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News about fair fisheries, healthy seas and vibrant fishing communities

LIFE Welcomes Swedish Initiative on Baltic Sea Fisheries Management

LIFE Baltic members welcome the Swedish government’s assignment to the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (SwAM) to pilot a scientific project on spatial management for pelagic fishing in the Baltic Sea.

The initiative was presented in the framework of the Baltic Sea Advisory Council works for comments by the membership. It focuses on monitoring herring stocks to evaluate biomass, stock structure, and size trends while distinguishing fisheries impacts from other environmental factors. A proposed study area in the Central Baltic Sea will test annual restrictions on Sweden-flagged vessels using towed gear for pelagic fishing, with exemptions for vessels under 24 meters targeting fish for human consumption.

LIFE supports this proactive, holistic approach to strengthen fisheries knowledge and management and sustain both fish stocks and coastal communities. Additional details on LIFE’s position are available here. 

European Parliament Approves New College of Commissioners

Following a robust debate with Ursula von der Leyen on her new team and programme, on 27 November the European Parliament voted to approve the College of Commissioners. The results saw 370 MEPs in favor, 282 against, and 36 abstentions. Ahead of the vote, President von der Leyen reaffirmed her commitment to Parliament’s priorities, noting the portfolio adjustments made during the evaluation process. 

One of the key appointments within the new Commission is Mr. Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, who secured backing from the European Parliament’s Committee on Fisheries (PECH) following his hearing on 6 November.

Nominated by the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Kadis showcased his expertise and readiness to address the challenges of his portfolio and explained how he will address his  Mission Letter, including climate change, invasive species, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, marine pollution, unauthorized shipping, fisheries science, the blue economy, and Marine Spatial Planning.

The Low Impact Fishers of Europe (LIFE) warmly welcome Mr. Kadis’s appointment. He has pledged to prioritize the needs of small-scale fisheries by working to ensure equitable access to marine resources, enhanced sectoral support, and improved market opportunities. This commitment aims to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of small-scale fishers across Europe.

Additionally, Mr. Kadis underlined the importance of optimising the use of Article 17 of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), an often-overlooked mechanism that promotes sustainability, incentivizes best practices, and advances social equity.

LIFE looks forward to collaborating closely with him and his team to advance shared objectives aligned with our Manifesto for sustainable and equitable fisheries.

LIFE to Coordinate  Discussions on Energy Transition  for Small-Scale Fisheries

LIFE Executive Secretary, Marta Cavallé, has been appointed to coordinate the Small-Scale Fisheries Working Group under the Energy Transition Partnership (ETP).

Launched by the European Commission (DG Mare) last year,  DG Mare is now creating a Support Group, made up of 10 coordinators, whose role is essential in fostering the exchange of inputs, recommendations, and best practices within the sector. As a bottom-up advisory and consultative body, these Coordinators will play a pivotal role in assisting the European Commission by providing insights and guiding the development of the Energy Transition roadmap—an actionable plan to be delivered by the end of 2025, with measurable milestones aimed at supporting the transition to a sustainable future.

To ensure that small-scale fisheries are at the forefront of a sustainable and inclusive energy transition, LIFE is committed to engaging fishers directly in the process. By gathering insights, addressing challenges, and facilitating the exchange of best practices, LIFE aims to advocate for an equitable transition that reflects the needs and realities of small-scale fishers across Europe.

This role also complements LIFE’s work in Seaglow, an EU-funded project demonstrating innovative low-carbon technologies for small-scale fishing vessels of which LIFE is partner. By integrating insights from and for both initiatives, LIFE aims to drive practical and sustainable energy solutions for the sector.

Registration is  open for the first workshop, “Navigating the Energy Transition: Strategic Goals for a Resilient and Sustainable Small-Scale Coastal Fisheries,” which will take place on 11 December 2024, from 9:30 to 13:30 in Brussels and online.

LIFE Staff Attend Re-Launch of Parliament Recreational Fisheries Forum

On 13 November 2024, LIFE Brussels staff attended the relaunch of the European Parliament’s Forum on Recreational Fisheries and Aquatic Environment. The event, chaired by MEP Michal Wiezik (Renew Europe), focused on the socio-economic and environmental benefits of the EU’s recreational fisheries sector. Mark Owen (EAA President) and Gerard Bakkenes (EFTTA Chair) outlined key challenges and opportunities for the sector over the next five years. The event also provided an excellent networking opportunity, to meet new MEPs, and to discuss the mutual interests of small-scale fishers and recreational fisheries.

RoundGoby Project Partners meet in Gdańsk

LIFE Baltic and North Sea Coordinator attended the second in-person meeting of the RoundGoby project in Gdańsk. The meeting included updates on pilot activities and the development and marketing of Round Goby products as both human and pet food.

A side-event featured tastings of Round Goby chips and prototypes of canned, minced products, developed by Kaunas University of Technology and Baltijos Konservai. Swedish partners also showcased Round Goby burgers, and a chef team from Kalmar kommun prepared innovative dishes.

Open calls for proposals

Deadline 11/12: Algae Accelerator

A six-month mentorship programme designed to help businesses in the algae value chain refine their strategies, address industry challenges, and bring sustainable alternatives to market.

Deadline 13/12: Second Cycle of Technical Assistance to Support Communities of Actors to Achieve the EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters Objectives

The technical assistance supports selected applicants in strengthening actions aligned with the Mission Ocean and Waters targets. It offers tailored expert support, including technical assessments and feasibility studies, covering regulatory, technical, economic, operational, environmental, and commercial aspects.

Coming up

3/12 in Brussels: In person event in the European Parliament hosted by MEP Thomas Bajada on the “Follow the Fish” Statement: speakers from civil society, the food industry and seafood companies will discuss the importance of having more information on the fish EU consumers eat. Registration is accessible here.

4-5/12 in Brussels and online: LIFE staff will attend the next PECH meeting. Topics on the agenda include a Workshop on “The future of the EU fishing fleet − First assessment of Member States’ EMFAF programmes for 2021-27”, organised by Policy Department B and a Public Hearing on How scientific advice is developed for EU Fisheries Policy decisions. Works will be boradcasted here. 

9/12 online: LIFE Policy Advisor, Brian O’Riordan, will take the floor in this webinar organised by ClientEarth on the energy transition of EU fisheries and focusing on presenting the report “Capacity Ceilings in EU Fisheries: Obstacle or Opportunity for the Decarbonisation Process?”. Registration is accessible here.

News about fair fisheries, healthy seas and vibrant fishing communities

Making a Meal out of Baltic Sea Fisheries

On 23 October 2024 the AgriFish Council reached an agreement on fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea for 2025. In doing so, they negotiated a package that leaves around  90% of the fishing quotas for the unsorted mixed pelagic catch fleet segment which reduces catches to fishmeal and oil. The agreement also allows the trawler fleet to take a bycatch of cod along with their plaice quota, but leaves the small-scale low impact fleet to eke out a living on plaice and flounder, along with a tokenistic western herring quota.  

Once again, the need for fish stock growth to sustain the coastal fishery was ignored. The cod fisheries will remain closed, as has been the case since 2019, but rebuilding the stock through increased prey availability of sprat and herring was not prioritised. The sprat quota was reduced by less than recommended by the Commission and ICES while the central Baltic herring quota was increased by 108%, on the basis that the average weight of herring has increased leaving the stock above critical biomass levels. 

Meanwhile, in the Bothnian Sea the herring quota was increased 21% despite the fact that the quota has not been exhausted for the past three years. Coastal fishermen and anglers had called for a significant reduction in order to increase the stock biomass and also ensure sufficient prey availability for the wild salmon stocks that depend on herring for their growth. 

Ocean Week 2024 in Brussels celebrates Europe’s Seas  

Ocean week took place in Brussels – a week of debates, exhibitions and other events to celebrate Europe’s seas and explore how to rebuild their abundance. The focus was on building momentum for sustainable fisheries, driving climate resilience and uplifting coastal communities. LIFE members and staff have been actively engaged in several initiatives, including: 

• 30/9 We stand for transparent and fair fishing – a photographic exhibition

A powerful photographic exhibition where LIFE Members from Denmark (David Lange, FSK), Ireland (Muireann and Neily Kavanagh, IIMRO) and Spain (Primitivo Pedrosa), called on national governments, newly-elected Members of the European Parliament, and the European Commission to ensure fairer and more transparent fishing practices. Through captivating imagery in both photographic i video format, the initiative highlighted the realities faced by the small-scale fleet and underscored the need for equitable and transparent allocation of fishing opportunities across Europe. 

• 1/10 Rethink Fisheries! For Thriving Seas and Communities

Fisheries stakeholders gathered on the esplanade in front of the European Parliament as part of the “Rethink Fisheries: For Thriving Seas and Communities” event. LIFE members Gwen Pennarun (Brittany Handliners, France), Muireann Kavanagh (IIMRO, Ireland), and Isaac Moya Bofill (Empescat, Spain) featured as panellists in the “Make Fishing Fair” panel. They spoke about the challenges faced by small-scale fishers, from restrictive access to local species to resource depletion and unsuitable market regulations. Their discussions underscored the urgent need for fairer, sustainable approaches to resource management and industry practices.

• 2/10 Ocean lab – MEPs: meet the ocean 

Organised by BirdLife and Surfrider, Ocean Lab provided  an opportunity for MEPs and their teams to meet with stakeholders of the marine and fisheries sectors in a speed dating style format and to share perspectives on the following key topics: Fisheries and Food, Sustainable Blue Economy and Just Transition, Energy Transition, Biodiversity and Climate Change, Pollution and Health. LIFE staff, Jerry Percy, LIFE Senior Advisor, and Gwen Pennarun, LIFE Director, attended to provide insights on small-scale fisheries issues.

• 3/10 Driving the Energy Transition and Climate Resilience in EU Fisheries

Organised by Oceana and Client Earth, the event focused on the shift to low-impact and low-carbon practices to align the fisheries sector with the EU’s broader 2050 climate neutrality goals. LIFE was invited to be part of a panel, providing a small-scale fisheries perspective on the issues arising from the energy transition to a zero carbon emissions economy. 

• 3/10 Balancing nature, climate and people at sea: Nature-positive offshore wind

LIFE was on the panel of this event organised by WWF in the European Parliament. Topics on the agenda included the development of new offshore wind infrastructures to meet the Paris Agreement and co-existence with other industries. LIFE underscored, inter alia, the need to place small-scale fisheries at the heart of the Blue economy development strategy.  This fleet segment provides a sustainable source of food and employment to coastal communities; it is therefore vital to protect it from displacement and spatial squeezing.  Independent environmental, social and economic impact assessments of offshore wind farms are also urgently needed, alongside inclusive Maritime Spatial Planning. 

Preserving Heritage while Advocating Change: III Congreso Internacional de la Pesca Artesanal in Conil

Held in the historic fishing town of Conil, the III Congreso Internacional de la Pesca Artesanal (9-11/10) organised by the organisation OPP72 and the Red Iberoamericana de Pesca Artesanal de Pequeña Escala (RIPAPE) brought together more than a hundred participants from 30 countries, mainly small-scale fishers, researchers, and policymakers. This congress celebrated the small-scale fishing heritage, shared knowledge on sustainable practices, and provided a forum to discuss the current and future challenges facing small-scale fisheries. The agenda tackled three main topics: climate change and its effects on small-scale fisheries; governance systems, co-management and fishing rights; and food sovereignty in the context of the burgeoning blue economy. LIFE Executive Secretary, Marta Cavallé, in addition to LIFE members Luis Rodriguez and Macarena Molina, attended the Congress, highlighting the importance of stronger cooperation of small-scale fisheries networks, and organisations across the globe, to represent and create space for small-scale fisheries at international level, and to advocate for fair policies. 

Shaping a Digital Future for Small-Scale Fisheries: Fish-X 6th Working Group Meeting

The Fish-X 6th Working Group Meeting, Small-Scale Fisheries Speak Out: Shaping a Digital Future for Their Needs (25/10), brought LIFE Members, LIFE staff and Fish X project partners together to discuss digital innovation tailored to the needs of small-scale fisheries, ensuring they can play an active role within the digital transition. The meeting provided small-scale fisheries representatives with a platform to voice their needs, concerns, challenges and opportunities around digitalization, and discuss solutions and how FishX digital tools can be adapted to their specific requirements. A key takeaway was the need to develop tools not exclusively focusing on control and enforcement as the driver of digitalisation. Building on the UK experience with CatchApp,  Jerry Percy, LIFE Senior Advisor, highlighted as key aspects for successful small-scale fisheries-friendly digital tools early engagement, codevelopment of solutions, simple fit for purpose equipment, robust procurement processes supported by initial and ongoing grant funding, extensive capacity building processes for all stakeholders and field testing prior to implementation .

Galician Women Shellfish Gatherers Disheartened as Protection Bill for Traditional Fishing Rejected by PP

LIFE Member Mulleres Salgadas, representing women shellfish gatherers in the Coruña and Pontevedra area, has expressed disappointment after the Galician Popular Party (PP) rejected a Popular Legislative Initiative (Iniciativa Legislativa Popular – ILP) aimed at enhancing legal protections for traditional fishing, shellfishing, and mussel farming. The ILP, championed by various local fishing and women’s organizations, along with unions and municipalities, sought to classify these activities as “of general interest,” which would prioritize them over competing maritime developments, such as offshore wind projects. Proponents argued that this recognition is crucial to safeguard the sector amid declining shellfish and mussel yields and to protect it from environmental threats and competing industries. The PP argued that current coastal laws already cover these concerns, rendering additional protections unnecessary. This stance has sparked criticism from opposition members, who emphasize the economic and cultural significance of Galicia’s fishing industry and argue for stronger protections to address its ongoing crises.For more information check this press article in La Voz de Galicia and the ILP document (in Spanish) . 

In the press

Press coverage on the Ocean week:

https://thefishingdaily.com/featured-news/artisanal-fishers-and-oceana-call-for-fairer-fishing-access-through-exhibition/

https://fiskerforum.com/spotlight-on-small-scale-fisheries-at-ocean-weeks-2024-event/

https://theskipper.ie/artisanal-fishermen-and-oceana-call-for-fairer-fishing-access/

Coming up

Ongoing – CINEA launched a call for proposals for expertise and technical assistance to those willing to launch a project that falls under one of the categories supported by the Mission Lighthouse (biodiversity, pollution, and circular economy). Deadline 13/12/2024 

6/11, 14:30-17:30 – European Parliament hearing with Commissioner-designate Kostas Cadis. Watch live here, and read Cadis’s written responses to the Committee’s questions.

12/11 – LIFE will attend a roundtable on Article 17 of the Common Fisheries Policy organised by Oceana. This exclusive event will bring together EU fisheries administrations, Blue NGOs, and low-impact small-scale fishers to discuss collaborative solutions and address implementation challenges.

25-28/11- European Parliament Plenary meetings in Strasbourg, during which MEPs will vote on the full college of Commissioners. Agenda available here.  

News about fair fisheries, healthy seas and vibrant fishing communities

2025 Baltic Sea Fishing Quotas: Cause for Concern, LIFE Calls for Sustainable Limits

The European Commission’s 2025 fishing quotas for the Baltic Sea have raised concerns among LIFE members. They advocate for more cautious fishing limits based on longer-term stock data, alongside multispecies management. This approach would help safeguard the sustainability of fish populations and protect the livelihoods of communities that rely on Baltic fisheries. LIFE members criticise the scientists’ reliance on just three years of data to assess fish stocks, warning that it could lead to overfishing, especially of herring, and destabilize the marine ecosystem. LIFE says it’s a perverse decision based on flawed science and must be revised. 

LIFE’s Manifesto: Reshaping EU Fisheries Policies for Fairness and Sustainability

For the upcoming X° legislature of the European Union, the Low Impact Fishers of Europe have published a Manifesto with a clear mission: to guide decision-makers in placing small-scale fisheries at the heart of EU fisheries policies, aiming to restructure the current, inequitable system.

This Manifesto serves as a call to action for the European Parliament, urging it to legislate and shape policies that are fair in three crucial aspects: Fair for the Fishers, Fair for Future Generations, and Fair for Nature. LIFE emphasizes that small-scale fishers play a vital role in sustainable fishing practices, but they are often marginalized under existing EU policies that favour larger, industrial fleets.

To address these disparities, LIFE outlines six key priorities within the Manifesto. These priorities are designed to promote a fairer distribution of fishing rights and opportunities, ensure environmental sustainability, and protect the livelihoods of small-scale fishers. By implementing these improvements, the EU can pave the way for a more just and sustainable fisheries management system that benefits not only current fishers but also future generations and the marine environment.

LIFE’s manifesto is both a roadmap and a rallying cry for change, highlighting the urgent need to align EU fisheries policies with social, economic, and ecological fairness.

Nomination of the new European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans

LIFE has welcomed the nomination of Kostas Cadis as the European Commission-designate for Fisheries and Oceans. Coming from Cyprus, an island with a strong small-scale fishing tradition, where he served as Minister for Agriculture, LIFE is hopeful that Cadis will be particularly sensitive to the needs and challenges of small-scale fishers in the Mediterranean and other European waters.

LIFE calls for the Commissioner, once designated, to tackle head-on  the sector’s unique difficulties, from allocating fishing opportunities, to resource management and support for  low impact fishing practices. LIFE looks forward to working closely and cooperatively with Mr. Cadis and his team, once his appointment is confirmed, to further the development of fair and sustainable fisheries policies across Europe.

It’s of note that in the new College of Commissioners, responsibilities for the Environment, for Agriculture and Food, for Energy and Housing, and for Fisheries and Oceans are divided and under the direct direction of the President, and without any explicit horizontal linkages. 

For more information see the following relevant information:  

• Article by Politico on Ursula von der Leyen’s new European Commission
• Von der Leyen’s Political Guidelines 2024-2029, pages 21-22
• List and biographies of Commissioners-designate
• Von der Leyen’s Mission Letter for the Commissioner Designate for Fisheries and Oceans

Celebrating Resilience: The Fourth Festival of Northern Fishing Traditions in North Karelia, Finland

The fourth Festival of Northern Fishing Traditions took place in North Karelia, Finland. Organized by the Snowchange Cooperative, a member of LIFE.  The festival was the brainchild of Olli Klemola, a professional fisherman and steward of fishing traditions in Pälkäne, whose vision inspires the event. This unique event provides a platform for Indigenous and small-scale fishers from various communities worldwide to come together, share knowledge, and revitalize the care and confidence needed to tackle challenges like climate change and the detrimental impacts of industrial fishing. The festival also marked the premiere of a new film, Seining for a Song, produced by Thomas Miller in collaboration with the Snowchange Cooperative. Filmed in the Koitajoki Basin, the documentary highlights how Reino is passing on his river seining expertise to a new generation, despite the centuries of damage and cultural assimilation experienced in Karelia.

Follow the Fish Campaign

LIFE is backing the Follow The Fish campaign, which seeks to address a significant gap in EU labelling and product information legislation in fisheries. While fresh fish must be traceable from catch to consumer, processed seafood products are not held to the same standard. This lack of clarity prevents consumers from knowing the origin, species, and fishing methods of the seafood they purchase.

The Follow The Fish initiative brings together important players in the seafood industry with a shared goal: achieving complete transparency for all seafood, whether fresh or processed.

Campaign advocates are urging EU lawmakers to mandate that essential details—such as species, source, fishing gear used, and production methods—are clearly displayed on all seafood product packaging. They also call for restaurants to provide this key information to consumers, thus, advancing the movement toward more sustainable, equitable, and responsible seafood practices throughout the supply chain.

Respectful Engagement and True Participation: LIFE’s Executive Secretary Marta Cavallé Addresses NGOs and Donors on Small-Scale Fisheries Support

Marta Cavallé, Executive Secretary of LIFE, recently addressed participants in a webinar on the Rules of Conduct, organized by CAPE-CFFA and the RISE UP initiative. The Rules of Conduct are a set of guidelines addressed at organisations and partners that wish to work with small-scale fishers in the context of marine and coastal conservation. This event was designed for an audience of NGOs, donors, and other institutions involved in supporting small-scale fisheries (SSF), with the goal of fostering respectful and meaningful engagement with these communities. One of the guiding principles behind the Rules of Conduct is “nothing about us without us”, respecting the rights of fishers and fishing communities to represent themselves in policy decisions that affect them, and to be at the negotiating table themselves. 

During her intervention, Cavallé emphasized the importance of genuine stakeholder participation when working with SSF and the “right to our own voice”. She highlighted the need for NGOs and institutions to approach small-scale fishers as equal partners, respecting their knowledge, traditions, and rights. The webinar aimed to guide participants in building better relationships with SSF communities, ensuring that their voices are truly heard and considered in decision-making processes. Cavallé’s contribution underscored LIFE’s commitment to advocating for fair and inclusive fisheries governance across Europe and beyond.

MEPs on the PECH Committee reject EC Proposal on Baltic Sea Multi Annual Plan

The European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee rejected the EC proposal to remove the so-called 5 percent rule from the EU’s Baltic Sea fisheries management plan, a rule designed to prevent the collapse of fish stocks. According to LIFE, the EC proposal undermines the socio economic viability of the fishing industry, in particular the small-scale fleet segment, by removing a key fish stock recovery mechanism. Ensuring fish stocks are above Blim (the stock size below which there is a high risk of reduced recruitment) is essential for the viability and sustainability of fishing companies, and this rule (Article 4.6 of the MAP) therefore has positive benefits. 

For further information see LIFE’s position and this article by Fishsec. 

Coming up

30/9 – 4/10 LIFE staff and members from Denmark, France, Spain, UK and Ireland will take part in the Oceans week, a significant initiative including debates, exhibitions and other events to celebrate Europe’s seas and explore how to rebuild their abundance. Events include:

• 30/9 We stand for transparent and fair fishing – a photographic exhibition
• 1/10 Rethink Fisheries! For Thriving Seas and Communities
• 2/10 Ocean lab – MEPs: meet the ocean 
• 3/10 Driving the Energy Transition and Climate Resilience in EU Fisheries
• 3/10 Balancing nature, climate and people at sea: Nature-positive offshore wind

9 – 11/10 Conil de Frontera, Spain: The OPP72 celebrates the III International Congress of Small-Scale Artisanal Fisheries, inviting fishers to engage in a global discussion on “The Blue Economy versus Food Sovereignty.” and regional perspective on critical issues, including the impacts of climate change on coastal areas, governance and co-management systems, and the importance of tenure and local fishing rights. 

Get in touch: communications@lifeplatform.eu

News about fair fisheries, healthy seas and vibrant fishing communities

Small-scale Fishers Assess the Regional Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea (RPOA SSF) 

2024 marks a midpoint in the implementation of the Regional Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea (RPOA-SSF). To mark the occasion, the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) invited small-scale fishers to participate in a dedicated mid-term event in Rome, as part of the Small-scale Fisheries Summit 2024 (SSF Summit 2024), to provide views on and take stock of implementation progress. The event took place over two days, on 6 and 7 July.  Taking part in the meeting were several of LIFE’s members from the Mediterranean and Black Sea, as well as SSF representatives from Turkey and several North African countries. LIFE’s Policy Adviser, Brian O’Riordan also attended the meeting, where he met with DG Mare, FAO, GFCM and MEDAC representatives, as well as engaging with SSF in the discussions. LIFE contributed to the drafting of the RPOA-SSF, and has been a strong supporter of it since its launch in 2018. For a fuller description and impressions of the event, see the LIFE interview to Macarena Molina, who took the floor as a panellist on behalf of LIFE membership, alongside other fisherwomen. The conclusions and recommendations of the meeting  are available on the FAO website. 

The European elections: New Commission, New Legislature, New Opportunities for SSF  

In early July, LIFE wrote to Von der Leyen, re-elected for a second term as President of the European Commission, highlighting its priorities for the 10th legislature. These include better science for fisheries management, a differentiated approach to large and small-scale fishing fleets, and fairer fisheries, with the Article 17 being used to allocate fishing opportunities based on sustainability criteria. At that same time,  newly elected MEPs took their seats in the European Parliament,  taking up their new roles and responsibilities.  Carmen Crespo Diaz (PPE), a new MEP from the port town of Adra in Almeria, was elected as chair of the PECH Committee. Ms Crespo knows her fisheries and has strong ties to the fishing Cofradias, having served as Mayor in the Adra Municipality, and as Councilor for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Sustainable Development for the Junta de Andalucia. Four vice presidents were also elected: Sander Smit (EPP, the Netherlands), Giuseppe Milazzo (ECR, Italy), Stéphanie Yon-Courtin (Renew, France), and Jessica Polfjärd (EPP, Sweden).  . For more information, visit the European Parliament’s website. 

Nature Restoration Law adopted: a positive step forward after a rocky passage 

Despite the best efforts of farming and fishing lobbies to sink the bill, the EU Regulation on Nature Restoration, also known as the Nature Restoration Law, took effect on 18 August. Whilst there are no new provisions for restoring fish populations and the marine environment, the law refers to the requirements of the CFP to implement the ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management so as to ensure that negative impacts of fishing activities on the marine ecosystem are minimised, and to ensure that aquaculture and fisheries activities avoid degradation of the marine environment.

This law aims to put measures in place to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030, and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. Central to the new law are National Restoration Plans, based on the best scientific evidence with restoration targets. These plans need to take into account the provisions of existing laws, including the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the CFP Regulation, the Technical Measures Regulation, and the emerging Action Plan to conserve fisheries resources. It calls for marine ecosystems to be protected in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 requirements for stronger action to restore degraded marine ecosystems, including carbon-rich ecosystems and important fish spawning and nursery areas.

In its passage from EC proposal to law, the Nature Restoration law has been amended and watered down considerably. It is now up to the new Parliament as co-legislators to ensure that its implementation is effective, and for the new Commission, as Guardian of the Treaties to ensure the full engagement of Member States in its implementation.  

LIFE welcomes the new law as a step forward for both the fishing sector and Nature. It is very much in keeping with LIFE’s call for a differentiated policy and management approach to small-scale and large-scale fisheries, with inshore marine conservation areas reserved for small-scale fishing activities, co-managed through a bottom-up approach.

Baltic Sea Fishing Opportunities for 2025: LIFE calls for a reality check

Since the 1970s, 50% of the fish biomass in the Baltic has been lost, and since 2013, when the EU reformed its fisheries policy promising a new era with healthy fish stocks, stocks have declined by around 800.000 tonnes and catches shrunk by 130.000 tonnes. Year after year, scientists have estimated biomass levels and set fishing limits too high. It is no wonder that the Baltic Sea is now in crisis, with natural mortality rates exceeding fishing mortality, and fishmeal reduction fishing booming.

The ICES advice, published in May, shows that most stocks are not recovering or are even declining further. Sprat has now been added to cod and western herring as species at historically low levels. Whilst LIFE welcomes the ICES advice to reduce fishing levels, we are concerned that this advice does not go far enough, blinkered as it is, and unable to go beyond a simple single species approach. In the case of cod, fish are still being caught in large quantities in demersal trawl fisheries targeting flat fish (flounder and plaice). Far more cod is being caught (and discarded) as bycatch in these fisheries than in the fisheries targeting cod. The Commission’s proposal to develop selective gears is welcome, but a case of too little too late, and based on previous experience, unworkable.    

LIFE calls on fishery managers and scientists to get real on by-catch and to have a more robust  strategy for managing multi-species fisheries. In July, LIFE’s Baltic membership recommended closing fishing for Cod, Plaice, and Western Herring in sea areas 21-32, except for small-scale, low-impact fleets using passive gears. See the full recommendations on LIFE website. 

Such a reality check is noticeably absent from the EC’s proposal on the 2025 fishing opportunities for the Baltic Sea, where last year’s mistakes are to be repeated next year. We only find tokenistic gestures, like the closure of the western Baltic herring to small-scale coastal fishing, and unworkable technical measures for flatfish gears to reduce cod bycatch. 

Room for Improvement: Commission Publishes Report on the Implementation of Technical Measures for Fisheries Resources and Marine Ecosystems

The Commission has published a report on the implementation of the Technical Measures Regulation. The amended Regulation came into force in 2019 with the ambitious aims of supporting the goals of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and achieving good environmental status, while finding the right balance amongst the economic, social and environmental objectives under the CFP. 

Technical measures are supposed to ensure the sustainable management of fisheries through various provisions to minimise the negative impact of fishing activities on marine biodiversity and ecosystems. 

The report cites a number of areas of progress and identifies various areas for improvements, including the adoption of measures to mitigate impacts on sensitive species. It notes that the involvement of various stakeholders, particularly the Advisory Councils, is crucial for the effective implementation of these technical measures. 

LIFE 2023 Annual Report: Focusing on Small-Scale Low Impact Fishing and Making Fisheries Fair 

The 2023 annual report of LIFE has been published, providing an overview of LIFE’s work in 2023 and its vision for small-scale fisheries (SSF) going forward , based on making fisheries fair, with a level playing field for both small and large scale fishing. The report explores the changing context of European policies, the impact on SSF of emerging policies like decarbonisation, energy transition and nature restoration,  and reports on LIFE’s responses to these.   . The report focuses on LIFE’s initiatives in the Mediterranean and Baltic and North Seas, and at EU policy level. Additionally, it mentions internal processes, such recruitment of  staff, the building of strategic alliances, and LIFE’s financial situation.  

Last but not least, the report is forward looking, sketching out plans for 2024 and describing the new projects that LIFE will engage in over the next 3 to 4 years.

Coming up 

4/9/2024: Meeting of the European Parliament Fisheries Committee. On the agenda is a presentation from DG Mare on Sustainable fishing in the EU: state of play and orientations for 2025, as outlined in its Communication SWD(2024)139 – COM(2024)235. The meeting will be live-streamed.

6/9/2024: Deadline to provide your feedback to the Call for evidence on the CFP and the EMFAF mid-term evaluation

11-13/9 The POLFISH Fair will take place in Gdansk (Poland). POLFISH is the only fair in Poland dedicated to the fish and seafood industry and one of the biggest of its kind in Central Eastern Europe. LIFE learned about the event thanks to the Round Goby project. LIFE is a partner in this initiative, co-funded by the EU under the Interreg Baltic Sea Region, that aims to develop a commercially viable fishery as a solution for dealing with the invasive Round Goby fish species. . 

18/09 (10:00-11:30) Online workshop by the Fish X project  “Setting Up Digital Collaboration”. In the framework of the amended Control Regulation entering into force, the Fish-X Project is pioneering digital solutions (essentially logbooks and VMS) tailored to SSF needs. This workshop is part of a series of 3 workshops dedicated to training and hearing views from the sector on solutions being developed. In this 2nd workshop, participants will learn and provide input about effective digital collaboration strategies using Fish-X digital tools such as by showcasing and demonstrating the operation of a “Fish-X Dataspace”, “Insight Platform” and “Traceability Platform”, followed by timely discussions. If you are a small-scale fisher, you can register to attend the webinar by reporting your interest directly to LIFE staff.  

30/9 – 4/10, Brussels: Oceana and LIFE are thrilled to welcome visitors to “We Stand for Transparent and Fair Fishing”, an exceptional photographic exhibition featuring low-impact fishers. This exhibition is part of the Oceans Week events and celebrates the dedication of LIFE Members David, Muireann, Neily, and Primitivo. Despite encountering daily challenges, these fishers from diverse European countries are committed to delivering fresh, high-quality seafood through sustainable practices and protecting their communities’ traditional heritage.  

Get in touch: communications@lifeplatform.eu

News about fair fisheries, healthy seas and vibrant fishing communities

Seaglow: LIFE joins newly-launched Horizon 2020 Project to pioneer decarbonisation in small-scale fisheries

The Seaglow Project (Sustainable Energy Applications for Green and Low-impact Operation of small-scale fishing boats in the Baltic and North Sea basins) was launched in Aalborg, Denmark this month. It combines the expertise and efforts of 16 partners from the European Union, Norway, and Thailand. Over the next period, LIFE will work with these partners to field test decarbonisation solutions for small-scale fishing to shift towards renewable and low-carbon energy sources. It aims to showcase five different technological applications that can reduce fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions on small-scale fishing boats in the North and Baltic Sea basins, Seaglow will also evaluate their impact and assess their potential. LIFE’s Member from Denmark, the FSK, is also part of the consortium, and LIFE is enthusiastic about collaborating with them on this initiative over the next four years. LIFE is currently designing the project website, and will lead the work package on disseminating lessons learned. 

Digital transformation in small-scale fisheries: LIFE and IIMRO join the Fish-X project

The Fish-X Project, funded by the Horizon Europe Programme, aims to help small-scale fisheries overcome the challenges of transitioning to electronic monitoring (EMS) and digital catch reporting and promoting transparency and traceability. This will include creating digital tools such as a database for institutions to access information on documented fish catches and vessel tracking, a platform for analyzing fishing activity patterns, and a traceability application. The project will receive support from LIFE and members from Ireland IIMRO, whose inputs will include contributing to developing a roadmap for digitalization of the SSF sector, as well as testing the new tools on small-scale fishing vessels.

Securing fisheries place at the centre of EU Food Policies via the Aquaculture and Fisheries Taskforce of the EU Food Policy Coalition 

To promote the advancement of sustainable food systems and the incorporation of low-impact, high-value fisheries in European food policies, LIFE has become a member of the EU Food Policy Coalition’s Aquaculture and Fisheries Taskforce. This taskforce is a working group of stakeholders whose shared objective is to promote a shift towards sustainable food systems. LIFE will represent the viewpoint of small-scale fishers based on the agenda of member associations, and will establish new connections with grassroots social movements, farmers’ organizations, fishers’ organizations, trade unions, think tanks, and scientific and research groups. This will greatly strengthen our calls for a differentiated approach to small scale and large scale fisheries, and for a system which allows consumers to differentiate between the products originating from these different food production systems. 

Tackling invasive species in the Baltic: the Round Goby project

Overfishing, pollution and climate change are affecting the availability of commercial fish stocks. These impacts are exacerbated in many areas due to the introduction of invasive, non-native species. A project under the Interreg program is addressing this issue by focusing on the Round Goby in the Baltic Sea. The Round Goby is a small fish originating from South East Europe, from the Black Sea and adjoining waterbodies. It is a demersal species that feeds aggressively on small aquatic organisms – including eggs and larval stages of commercial species. It can also be a pest by blocking fishing gears. It is potentially highly productive, capable of spawning multiple times in a year. This new project builds on the work of an earlier project in which LIFE participated. Phase 2 was launched earlier this year, and earlier this month LIFE staff met with project partners to coordinate efforts on managing the Round Goby population. Meanwhile, LIFE members from Sweden, Denmark, Poland and Latvia have been engaged in devising selective fishing gears that avoid eel capture. The project will develop fishing methods and reporting systems, and will explore the market potential for value added products. LIFE’s main role will involve coordinating with fishers using adapted gears, monitoring catches, and working with partners on fisheries management and marketing arrangements. 

Wind farms: ensuring inclusive Maritime Spatial Planning to avoid displacement opf small-scale fisheries

Spatial squeezing by the Blue Economy is a phenomenon of increasing concern to fishers, small and large. Nowhere is this more so than in the race to develop off-shore renewables to meet Green Deal targets. Particularly worrisome is their encroachment onto fishing grounds, and/or their placement near to fishing grounds and crucial fish habitats (spawning and nursery areas). The impact of developing off-shore renewables in the form of energy parks (wind turbines, tidal and wave power) on fish stocks and ecosystems is still unclear, and in LIFE’s view there are insufficient independent ex-ante impact assessments. 

LIFE brought these and other questions and concerns to an informal exchange of views with DG Mare’s team dealing with Blue Economy Sectors, Aquaculture, and Maritime Spatial Planning. Amongst the key takeaways from the meeting were that several Member States are revising their MSP plans and related energy legislation, and that ICES has been requested to make a socio-economic impact assessment of off-shore renewables on fisheries, and to report by Spring 2025. There is also the option for LIFE to engage in MSP consultations by participating in the existing Experts Group. This would imply seeking resources to build extra capacity in LIFE, or taking staff away from other activities. It comes down to deciding what should be LIFE’s key priorities, and where MSP and off-shore renewables fit into these.   

Busy, Busy, Busy: Baltic Sea Emergency,  BSAC and Board of Directors meeting. June ends with a bang for LIFE in Brussels

To mark the 5th anniversary of the Baltic cod fishery closure, an emergency measure imposed by the European Commission, LIFE organised a key event in Brussels. This well-attended gathering brought together decision-makers, officials from the European Commission and Member States, politicians, scientists, sector stakeholders, and LIFE Members from Sweden, Denmark, and Poland. The primary focus of the event was to address the concerning decline of Baltic cod stocks and other fisheries, and to discuss the inadequacies of current fisheries management systems. The event featured in-depth presentations with discussions oriented to identifying solutions and remedial actions to halt the downward spiral of the Baltic cod populations. For more comprehensive details about the event, including key presentations and proposed solutions, you can visit LIFE’s website or refer to an article published by Mundus Maris. 

Over the following days, LIFE staff and members from the Baltic region participated in the Baltic Sea Advisory Council (BSAC) Executive Committee meeting. A key document presented was the Commission Communication to the European Parliament and the Council titled “Towards more sustainable fishing in the EU: state of play and orientations for 2025”. LIFE’s Baltic delegation then joined LIFE’s Board of Directors meeting, conducted in a hybrid format. As well as routine items on financial reporting, membership fees, news from Members, the Advisory Councils, etc., there were also key discussions on the issue of wind farms and on differentiating small and large-scale fisheries from management and marketing perspectives.

Coming up

July and August are holiday months, with Brussels grinding to a halt. September will see the resumption of intense activities within the EU institutions, notably in the newly elected European Parliament and with the new mandates of 27 newly appointed Commissioners. In early July we should learn how the new MEPs will work on the 10th legislative agenda in different committees, including on fisheries, food, rural development and the marine environment. The first (constitutive) plenary of the new Parliament will sit in Strasbourg from 16 to 19 July, where MEPs will vote on a new President, 14 Vice-Presidents and five Quaestors.

12/6/2024 – 06/9/2024: Ex-post evaluation of the 2014 – 2020 European, Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund. This aims to identify how the Fund achieved the objectives for each EU priority; how well it responded to crises and market disruptions; and the factors that contributed to the success or failure of its investments.

https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14120-EU-Maritime-and-Fisheries-Fund-EMFF-2014-2020-ex-post-evaluation_en 

12/6/2024 – 06/9/2024: Mid-term evaluation of the EU Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027 and call for evidence. The Commission would like to hear your views to assess the state of implementation of the EMFAF for the 2021-2027 programming period. https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14119-EU-Maritime-Fisheries-and-Aquaculture-Fund-EMFAF-2021-2027-midterm-evaluation_en 

20/6/2024 – 06/9/2024: Have your say in the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy – Call for evidence. This will be followed by an evaluation study to be carried out by an external contractor starting in autumn, along with a 12 week public consultation https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14203-Common-fisheries-policy-evaluation_en 

4-8/9/2024: LIFE member Snowchange in collaboration with the Endangered Landscapes and Seascapes Programme, and other supporters, will hold the fourth Festival of Northern Fishing Traditions in North Karelia, Finland.

News about fair fisheries, healthy seas and vibrant fishing communities

EU Arctic Forum: Indigenous People and small-scale fishers face similar challenges, share common values

Climate change is impacting the Arctic more dramatically than other regions; it is warming 3-4 times faster than the planet as a whole. This is affecting the livelihoods and food systems of local communities and indigenous people in irreversible ways. Meanwhile, climate change is opening up opportunities for others, attracting external actors into the region and increasing competition for space and resources.  The European Commission (DG Mare and the EU External Action Service) organised the “EU Arctic Forum and Indigenous People’s Dialogue”, a two-day event in Brussels. Key themes under discussion included the rights and territories of Indigenous people, the value of traditional knowledge and potential synergies with scientific research, and the risk of generational disconnect.  The meeting covered matters relevant to all Arctic territories, from EU Scandinavian countries to Norway, Alaska and Canada. Panellists included indigenous communities representatives (Inuit and Saami communities), alongside scientists, researchers and local towns representatives. Discussions highlighted that small-scale fishing communities in other EU regions face similar challenges. The important work being done by LIFE member Snowchange Cooperative to mitigate and adapt to climate change and to defend traditional rights, livelihoods, and cultures received particular attention.

Make Fishing Fair: Small-scale Fishers, Patagonia and NGOs call on the European Commission to revise perverse subsidies and reassign fishing opportunities. 

Small-scale fishers from Spain, Denmark, Croatia and Italy joined LIFE, NGOs and the outdoor company Patagonia, to deliver a letter to Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans & Fisheries. They are calling for fishing opportunities to be reallocated using social and environmental criteria as required by Article 17 of the CFP, and to change the way subsidies are allocated. Over 4 decades, subsidies and quotas have rewarded large-scale fishing interests, creating a distorted sea favouring high-volume extraction and high-impact fishing. Small-scale low-impact fishing could be part of the solution if favourable policies are given. The evaluation of the CFP and the European Commission’s new mandate provide an opportunity to do so; to review and revise the implementation of Article 17 and how subsidies are granted.

Envisioning an Alternative Future for Fisheries: the Rethinking Fisheries project convenes in Denmark

In 2023, LIFE joined Seas At Risk and a wider group of stakeholders to initiate a process to develop and promote an alternative vision for the future of fisheries based on a just transition to low-impact and fair fisheries. We believe that fishing is at a crossroads, and if it is to survive and thrive into the future, alternative approaches to fisheries governance, economics and social organisation are needed. The third meeting of stakeholders took place over two days in Svendborg, May 28 and 29, and included fishers, commerce, activists, and researchers. It is planned that work on rethinking fisheries will be completed after the summer break, with the launch of a broader campaign in the autumn.

Belgian Presidency, Agri-Fish Council Kick Nature Restoration Down the Road

The Nature Restoration Law was supposed to be a key element of the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy, to restore ecosystems for people and the planet. However, after the Belgian Prime Minister stated that it was a “bad law” and needed “to go back to the drawing board”, the Belgian Presidency of the EU decided to postpone a vote on its adoption indefinitely. This followed a pushback from the farming and fishing industry lobbies, the watering down of the legislation by the European Parliament, and its rejection by several EU member states. But this is only one side of the coin. There are many MEPs, Ministers, scientists, farmers and fishers, businesses and civil society organisations who disagree, and who have formed alliances calling for stronger and more far-reaching legislation. LIFE has joined one such alliance, an alliance of responsible businesses, and has signed up to a business letter addressed to the Belgian Presidency, calling for the urgent adoption of the EU Nature Restoration Law to bring nature back to Europe.

Putting small-scale fishers at the centre of the Blue Economy 

This year the European Maritime Day is being organised in Denmark, in the coastal town of Svendborg.  Marta Cavallé, LIFE Executive Secretary, was there to participate in several of the events taking place, notably the European Blue Forum Annual Meeting. The European Blue Forum provides an important space for discussing the Blue Economy and advocating for small-scale fishing interests to be given due consideration in the allocation of coastal resources. Her discussion panel focussed on key questions for the Blue Economy, such as how to assess impacts, how to address land-sea interactions, how to foster political will to protect the ocean, and how to facilitate technology transfer. For LIFE the priority is to ensure that small-scale fishers are seen as part of the solution to sustainable Blue Economy development, for their importance to be recognised, and for their access to resources and marine spaces to be protected in the face of competing interests (e.g. wind farms, aquaculture, tourism).

Facilitating a fair and just transition to low-impact fisheries: LIFE Danish Members bottom-up approach

During the European Maritime Day, which took place in Svendborg International Maritime Academy, LIFE Members from Denmark Foreningen for skånsomt Kystfiskeri PO (FSK-PO) organized the interactive workshop “Small Scale Fisheries: from vision to practical implementation”. The initiative aimed to contribute to the ongoing efforts of Member States and the Commission in promoting sustainable fishing and supporting small-scale and coastal fishers through a compendium of existing practices regarding the allocation of fishing opportunities. Selected speakers, LIFE Members, LIFE staff and NGOs representatives attended the event and exchanged on the challenges and best practices for a fair and just transition to low impact fisheries.

Coming up

4-5/6 Launch of the Seaglow Project: LIFE staff will attend the kick-off meeting of the Seaglow Project, along with staff from its Danish member FSK PO. Seaglow is a 16-partners initiative focusing on decarbonisation solutions for small-scale fisheries, including alternative engines, fuel, power sources (wind, electricity etc.), hull designs, antifouling etc. . LIFE’s role is to lead on delivering communications outputs, including disseminating results and lessons learned. 

13/6 First meeting with the EU FPC Aquaculture and Fisheries Taskforce: LIFE will explore potential synergies with the Aquaculture and Fisheries Taskforce of the EU Food Policy Coalition. The aim is to foster the transition to sustainable and fair food systems by joining forces with grassroots social movements, farmers organisations, trade unions, think tanks, scientific and research groups. 

13/6 Meeting with the Commission on wind farms: LIFE staff will meet with DG Mare Unit A.3 – Blue Economy Sectors, Aquaculture and Maritime Spatial Planning to discuss how small-scale fishers’ concerns can be taken into account when delivering on targets for off-shore renewable energy generation, especially from wind farms, and how impacts on small-scale fisheries, fish stocks and the marine environment can be minimised.   

26-28/6 Cod event and BOD meeting: LIFE Baltic members will convene in Brussels in late June for the Baltic Sea AC Executive Committee and to take part in an event to be organised by LIFE on the theme “Baltic Sea Emergency, 5 Years on from the Cod Closure: Emergency Becomes the New Normal”.  5 years after closing the cod fishery, emergency measures applied have not been effective in restoring cod stocks.  They will also attend LIFE’s Board of Directors’ meeting, which will focus on the identity and characteristics of small-scale fisheries, as well as on more routine internal administrative and policy matters.

Get in touch: communications@lifeplatform.eu