followed by a field visit to meet local small-scale coastal fishers operating in the Klaipėda region. Lithuania’s coastal fishery is organised into 29 commercial fishing areas where operations are  carried out by approximately 50–60 active fishers, each holding transferable fishing rights tied to specific gears. The main species caught with fyke nets and gillnets include smelt, Baltic herring, round goby, plaice and sprat, with total coastal landings amounting to around 300–600 tonnes annually.

Round goby fishing is concentrated in northern coastal zones close to the Latvian border. Despite being a profitable segment—with average margins around 38%—the fishery has declined by 72% (from 228 tonnes in 2016 to about 64 tonnes in 2023), likely due to reduced opportunities for cod and herring. Today, about 18 fishers target round goby, and five companies account for roughly 90% of landings. Much of the catch is exported to Latvia for processing and then further distributed to the Black Sea region.

18/11 S&D event: the Future of the Common Fisheries Policy

LIFE staff and members from Spain, Denmark and Norway took part in a high-level event organised by the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament, dedicated to the scientific, environmental, social and economic dimensions of fisheries policy. Christian Tsangarides, LIFE’s Baltic and North Sea Coordinator, contributed to Panel 1: “The science of fishing and fishing with science,” alongside experts from the Spanish Institute of Oceanography and the Azores Fisheries Observer Programme. When tackling the issue of stock status, Christian emphasised: “we want a full commitment to putting more fish back in the sea — this must be the foundation of our policy. The current scientific ‘recipe’ is not one for Europe, not one for small-scale fishers, and certainly not one for the future.” LIFE welcomed the opportunity to bring the perspectives of small-scale, low-impact fishers into these key political discussions.

Press review: 

Make Fishing Fair event:  Fish Focus, The Skipper, Commissioner’s speech, Fisker Forum, ilgiornaledeimarinai, The Fishing Daily, Through The Gaps! Newlyn News, Mundus Maris, La Nazione

LIFE Members from France meet with new national Fisheries Minister,  Catherine Chabaud

Publication of the 2025 Annual Economic Report on the EU Fishing Fleet (STECF 25-03 & 25-07)  

The EU Pushes for Transparency and Sustainability in Fisheries Quota Allocation

The Pointe Bretagne Hand Liners call for support to combat the use of high open bottom trawls (“4 door trawls”) in the coastal zone, within the 3 to 9 mile zone (in French):  

EU secures 17% increase of bluefin tuna fishing quota at ICCAT annual meeting 

FAO publishes interactive map on the state of world marine fishery resources 

UK publishes quota application mechanism with call to POs and over 10 metre non-sector vessel owners to apply for 2026 English quota, with environmental and socio-economic justifications required

Coming up:

10/12, online: LIFE’s Board of Directors meeting and General Assembly

11/12 in the European Parliament, Brussels: LIFE and Sea at Risk are organising the event “Rethink Fisheries – A vision for low impact and fair fisheries in Europe”. 

After two years of collaborative work involving fishers, civil society, scientists, and actors across the seafood value chain, we are excited to present a shared Vision for a just transition toward low-impact and fair fisheries in Europe. Join us and register here. 

Vijesti o poštenom ribarstvu, zdravim morima i živahnim ribarskim zajednicama

8/10 LIFE Board of Directors meet to discuss direction for 2025/2026

The Secretariat updated the Board of Directors (BOD) the most recent on developments, with a focus on the upcoming Small-Scale Fisheries Implementation Dialogue and LIFE’s role in it. This round-table is an integral part of the EU Commissioner’s Mission, and is scheduled for November 24. For LIFE, it highlights important political capital and an important not to be missed opportunity. A key highlight of the meeting was the approval of the application of the Norwegian Association “Norges Kystfiskarlag” as Associate Members, further strengthening LIFE’s representation in Northern Europe. Recommendations for responding to the issue of a Small-Scale Fisheries Advisory Council were also agreed alongside the Make Fishing Fair Roadmap, with key priorities and format of a call to action that will be discussed during a dedicated event in Brussels on the 17 of November.

The upcoming Elective General Assembly and enhancing LIFE’s engagement within the Advisory Councils were also discussed. LIFE’s BOD remains committed to advancing the voice and rights of small-scale fishers across Europe, with renewed energy and solidarity.

8/10 New members on board: small-scale fishers from Norway join LIFE 

LIFE is pleased to welcome Norges Kystfiskarlag, representing Norway’s small-scale fishers, as a new member of the network. With over 400 vessels committed to low-impact, sustainable fishing, Norges Kystfiskarlag brings valuable experience and a strong voice from Norway’s coastal communities. Their membership strengthens cooperation across the North Sea region, enhancing joint efforts toward fair, sustainable, and resilient fisheries management in Europe’s northern waters.

13/10-17/10 LIFE at Ocean Week 2025

LIFE actively participated in this year’s EU Ocean Week which took place in the European Parliament, engaging in key debates on sustainable fisheries, equitable funding, and community-based ocean governance.

Brian O’Riordan, LIFE Policy Advisor, joined the panel of an event on EU funding organised by ClientEarth alongside Seas At Risk and BirdLife to discuss the urgent need to rethink EU fisheries subsidies under the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The initiative was hosted by French MEP Yon Courtin, and the discussion highlighted how current funding through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) continues to favour large-scale industrial fleets, calling instead for fair and sustainable financing that supports small-scale, low-impact fishers and healthy marine ecosystems.

Praising the Communty-Led Local Development (CLLD) approach, LIFE emphasised that for small-scale fishers to benefit from sectoral support going forward, three prerequisite conditions need to be met: 

• Recognition of their strategic socio-economic role in EU fisheries with the political will to support them;
• Targeted aid/ Small-scale Fisheries action plan and a ring fenced budget; and
• A fit for purpose aid delivery system taking the special characteristics of SSF into account 

LIFE staff also attended an event organised by Blue Marine and Oceano Azul, hosted by MEP Paulo do Nascimento Cabral, which focused on community engagement in the designation and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The event highlighted successful examples from across Europe and reaffirmed the importance of involving local fishers and coastal communities in achieving the EU’s goal of protecting 30% of its seas by 2030. It featured testimonies from fishers from mainland Portugal, Greece, and Italy, and included an address by EU Commissioner Costas Kadis.

Finally, LIFE participated in the FishSec event “Small Fish, Big Impact: Time for Ecosystem-Based Management,” chaired by MEP Isabella Lövin. The discussion underscored the crucial role of small pelagic species such as sprat, herring, and sandeel in maintaining marine ecosystem health and called for their sustainable, ecosystem-based management across Europe.

In parallel, LIFE’s Executive Secretary, Marta Cavallé, attended the European Foundations for Sustainable Agriculture and Food (EFSAF) gathering, joining civil society actors working toward a fair and sustainable agri-food transition. Her participation helped align small-scale fisheries priorities with regenerative food movements and explore synergies between ocean and land-based communities for resilient, nature-positive food systems.

Through these engagements, LIFE continues to advocate for sustainability, fairness, and community participation at the heart of EU ocean and fisheries policies.

16/10 LIFE Responds to the EC Proposal for Baltic Sea Fishing Opportunities 2026

On 16 October, LIFE attended the European Parliament’s PECH Committee, where the European Commission presented its proposal for 2026 Baltic Sea fishing opportunities.

LIFE welcomes the proposal as a step toward stock recovery, but warns that the small-scale coastal fishery (SSCF) — which represents 92% of the fleet and 77% of fishing employment — continues to bear a disproportionate share of the recovery burden. LIFE calls for quota cuts to be directed toward the industrial pelagic fleet, which dominates Baltic catches and supplies fishmeal largely for export, while maintaining limited SSCF access and addressing ecological pressures such as prey depletion and unmanaged predators.

Following the Council’s decision, LIFE expresses deep disappointment. Ministers allocate nearly 97% of the total Baltic commercial catch to herring and sprat, most destined for fishmeal and export — a choice that favours short-term industrial gains over ecosystem recovery and the survival of coastal fisheries.

Despite encouraging signals from Commissioner Costas Kadis, who prioritises reversing the decline in the Baltic, the Council’s actions fall short. The 45% increase in the sprat quota, based on uncertain scientific assumptions, risks repeating past mistakes and undermines fragile stocks.

LIFE continues to call for prudence and fairness in Baltic fisheries management — to rebuild ecosystems, restore livelihoods, and secure a sustainable future for small-scale fishers.

22/10 LIFE members excluded from market as they lack MSC certification

When one of our members went to deliver herring to a local processor, they received bad news. The supermarket chain that they supplied would now only accept fish that came from trawlers because they were MSC certified. After journalists reported on the story there have been further discussions on creating a solution but at present fishing with selective, low impact methods means they are excluded from the market. This highlights how important LIFE’s work to establish a Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) for small-scale fisheries is key for their viability.

31/10 LIFE follows up with the Commission and ICES regarding scientific advice

In a continuation of the dialogue that we began in May with a pismo to Commissioner Costas Kadis, LIFE has recommended that the request from the EU for scientific advice on the management of fish stocks is adjusted so that the models used for advice aim to provide moreand larger fish. 

With the 5 year Framework Partnership Agreement between the Commission and ICES due to expire next year and the upcoming discussions regarding the Annual Grant Agreement we see an opportunity to improve the basis upon which management takes its decisions and thereby implements the Common Fisheries Policy more successfully.

As we have seen in the recent discussions on Baltic quotas, the interpretation of ICES advice has become a key part of the negotiations while the need for rebuilding advice is long overdue.

We make two recommendations for immediate improvements to the scientific advice. Firstly, mixed unsorted catches from the industrial fleet should be controlled by eDNA when landings exceed 1 tonne. This would improve data quality by accurately recording bycatch and species composition. Secondly, thresholds should be revised so that stocks are kept to at least 40% of their original size while fishing on small pelagic species and prey stocks should be limited so as to improve biodiversity and ecosystem health.

23-24/10 – 29th Meeting of the Member States Expert Group on Maritime Spatial Planning (MSEG) in Limassol, Cyprus.

Earlier this year, LIFE was accepted as an observer to the MSEG — a forum where Member States exchange knowledge and experiences on Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP). LIFE attended this meeting remotely in its observer capacity.

A significant part of the discussions focused on the implementation dialogue held in July, the supporting studies, and the future revision of the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (MSPD). As outlined in the Ocean Pact, the European Commission plans to propose an “Ocean Act”, which will include a revision of the MSPD and an initiative on ocean observation. Consequently, much of the meeting was dedicated to engaging with Member States on the forthcoming MSPD/Ocean Act revision.

Energy Transition Partnership: next steps

The Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) process to develop contributions for a future Roadmap for the Energy Transition in Europe is reaching a crucial and decisive stage.

Following numerous meetings throughout the year with both the SSF Working Group and the wider Support Group, the SSF Working Group has finalised its sectoral recommendations for the Energy Transition. These have been submitted to DG MARE and the ETP Assistance Mechanism.

The entire Support Group is now discussing the joint recommendations, which will highlight the points of convergence across different sectors. The final document is expected to be published by December.

LIFE Baltic Coordinator Interviewed by Swedish Radio on Salmon Bycatch

LIFE’s Baltic and North Sea Coordinator, Christian Tsangarides, was recently interviewed by a Swedish Radio on the issue of salmon bycatch in the Baltic Sea.

Christian explained LIFE’s mission as an organisation that unites small-scale fishers and members committed to low-impact, environmentally responsible fishing. He highlighted that up to 100,000 salmon may be caught as bycatch in the Baltic each year — a figure that, while uncertain and based on older estimates, underscores the urgent need for better data and monitoring.

He noted that new tools such as environmental DNA (eDNA) could play a key role in improving knowledge on salmon bycatch and assessing whether it poses a threat to wild salmon populations. eDNA works by analysing genetic material shed by organisms into their environment, allowing scientists to identify species, support stock assessments, and even trace illegal or unreported catches without the need for direct capture.

The interview also features the perspective of Dennis Bergman, a Swedish small-scale fisher, who explains why salmon is so vital to small-scale fisheries and coastal communities across the Baltic region.

Coming up:

4-5/11 Helsinki, Finland – Energy Transition in Fisheries, from visions to action: The Conference on Energy Transition in Fisheries brings together Northern European stakeholders to define concrete actions for a decarbonization of the fisheries sector.

17/11 Brussels, Belgium – Via their Učinite ribolov poštenim campaign, LIFE and Blue Ventures bring together 45 fishers from 17 countries across Europe to meet with EU Commissioner Costas Kadis, MEPs and stakeholders to present their priorities and demands for resilient, fair, and profitable small-scale fisheries.

17-18/11 Viimsi,Tallinn, Estonia – Baltic Sea Regional Forum for the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change: the Forum will have a special focus on the Baltic region and bring together regional and local leaders, Mission Ocean Charter Signatories, policymakers, experts, and project practitioners to share best practices in climate adaptation and resilience. 

24/11 Brussels, Belgium – Implementation Dialogue on Small-Scale Fisheries – the European Commission will host an Implementation Dialogue on Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF), bringing together stakeholders to discuss progress and next steps in advancing the SSF sector across Europe. The meeting aims to ensure effective implementation of policies supporting small-scale fisheries.

Vijesti o poštenom ribarstvu, zdravim morima i živahnim ribarskim zajednicama

2/9 Baltic Quota Proposals 2026: LIFE Calls for Fairer Burden-Sharing on Quota Cuts to Protect Small-Scale Fisheries

The European Commission has proposed a total Baltic Sea quota of 295,000 tonnes for 2026, over 96% of which is concentrated in herring and sprat for the pelagic fleet. LIFE warns that the steepest cuts — salmon (-27%), western Baltic cod (-84%) and spring-spawning herring (-50%) — fall on the small-scale coastal sector, which makes up 92% of the fleet but is already struggling after a 36% fall in the value of catches between 2018 and 2022.

LIFE calls for a fairer and more balanced approach: maintaining quotas closer to 2025 TACs, reintroducing derogations for vessels under 12m with passive gears, focusing reductions on industrial pelagic fisheries that supply fishmeal for non-EU markets, and improving monitoring of unrecorded bycatch. Without these adjustments, the Commission’s plan risks undermining vulnerable small-scale fishers rather than addressing the true drivers of stock decline. 

3/9 LIFE on the Panel at European Parliament Conference “Baltic Sea Bankruptcy”

On 3 September, LIFE took part in the European Parliament conference “Baltic Sea Bankruptcy – a changed climate, broken economy and ecosystem”, hosted by MEP Isabella Lövin, Vice-Chair of the SEArica Intergroup. The event brought together policymakers, scientists and stakeholders to discuss how climate change, ecosystem collapse and flawed fisheries management are undermining the Baltic’s resilience.

LIFE’s Baltic and North Sea Coordinator, Christian Tsangarides, joined the panel, stressing the urgent need for a fairer, more balanced approach to fisheries management that recognises the role of small-scale fishers in sustaining coastal communities and rebuilding the sea’s ecological health. LIFE underlined that solutions must focus on restoring fish stocks, ensuring equitable burden-sharing, strengthening the robustness of ICES advice, and addressing the imbalance whereby cuts consistently fall on small-scale fisheries while pelagic fleets targeting herring and sprat remain largely untouched. Only by tackling these challenges head-on can the long-term socio-economic and ecological sustainability of the Baltic Sea be secured.

9/9 LIFE at the Economist’s World Ocean Summit Europe

On 9 September, LIFE Senior Advisor Jeremy Percy attended the World Ocean Summit Europe in Cascais, Portugal, convened by the Economist Impact’s World Ocean Initiative. Building on outcomes from the UN Ocean Conference and following earlier summits in Tokyo and Lisbon, the event gathered policymakers, investors, industry leaders, scientists and NGOs to shape Europe’s role in future ocean governance and the sustainable blue economy.

In a forum dominated by discussions on technology, mega funds, investment returns and the broader “blue economy,” traditional fisheries were largely absent from the agenda. As one of the very few fishermen in the room, Jeremy Percy brought that perspective to the table, highlighting the realities and challenges facing the sector during his panel intervention. Despite limited speaking time, he was able to underline the importance of small-scale fisheries in any sustainable ocean strategy. His presence served as a timely reminder that, amid the focus on finance and innovation, fishing communities must not be overlooked in the conversation about the future of our seas.

18-19/9 “LIFE President Gwen Pennarun Brings Small-Scale Fishers’ Voice to Les Assises de la Pêche et de la Mer”

On 18–19 September, LIFE President Gwen Pennarun took part in the 15th edition of Les Assises de la Pêche et de la Mer in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France’s leading fishing port and seafood hub. For over a decade, this annual gathering has been a key forum for reflection and debate on the future of the fisheries and seafood sector.

Gwen Pennarun used the occasion to underline LIFE’s concerns about the latest ICES assessments for sea bass, which appear far removed from fishers’ observations. He also raised alarm over the recent CRPM deliberation on “four-panel bottom trawls,” which in practice are pelagic trawls operating in coastal waters, with serious implications for ecosystems and small-scale fisheries. On the opening day, he also engaged with IFSEA students, presenting LIFE’s work at local, regional and EU levels, and discussing how to empower fishers to co-manage their fishing grounds and secure fair and sustainable prices. His contributions ensured that the voice of small-scale fishers — and the future of those training to join the sector — were central to the discussions.

23/9 PECH Committee Challenges New EU Budget Proposal, and the €2bn Reserved for Fisheries 

The PECH Committee meeting saw a meeting with Commissioner Costas Kadis defending the EU budget – the Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) for the next period – 2028-34. Within the new MFF, there is no dedicated fisheries fund as such. Rather, in the main, fisheries will have to apply for funding under new “National and Regional Partnership Plans” (NRPP), where the minimum amount reserved for fisheries is stated to be   €2 billion over the 7 year period. 

The proposal came under fire from MEPs across the political spectrum, who criticised it as a drastic reduction compared to the € 6 billion under the current EMFAF. Several MEPs also criticised the NRPP approach as “renationalising the CFP”. Despite assurances that €2 billion was only a minimum allocation and part of a reorganisation of funds, the Commissioner struggled to convince MEPs and at times to respond to their concerns.

Director Stylianos Mitolidis (DG MARE) clarified that the new budget shifts from “prescribed eligibility” to a “needs and performance” basis, applying the principle of “do no harm.” Decarbonisation, green transition, and sectoral development will fall under the EU Competitiveness Fund, while most fisheries financing would flow through National and Regional Partnership Plans. However, the move sparked fears of renationalisation: how to ensure a level playing field if some Member States modernise their fleets while others do not, or between coastal and landlocked states? Several MEPs also raised the lack of stakeholder involvement in shaping the new framework.

Interventions by MEPs Isabella Lövin, Luke Ming Flanagan, and Thomas Bajada highlighted broader concerns. Lövin drew attention to the dire state of EU seas — from warming Mediterranean waters to the crisis in the Baltic — and asked how support would deliver on environmental commitments. Flanagan and Carmen Crespo warned of misplaced priorities, pointing out that while rearmament budgets are rising five-fold, agriculture is cut by 30% and fisheries by 60%, undermining food security and food sovereignty.

Beyond the fund, Kadis flagged three main priorities: the situation in the Baltic and the Mediterranean, the upcoming CFP evaluation, and the Energy Transition Roadmap for 2026. On the Small-Scale Fisheries Advisory Council, he expressed strong support, though it remains unclear whether its establishment is tied to the CFP revision.

For a deeper, more detailed LIFE analysis of the proposed funding shift, including how small-scale fisheries might fare under the new architecture, read our dedicated article. 

Other News

African Artisanal Fishers Commended by FAO for Contribution to Sustainable Aquatic Food Systems

 African Confederation of Professional Organisations of Artisanal Fisheries (CAOPA) has been selected by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations in recognition of its contribution to deliver sustainable aquatic food systems. A recognition ceremony will take place at FAO headquarters on October 15, 2025, as part of the FAO 80th Anniversary celebrations, to be held during the FAO World Food Forum 2025.

Small-scale Fisheries Feature Big in Irish Sea Fisheries Board Annual Report, but Present Several Paradoxes

The report highlights that the SSF sector, comprising all vessels under 12 meters regardless of gear type, represents the numerical heart of Irish fishing with 1,164 active vessels – 84% of the total active fleet. These predominantly family-owned operations, scattered along Ireland’s extensive coastline, serve as economic anchors for remote coastal communities where alternative employment opportunities remain scarce.

Despite representing just 7% of the fleet’s total engine power and 25% of gross tonnage, the SSF sector punches well above its weight in employment terms, providing 974 full-time equivalent positions – a remarkable 56% of all national FTEs in the fishing sector. This statistic underscores the labour-intensive nature of inshore operations and their crucial role in maintaining the social fabric of coastal Ireland.

One of the SSF sector’s strongest attributes lies in its fuel efficiency, making it a strategic option for energy transition to low carbon production. Small potting vessels demonstrated remarkable efficiency at 358 litres per tonne landed – a stark contrast to the 1,100+ litres required by larger demersal trawlers.

In 2023 the sector experienced an 11% decline in revenue and a 9% drop in Gross Value Added (GVA) compared to 2022.  However, it simultaneously achieved a spectacular 180% increase in gross profit to €10.9 million.

The high proportion of unpaid labour in SSF operations – 41% of vessels reported having at least one unpaid male worker – highlights the family-based nature of many operations. While this provides operational flexibility and helps maintain viability during challenging periods, it also raises questions about fair compensation and social protection for family members contributing to fishing operations.

Planetary Health Check 2025: 7 out of 9 Critical Earth System Boundaries have been Breached

The nine boundaries together form Earth’s operating system, the interconnected life-support processes that must stay within safe limits to keep humanity safe and the natural world resilient. Scientists monitor these boundaries through key measures, much like vital signs in a health check, to track the planet’s condition. The findings point to accelerating deterioration and growing risk of irreversible change, including a higher risk of tipping points. 

In 2025, scientists warn that yet another “planetary boundary,” ocean acidification, has been crossed.

Findings of the European Parliament Study on the Baltic Multiannual Plan: Critical Status of Key Fish Stocks

On September 4, the findings of the study commissioned by the EP on the multiannual plan for the Baltic Sea and ways forward were presented. The study reveals “that four of the seven Baltic fish stocks managed under the MAP—both cod stocks (Eastern Baltic cod – EBC, and Western Baltic cod – WBC) and the open-sea herring stocks (Central Baltic herring – CBH, and Western Baltic spring spawning herring – WBSSH)—are critically endangered, with spawning stock biomass far below the limit under which the reproductive capacity of fish population is impaired (Blim)”. It concludes that “the MAP has largely failed to achieve its objective of restoring and maintaining harvested species populations above MSY levels. Overfishing has pushed many stocks into low productivity states, where critically low biomass impairs their reproductive capacity, leading to a decoupling of stock size from fishing pressure and making recovery difficult even with reduced fishing efforts"..."

Slijedi

13-19/10 Brussels, Belgium – Ocean week 2025 – A week of debates, exhibitions and other events to celebrate Europe’s seas and explore how to rebuild their abundance.  Events include: 

• 14/10 in the EP The next MFF: Rethinking EU funding for a healthy ocean future (LIFE Policy Advisor Brian O’Riordan on the panel) 
• 15/10 in the EP: Community Engagement in MPA Designation and Management

14/10 Ljubljana, Slovenia. MedAC Focus Group on Small-Scale Fisheries meeting. Registration by 7 October . 

27-28/10 Brussels, Belgium –  The EU Council will make the final decision on Baltic Sea fishing quotas for the year 2026

Vijesti o poštenom ribarstvu, zdravim morima i živahnim ribarskim zajednicama

1/7 Strengthening Fisheries and Maritime Spatial Planning: LIFE at Key EU Dialogues

LIFE participated in the third meeting of the Member States’ Joint Special Group on the EU Action Plan Protecting and Restoring Marine Ecosystems for Sustainable and Resilient Fisheries and, the following day, in the Implementation Dialogue on Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) chaired by Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis. 

The Action Plan formed part of the package of measures, the “Pact for Fisheries and Oceans”, published in February 2023, and aims to improve the sustainability and resilience of the EU’s fisheries and aquaculture sector. It is designed to achieve a more consistent implementation of the EU’s environmental policy and the common fisheries policy with its three sustainability pillars – environmental, economic and social. The Implementation Dialogue on MSP is the first of two such dialogues to be organised this year. The second is set for November 24 and will focus on small-scale fisheries. Commissioner Kadis is tasked with organising two such dialogues each year. 

Representing LIFE, Policy Advisor Brian O’Riordan drew attention to the marginalisation of small-scale fishers (SSF) as offshore energy and aquaculture gain priority. He warned against treating oceans as unlimited space to be divided among competing interests, stressing the cumulative impacts on ecosystems and the need for clear trade-offs between energy and food security.

To address these challenges, LIFE proposed the creation of a Fishery Regenerative Zone within the 12-mile limit. This zone would be dedicated to conservation and regeneration projects, while reserving space for low-impact small-scale fishing under co-management. Such an initiative would help offset the pressures of large-scale Blue Economy sectors, strengthen marine ecosystems, and secure a fair future for SSF.

10/7 A Participative Label for small-scale fisheries: LIFE’s PGS Steering Group meet in London

Jeremy Percy, LIFE Senior Advisor, is tasked to lead a project being developed by LIFE towards establishing a Participative Guarantee Scheme (PGS) tailored for European small-scale fishers. The PGS is intended to serve as a locally-focused quality assurance mechanism, promoting sustainable, ethical fishing practices while creating market differentiation and economic benefits for small-scale fishers. PGS has been developed by IFOAM – the Organic & Regenerative Agriculture movement – for small-holder organic farmers, and this project builds on and adapts that successful model to SSF. The project is supported by Patagonia, the outdoor clothing company in business to save our home planet.

The London meeting brought together the project’s steering group: Marta Cavallé, LIFE Executive Secretary, Brian O’Riordan, LIFE Policy Advisor, Caroline Bennett, Founder of Sole of Discretion, and Jerry Percy, LIFE Senior Adviser. The meeting was convened to discuss 3 documents produced by Jerry over the past months: a draft business plan, a roadmap for implementation, and a detailed operational strategy for implementing a PGS. The project, it seems, is well on track and in safe hands. 

14/7 Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) 5th webinar

LIFE attended 2 webinars organised by the Energy Transition Partnership (ETP), as Small-Scale Fisheries Coordinator. The first was an exchange of views with the European Commission DG GROW and DG MOVE, to better understand their energy transition-related plans and initatitves, including the “European Industrial Maritime Strategy” and the “EU 2025 Ports strategy and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP)”. The second workshop focused on an exchange of views with the Advisory Councils. LIFE explained how small-scale fisheries have low carbon emissions but face major threats in their future, including limited resources and low viability, underlying the need for a dedicated action plan to secure their place in the energy transition. The various ACs presented different perspectives on the Roadmap, addressing it sector by sector. Notably, both NWWAC and MEDAC questioned the value of differentiating between small- and large-scale fisheries. They pointed out that many recommendations overlap and that the definitions remain unclear.

17/7 LIFE Board of Directors Reviews Policy and Strategic Priorities

LIFE convened its Board of Directors to address a wide range of policy and organisational matters. The meeting opened with updates on the Ocean Pact, the UN Ocean Conference, and other recent and upcoming policy-related events. Members then reviewed developments surrounding the Denmark Fisheries Bill, drawing lessons from the legislative process.

Strategic approaches were discussed on LIFE’s position to the ongoing evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). The Board also considered new membership applications and concluded with updates on financial matters. 

This meeting underscored LIFE’s commitment to shaping fisheries policy at both national and European levels while strengthening its organisational base.

18/7 LIFE and Partners Highlight Need to Reform Scientific Advice for EU and UK Fisheries

LIFE, together with 29 organisations, has endorsed a briefing exposing major shortcomings in the scientific advice guiding EU and UK fisheries management. The current system, led by ICES, often overlooks legal obligations and sustainability goals—leaving fishers with shrinking quotas and risking further closures.The briefing calls for precautionary, ecosystem-based advice that ensures stock recovery, protects marine ecosystems, and builds resilience against climate change. Presented at a meeting with the European Commission’s DG Mare, the briefing was discussed by LIFE, NGOs, and policymakers. It contributes to a broader scientific debate, with recent research describing a “systemic failure” in EU fisheries management.

22/8 LIFE Calls on the Swedish Government to Address Inequities in EU Fisheries Control Rules

LIFE has called on the Swedish government, as Baltfish chair, to draft a Joint Recommendation for eDNA-based monitoring to ensure fair and transparent fisheries management.

Under the 2024 EU Fisheries Control Regulation, small-scale fishers must report catches within strict margins of 10% (20% in the Baltic). Meanwhile, large industrial vessels landing mixed catches for fishmeal factories are exempt from reporting if they use seven “Listed Ports” (six in Denmark, one in Latvia).

This system unfairly penalises small-scale fleets targeting fish for human consumption while favouring high-volume operators, undermining sustainability and accountability.

Press, reports and other interesting reading

PECH Committee Research: [Publication] The multiannual plan for the Baltic Sea. A change in management needed

FAO SSF Guidelines newsletter – UNOC3: When the voice of small-scale fishers resonates globally

Report on the Sri Lanka Workshop, February 2025:  Strengthening Collaboration and Capacity-Building in Small-scale Fisheries, 24-26 February, 2025

New Fisheries Bill in Denmark: proposes to establish a trawler exclusion zone in coastal areas https://lifeplatform.eu/denmark-charts-a-new-course-quota-security-for-coastal-fishers-gains-ground/ 

Plastic pollution and the threat of plastic pellets shipping: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/12/nurdles-kerala-india-microplastic-pellets-pollution-fishing-environment-law 

Slijedi

9/9 Brussels, Belgium – Parliament / SEARICA: Baltic Sea Bankruptcy – a changed climate, broken economy and ecosystem

9/9 Cascais, Portugal – World Ocean Summit:  dialogue on several issues, including coastal resilience, deep-sea mining, national security and defence, marine biodiversity and ocean technology.

23/24/9 Nyborg, Denmark – Danish EU Presidency Conference on the Horizon Europe Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters”

30/9 Stockholm, Sweden – Our Baltic Ministerial Conference