A significant policy development in Denmark is set to strengthen small-scale, low-impact fisheries through the introduction of a new quota retention scheme. This long-anticipated measure aligns closely with the objectives of our Danish member organisation, FSK-PO (Foreningen for Skånsomt Kystfiskeri).
The recent political agreement entitled “En ny kurs for dansk fiskeri“ (A New Course for Danish Fisheries) introduces a provision to retain fishing quotas within the national small-scale fisheries segment. This applies specifically to vessels measuring less than 17 metres in length and up to 50 GT. The measure constitutes a major advancement for local, sustainable fishing practices.
The scheme guarantees that once a quota is allocated to small-scale operators, it cannot be transferred out to industrial fleets. Once fishers join the scheme, they are required to trade their quotas with another small-scale fisher within the system, ensuring that the quota remains available for the future. For the next two years, however, fishers participating in the ‘open part’ of the scheme retain the option to exit and take their quota with them, provided they also withdraw completely from the small-scale sector.. This curbs the ability of larger operators to acquire and consolidate quotas, a trend that has eroded the viability of small-scale fishing communities across Europe. At the same time, it allows for quota transfers among small-scale fishing operators, thus enabling succession, adaptability, and resilience.
This retention framework directly addresses long-standing concerns raised by both LIFE and FSK-PO. It aims to ensure equitable access to fisheries resources for low-impact, small-scale operators. Furthermore, it supports the economic revitalisation of coastal communities and reinforces Denmark’s commitment to environmentally responsible fishing practices.
FSK-PO has played a pivotal role in advocating for this policy change. The organisation has issued a detailed statement in support of the new quota retention measure while emphasising the need for strong implementation and meaningful follow-through.
In particular, FSK-PO underline that it is essential for the quota retention mechanism to be genuinely binding and not subject to loopholes such as temporary registration or circumvention through shell companies. Additionally, incentives must be introduced to encourage fishers to remain within the small-scale segment—this includes support for gear innovation, marketing, and infrastructure. Finally, transparency in the administration of quota registries is vital for maintaining public confidence and ensuring accountability in the system.
This Danish initiative sets a significant precedent at the European level. It demonstrates that safeguarding quotas for low-impact fishers is both feasible and politically achievable. Moreover, it reflects a broader shift towards an ecosystem-based and socially responsible approach to fisheries governance, and offers a potential model for replication in other Member States.
LIFE will continue to monitor the implementation of this Danish scheme to ensure that it delivers tangible benefits to coastal communities and support its member organisations in promoting improvement in quota management frameworks across the European Union.
Diljem EU-a ribari se suočavaju sa strogim kontrolnim mjerama. Kapetan mora formalno prijaviti procijenjeni ulov, u smislu težine i vrste. Kada se ti iskrcaji kontroliraju, postoji granica tolerancije od 10% po vrsti, iako je ulovu iz Baltika dopuštena granica od 20%. To je dio europskih napora za borbu protiv ilegalnog ribolova i osiguravanje točnijeg izvješćivanja o ulovu za upravljanje.
EU je usvojila svoj novi Uredba o kontroli ribarstva u 2024. sa strožim pravilima za prijavljivanje ulova za sve ribare. Međutim, plovila s najvećim miješanim i nesortiranim ulovom, uglavnom namijenjenim tvornicama ribljeg brašna, a zatim izvezenim izvan Unije, dobila su izuzeće od zahtjeva za prijavljivanje margine tolerancije od strane Komisije, pod uvjetom da iskrcaju u jednoj od sedam navedenih luka.
Sve se ove luke nalaze u baltičkim državama članicama, šest u Danskoj i jedna u Latviji. Danska je zemlja EU-a s najvećim obujmom iskrcaja, a Komisija je sada dodatno potaknula neselektivni ribolov koćaricama putem odredbi o navedenim lukama.
Prema Komisiji, „granica tolerancije je najveća dopuštena razlika između procjena ulova kapetana ribarskih plovila i stvarne težine ulovljene ribe. Odstupanje (navedenih luka) omogućuje operaterima da imaju koristi od fleksibilnijeg pristupa izvješćivanju o ulovu u brodskim dnevnikima prilikom iskrcaja u navedenim lukama.“
Kao što je LIFE već izvijestio u ovom članak, ovo izuzeće nesrazmjerno koristi velikim plovilima koja iskrcavaju velike količine ulova niske vrijednosti - posebno onima u sektoru ribljeg brašna - omogućujući im da zaobiđu strože zahtjeve izvješćivanja. Ovaj nepravedan sustav stavlja druge segmente flote u konkurentski nepovoljan položaj i izaziva ozbiljnu zabrinutost oko transparentnosti i održivosti, naglašavajući potrebu za jednakim uvjetima u industriji.
Trenutno se Komisija odlučila osloniti na neučinkovite metode za mjerenje prilova, sustav daljinskog elektroničkog praćenja (REM) koji koristi CCTV video kamere. Oni su na snazi već dugi niz godina i nisu se pokazali učinkovitima u točnom izvještavanju o prilovu, a kamoli u analizi sastava vrsta nesortiranih malih pelagičnih riba.
LIFE se zalaže za korištenje učinkovitijih, modernijih tehnika kontrole poput eDNA za procjenu sastava vrsta u nesortiranim miješanim pelagičnim ulovima. U Baltiku bi se trebala koristiti za praćenje i identifikaciju prilova, posebno bakalara i lososa. DTU Aqua provodi istraživanja i ispitivanja ove tehnologije već nekoliko godina, a regionalni forum za ribarstvo Baltičkog mora (BaltFish) stručna skupina za kontrolu također je raspravljao o njegovoj primjeni. Iako Dodatni rad potreban je za razvoj modela putem kojeg podaci eDNA mogu dati procjene biomase. Takav sustav omogućio bi točnu procjenu ukupne biomase vrsta prilova, što se već pokazalo učinkovitijim od CCTV-a, posebno za identifikaciju prisutnosti lososa i bakalara u nesortiranim miješanim pelagičnim ulovima. Stoga bi takvi testovi trebali biti obvezni za sva iskrcavanja u lukama s popisa.
Prilov lososa
Losos je vrijedna komercijalna vrsta u Baltiku, suočava se s višestrukim izazovima i hitno joj je potrebno učinkovito očuvanje i upravljanje. Veliko područje zabrinutosti je značajan, ali često zanemaren usputni ulov lososa u industrijskim pelagičnim ulovima. Prema Radnoj skupini za procjenu baltičkog lososa i pastrve ICES-a (ICES 2011., WGBAST), procjene su pokazale da oko 0,1% ukupnog ulova može činiti losos u tim industrijskim ribolovima. To odgovara otprilike 100 000 lososa godišnje. Za usporedbu, ukupna kvota za losos za cijelo Baltičko more za 2025. godinu iznosila je oko 45 000 lososa. Pelagični brodovi obično nemaju kvotu za lososa i stoga bi im trebalo zabraniti ribolov u područjima gdje je vjerojatno da će ga uzeti kao prilov.
Uz švedsku obalu postoji oko 40 jedinstvenih populacija lososa. Međutim, nekoliko tih populacija je u dubokoj krizi, a nedavno smo svjedočili nizu alarmantna izvješća s rijeka gdje je ribolov zaustavljen ili ozbiljno ograničen zbog rekordno niskih migracija.
Neuspjehom u prikupljanju točnih podataka o prilovu komercijalno i ekološki važnih vrsta poput lososa i bakalara, Komisija daje prioritet industrijskom ribolovu nad očuvanjem ribarstva, ozbiljno ugrožavajući budućnost ribarstva te privilegirajući jedan segment flote (riblje brašno), dok kažnjava drugi (za ljudsku prehranu) i zajednice koje o njemu ovise.
Vidimo hitnu potrebu za modernim, neovisnim i učinkovitim kontrolama pelagičnog ribolova te potičemo da se bez odgode uvede program kontrole temeljen na eDNK.
Stoga pozivamo švedsku vladu, koja trenutno predsjedava regionalnim upravljačkim tijelom Baltfish, da što prije unutar grupe pokrene Zajedničku preporuku za to.
Moramo djelovati odmah – imamo alate i smiješno je i dalje zatvarati oči pred ovim važnim ribama koje nestaju i izvedenim društvenim posljedicama.
A recent briefing, endorsed by the Low Impact Fishers of Europe (LIFE) alongside 29 organisations, draws attention to fundamental shortcomings in the scientific advice used to guide fisheries management in the European Union and the United Kingdom. The document is intended to assist responsible decision-makers – including the European Commission, the Council of the EU, Member States, the UK Government and the devolved administrations – in ensuring that advice on fishing opportunities better reflects legal obligations and sustainability goals.
The briefing, part of a wider series, highlights a growing concern that the current advice provided by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), as well as the nature of requests made by fisheries managers to ICES, does not fully reflect all relevant legal requirements or policy objectives. In particular, the briefing calls for a more precautionary, ecosystem-based approach that supports the recovery of fish stocks, safeguards the health of marine ecosystems, and ensures long-term resilience in the face of pressures such as climate change.
Fishers face low quotas and are at risk of further closures because the targets within the scientific advice are not fit for purpose, simply we are aiming to leave too few fish in the population.
Scientific Advice at the Core of Sustainable Fisheries
LIFE and partner organisations argue that scientific advice must form the foundation of effective fisheries management. To this end, the briefing advocates for advice that is explicitly recovery-focused, precautionary, and ecosystem-based in contrast to the current approach which is overly focused on individual stock assessments and insufficiently attuned to broader ecological interactions and cumulative pressures.
Recommendations aimed at improving the robustness and relevance of scientific advice include:
Requesting ICES to clarify identified shortcomings in its advisory approach, propose improvements, and offer interim guidance on how existing advice can be used to meet legal and policy requirements;
Explicit recognition by EU and UK decision-makers of the existing gaps in the advisory process;
Joint efforts between the EU, UK, and ICES to develop a clear and time-bound roadmap for addressing these issues;
The application of additional precautionary measures – including setting catch levels below the maximum advised by current single-stock assessments – until more comprehensive advice is available.
The overarching aim is to ensure that fisheries decisions are underpinned by advice that fully supports stock recovery and marine ecosystem health, in line with the legal frameworks and sustainability commitments of both the EU and the UK.
A Constructive Dialogue with Decision-Makers
The briefing was presented at a recent meeting with the EU Commission-DG Mare, attended by approximately 20 organisations, including environmental NGOs, three angling organisations, and LIFE, as well as five members of staff from the European Commission. The discussion provided a valuable opportunity to explore the issues raised in the document and identify pathways toward improved coherence between science, policy, and practice.
LIFE has expressed its intention to remain engaged in this dialogue and to support efforts aimed at strengthening the scientific foundations of fisheries management.
A Broader Scientific Debate
In parallel to these developments, a wider scientific debate has emerged regarding the adequacy of current advisory structures. A recent publication by GEOMAR in Science described a “systemic failure” in European fisheries management, suggesting that only politically independent, ecosystem-based catch limits can provide a durable solution to overfishing in EU waters. ICES has since responded to this critique, prompting further exchange within the scientific community on how best to integrate ecosystem considerations into fisheries advice.
As this dialogue continues, the briefing endorsed by LIFE and its partners adds to a growing call for scientific advice that is more aligned with ecological realities and legal commitments. It underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and a more integrated approach to the provision and application of scientific evidence in fisheries decision-making.
We underline that fishers cannot live with further closures. The scientific advice needs to be adapted so that it provides an analysis conducive to stock growth and significantly lowers the risk of low biomass levels.
Vijesti o poštenom ribarstvu, zdravim morima i živahnim ribarskim zajednicama
13. rujna/6. Unapređenje Globalne agende za male ribare: LIFE na UNOC3
Od 9. do 13. lipnja LIFE je sudjelovao u Treća konferencija Ujedinjenih naroda o oceanima (UNOC3) u Nici, kao dio globalne delegacije malih ribara. Delegacija je ponovno potvrdila Poziv na akciju malih ribara, prvi put predstavljen na UNOC2 u Lisabonu 2022. godine, a utemeljen je na Dobrovoljnim smjernicama FAO-a za osiguranje održivog malog ribarstva.
S lijeva na desno: Marta Cavallé, Sandrine Thomas, Gwen Pennarun i Seamus Bonner
Delegaciju LIFE-a činili su Gwen Pennarun, predsjednica LIFE-a i Udruge bretonskih ribara; Séamus Bonner, član upravnog odbora LIFE-a i IIMRO-a; Sandrine Thomas, francuska ribarica; Ken Kawahara, tajnik Udruge bretonskih ribara; i Marta Cavallé, izvršna tajnica LIFE-a. Delegaciju je pratila i podržavala Elsa Pullman, viša voditeljica kampanja u Blue Ventures.
U suradnji s Blue Ventures, LIFE je bio suorganizator dviju projekcija filma Promjena mora: Budućnost ribolova (ZED). Ovi događaji organizirani su u okviru zajedničkog Učinite ribolov poštenim kampanju s ciljem isticanja ključnih izazova upravljanja s kojima se suočavaju mali ribari. Osim toga, delegati programa LIFE bili su pozvani kao panelisti na drugim događajima koji su se bavili širokim rasponom tema, uključujući financiranje EU-a, osnaživanje podataka za mali ribolov s gledišta novih tehnologija i upravljanje oceanima, te su sudjelovali u sesijama umrežavanja, angažirajući ribare, donositelje odluka i predstavnike civilnog društva.
Na međunarodnoj razini, LIFE je surađivao s organizacijama malih ribara diljem svijeta i partnere koji pružaju podršku, te su suorganizirali niz aktivnosti tijekom tjedna, uključujući namjenski popratni događaj u Plavoj zoni koji je okupio više od 40 ribara iz 25 zemalja, a domaćini su bile vlade Kostarike i Njemačke. Delegati sa svih kontinenata dali su zajedničke snažne izjave, potičući vlade poput Kostarike, Madagaskara, Sejšela i Gane da se obvežu na proširenje zona preferencijalnog pristupa i okvira zajedničkog upravljanja.
Na razini EU-a, prezentacija Europski pakt o oceanima i najava nadolazećeg Zakona o oceanima označila je korak naprijed, iako ga općenito obilježava konsolidacija postojećih inicijativa. LIFE pozdravlja prepoznavanje malog ribolova „kao prioriteta“ unutar ovog programa, ali naglašava potrebu za obvezujućim, konkretnim mjerama koje će stvarno napraviti razliku za ovaj sektor. U pripremi za Dijalog o provedbi malog ribolova u studenom, LIFE će nastaviti zagovarati namjenski Akcijski plan za europski mali ribolov. Dodatne informacije o sudjelovanju LIFE-a mogu se pronaći u ovom autorskom tekstu Marte Cavallé.
3/6 Dekarbonizacija flote: LIFE poziva na pravednu tranziciju temeljenu na proporcionalnosti za malo ribarstvo
4. sastanak Radne skupine za ribarsku brodogradnju u okviru Partnerstvo za energetsku tranziciju (ETP) koju je osnovala Europska komisija i Glavna uprava za more i more okupila je različite perspektive o dekarbonizaciji ribarske flote, s naglaskom na izvedivost, financiranje i društveni utjecaj. Sesija je uključivala panel raspravu, tehničke prezentacije i novosti o angažmanu na razini EU.
Govoreći u ime sektora malog ribolova, savjetnik za politiku programa LIFE, Brian O'Riordan, istaknuo je da je energetska tranzicija trenutno vođena politikom, a ne tržištem, što mnoge ribare ostavlja bez jasnog poslovnog plana. Naglasio je da se mali operateri suočavaju s posebnim izazovima: zastarjelim plovilima, ograničenom podrškom i rastućim prostornim pritiscima od energije s morja i akvakulture. Upozorio je da predložene mjere dekarbonizacije daleko nadmašuju vrlo malen i sve manji doprinos emisijama ugljika koji ovaj sektor čini. Rekao je da je potrebna proporcionalnost.
Iako su nedavni napredak u električnom pogonu obećavajući, O'Riordan je upozorio da dizajn plovila i dalje mora zadovoljavati stvarne zahtjeve za sigurnošću i funkcionalnošću. Također je ukazao na rizike socijalne isključenosti, napominjući da bi bez ciljane podrške tranzicija mogla pogoršati nejednakosti i obeshrabriti mlade ribare da uđu u sektor.
Istog poslijepodneva, LIFE je organizirao 4. sastanak Radne skupine za malo ribarstvo (SSF WG)u okviru ETP-a. Članovi Radne skupine raspravljali su o završnoj izjavi i popisu preporuka sektora za budući Plan energetske tranzicije koji bi trebao biti poslan do rujna.
Sastanak Seaglow u Švedskoj, 17.-18.6., fokusira se na održive inovacije
Seaglow partneri tijekom drugog sastanka konzorcija projekta
LIFE, Seaglowov partner, sudjelovao je u nedavnom Sastanak konzorcija SEAGLOW u organizaciji istraživačkih instituta RISE Švedske, gdje su europski partneri raspravljali o sljedećim koracima u poticanju održivih inovacija u malom ribarstvu. Dnevni red obuhvaćao je tehnološke pilot projekte, angažman dionika i strategije suradnje.
Sastanak je također pružio priliku za povezivanje s REFEST projekt partneri i projektni savjetnik iz CINEA-e, s naglaskom na zajedničke ciljeve vezane uz energetsku tranziciju, održive prakse i doprinos EU-u Misija: Obnoviti naš ocean i vode.
LIFE nastavlja podržavati zajedničke napore usmjerene na male ribare u prijelazu na ribarstvo s niskim utjecajem na okoliš i otporno na klimatske promjene.
25/6 Baltfish Forum: Mali ribari ne smiju biti zapostavljeni
LIFE je sudjelovao na najnovijem Forumu o ribarstvu u Baltičkom moru, održanom u Hamburgu pod njemačkim predsjedanjem. Glavni fokus bio je na savjetima ICES-a za 2026. godinu i njihovim implikacijama za budućnost ribarstva u Baltičkom moru.
Unatoč tome što su mnoge populacije riba na ili blizu povijesno niskih razina, ICES preporučuje značajno povećanje ulova - više od 70 000 tona. LIFE je, zajedno s nekoliko drugih organizacija, izrazio ozbiljnu zabrinutost da bi takvo povećanje, ako se provede, moglo dodatno naštetiti već krhkim populacijama riba, a ne podržati njihov oporavak. Razlika između preporuka ICES-a i stvarnosti uočene na moru i dalje je zabrinjavajuća, a rasprave nisu ponudile jasan put naprijed.
Europska komisija, koju je zastupala Maja Kirchner iz DG MARE, priznala je posebno tešku situaciju s kojom se suočavaju mali obalni ribari u Švedskoj i njihovu ovisnost o zdravim, održivim stokovima. LIFE je naglasio da malim ribarima koji koriste pasivnu opremu mora biti zajamčen pristup bakalaru kao prilovu prema poštenim i selektivnim pravilima, u skladu s obvezom iskrcavanja EU-a. Također smo pozvali na provedbu analize okolišne DNK (iDNA) kao isplativog alata za praćenje prilova u floti velikih ribolovnih područja.
Štoviše, LIFE je pozvao Švedsku da u svoj nacionalni plan rada uključi haringu iz Botničkog mora kada preuzme predsjedanje Baltfishom.
Kvote za sljedeću godinu bit će glavna tema na Baltičkom regionalnom upravljačkom tijelu. Ovo je bio posljednji sastanak pod njemačkim predsjedanjem, koje je 1. srpnja naslijedila Švedska.
27/6 Ribolov bakalara: Pozitivna promjena u savjetima ICES-a
LIFE i njegov član, Organizacija za morske resurse Irskih otoka (IIMRO), pozdravljam ažurirane savjete ICES-a o bakalaru. Vijeće sada preporučuje ukupni dopušteni ulov (TAC) od 3310 tona za 2026. u ICES područjima VI i VII - što je značajna promjena u odnosu na prethodnu preporuku o nultom TAC-u koja je dovela do zatvaranja priobalnog ribolova ručnim udicom. Ovaj rezultat dobar je pokazatelj potencijalnog oporavka i nudi nadu za ponovno otvaranje ribolova, koji je zatvoren već nekoliko godina, s ozbiljnim posljedicama za male ribare koji o njemu ovise za svoju egzistenciju i okončanje nepravde velikih ribarstva koja i dalje love ovaj resurs kao usputni ulov.
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 Promjena mora: Budućnost ribolova, 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.
Vijesti o poštenom ribarstvu, zdravim morima i živahnim ribarskim zajednicama
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 European Maritime Day 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
ICES 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 Poziv na reformu sporazuma s ICES-om radi pružanja znanstvenih savjeta za upravljanje ribarstvom
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:
Brussels, 28 May 2025 — In a compelling 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.
With the next UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) set to take place in Nice this June, LIFE sees a pivotal opportunity for the EU to lead globally by championing a more ambitious, fair, and inclusive ocean policy. The leaked draft of the Pact lacks the urgency, balance, and social equity needed to meet the scale of today’s coastal challenges.
The letter stresses that small-scale fisheries (SSF)—a sector critical to coastal livelihoods and marine stewardship—are at a tipping point due to increasing pressures and insufficient policy support. LIFE warns that without targeted action, this vital sector risks collapse.
Key demands include:
A dedicated SSF Action Plan to safeguard the future of small-scale fisheries across Europe.
Recognition of the often invisible role of women in the sector, which is notably absent from the current draft.
Stronger safeguards for ocean ecosystems, especially as new blue economy industries are promoted.
“The Ocean Pact must be fair to fishers, fair to future generations, and fair to nature,” writes LIFE Executive Secretary, Marta Cavallé. Europe must demonstrate leadership through a robust and coherent Ocean Pact—one that truly charts a course toward a thriving ocean by 2030, while also prioritising fairness and the needs of our small-scale fishing coastal communities at its centre.
Vijesti o poštenom ribarstvu, zdravim morima i živahnim ribarskim zajednicama
21/4 LIFE’s Contribution to the CFP Consultation
Earlier this year, the European Commission launched a public consultation to assess the effectiveness of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). This builds on the 2023 “Pact for Fisheries and Oceans” and the 2024 Call for Evidence on the CFP. As part of this important process, LIFE submitted a detailed response, bringing forward the voices, insights, and concerns of small-scale fishers from across Europe.
Our contribution highlights the challenges faced on the water, the gaps between policy and practice, and the urgent need for a CFP that truly works for low-impact, small-scale fishing communities.
9/4 LIFE Exchanges with Commissioner Kadis on Fair Policies for Small-Scale Fishers
9/4 Brussels, Belgium – LIFE President Gwen Pennarun joined LIFE staff to meet with EU Commissioner Kadis and his team, using the opportunity to address the key challenges facing Europe’s small-scale fisheries.. LIFE presented its vision for a fair and sustainable future for the sector, highlighting how the 2024–2029 European Commission mandate could strengthen support for the small-scale fleet. Pennarun was able to share his professional experience of how opportunities to achieve fair fisheries are being squandered through unfair policies and partial implementation of the CFP, providing the concrete examples of Bluefin tuna, pollack, and seabass. He also highlighted his work to train and guide young fishers into the profession, and how partial implementation of the CFP – notably Article 17 – has led to future generations of fishers being discriminated against, albeit unintentionally.
Discussions covered priority issues such as the implementation of Article 17, SSF engagement through Producer Organisations and Advisory Councils, and the urgent need for more comprehensive, reliable scientific advice, with a review of how MSY and fishing levels are set.
LIFE contributes to the Dialogue on Energy Transition in EU Small-Scale Fisheries
7/4 Brussels, Belgium – The Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) for the EU Fisheries and Aquaculture sector, under the European Commission (DG MARE) held hybrid workshops for the small-scale, large-scale and distant water fleets in the framework of the event “Navigating the Future of EU Fisheries Through Energy Transition”. The first exchange focused on Small-Scale Coastal Fisheries (SSCF) and was presented by LIFE’s Executive Secretary Marta Cavallé, who is also coordinator of this working group. Participants explored key challenges and opportunities in the shift to low-emission energy, building on prior ETP sessions and using case studies to guide discussion.
LIFE Advocates for Small-Scale Fishers at InterAC meeting
8/4 Brussels, Belgium – LIFE staff represented the Baltic Sea Advisory Council at the recent InterAC event, where we participated in a roundtable discussion on the Vision for EU Fisheries in 2040, at the presence of EU Commissioner Costas Kadis. During the session, LIFE underscored the urgent need to enhance access to fish stocks and called on the European Commission to provide stronger support for the small-scale fishing sector—an essential pillar of sustainable and resilient coastal communities.
President Gwen Pennarun and LIFE staff meet French MEP Eric Sargiacomo on Small-Scale Fisheries Priorities
8/4 Brussels, Belgium – President Gwen Pennarun and LIFE staff held a constructive meeting with MEP Eric Sargiacomo (S&D) focused on key issues facing small-scale fishers and coastal communities. Sargiacomo expressed strong support for the men and women who take to the sea each day to provide quality seafood, sustain coastal communities, and preserve traditional knowledge. “They provide an indispensable thread in the social fabric that holds our coastal communities together”, he said. The discussion touched on crucial topics including maritime spatial planning, climate change, fishing opportunities, resource sharing, and fisheries governance—all of which require collaborative action moving forward.
Event in the European Parliament: Small-scale fisheries turning digital: how to do it right?
23/4 Brussels, Belgium – The Fish-X Project, in which LIFE participates, organised its final workshop ahead of the project ending later this year in July. Fish-X has been developing digital tools for vessel monitoring and catch reporting to empower small-scale fishers and which respond to the amended Fisheries Control Regulation. According to the project, digitalisation is not optional, but essential to achieve fair and sustainable fisheries.
The event, hosted by the EPP and Renew Europe political groups, centred around a panel comprising two small-scale fishers from Croatia and Portugal, MEPs, DG Mare, and technical experts. Opening the discussion, Croatian MEP Zeljana Zovoka, EPP, called for a balanced approach (to fisheries control), highlighting the burden of excessive regulation on the one hand, and the fishers’ lack of a voice on the other. She noted that “digitalisation is a powerful tool, but only if it serves the people”. The meeting was closed by MEP Stéphanie Yon-Courtin, who highlighted how small-scale fisheries is leading in the digital transformation of the fishing sector; that AI will not replace fishers, but will provide an essential tool.
Pioneering a Sustainable Round Goby Fishery in the Baltic Sea
As part of our initiative to develop a commercial round goby fishery in the Baltic Sea, LIFE is funding test fishing operations in Germany and Sweden through mid-June 2025. The aim is to design and evaluate viable fishing gear while working alongside scientists to deepen our understanding of the round goby stock. This work lays the foundation for a sustainable fishery, and LIFE will continue its efforts on this project through 2027.
Coming up:
12-15/5 ICES Baltic advice drafting group
LIFE staff will attend as an observer the ICES advice drafting group for Baltic Sea stocks. Scientists present their findings from annual surveys and their advice for next year regarding the development and recommendations for each fish stock.
19-20/4 The next PECH meeting will take place on Monday, 19 May 2025, 15:00 to 18:30 (tbc) and Tuesday, 20 May 2025, 09:00 to 12:30 & 14:30 to 18:30 in the room SPAAK 5B1 (Brussels).
21-23/4 European Maritime Days (Cork): LIFE will attend the EMD, the place where ‘Ocean Leaders Meet’. It provides an engaging and interactive experience to catch up on the current state of play on a broad range of issues concerning the blue economy and the marine environment and to discuss ways of moving forward.
The Low Impact Fishers of Europe call on DG Mare for anurgent reform of the agreement with ICES to ensure that scientific advice for fisheries management fully supports the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy — restoring fish stocks above MSY levels while securing a resilient, competitive, and sustainable future for Europe’s small-scale fishing sector.
In January 2025, the European Commission opened a public consultation to gather evidence, insights, concerns, ideas, and feedback on the effectiveness of the common fisheries policy (CFP) regulation from a range of stakeholders, including individuals, the fisheries and maritime sectors, scientists, non-governmental and other organisations, and national administrations from EU Member States. The deadline for the consultation was 21 April 2025; LIFE’s contribution is available below.
9/4 Brussels, Belgium – LIFE President Gwen Pennarun joined LIFE staff to meet with EU Commissioner Kadis and his team, using the opportunity to address the key challenges facing Europe’s small-scale fisheries.. LIFE presented its vision for a fair and sustainable future for the sector, highlighting how the 2024–2029 European Commission mandate could strengthen support for the small-scale fleet. Pennarun was able to share his professional experience of how opportunities to achieve fair fisheries are being squandered through unfair policies and partial implementation of the CFP, providing the concrete examples of Bluefin tuna, pollack, and seabass. He also highlighted his work to train and guide young fishers into the profession, and how partial implementation of the CFP – notably Article 17 – has led to future generations of fishers being discriminated against, albeit unintentionally. 
8/4 Brussels, Belgium – President Gwen Pennarun and LIFE staff held a constructive meeting with MEP Eric Sargiacomo (S&D) focused on key issues facing small-scale fishers and coastal communities. Sargiacomo expressed strong support for the men and women who take to the sea each day to provide quality seafood, sustain coastal communities, and preserve traditional knowledge. “They provide an indispensable thread in the social fabric that holds our coastal communities together”, he said. The discussion touched on crucial topics including maritime spatial planning, climate change, fishing opportunities, resource sharing, and fisheries governance—all of which require collaborative action moving forward.
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