Catch of the Day – May 2026
Nieuws over eerlijke visserij, gezonde zeeën en levendige vissersgemeenschappen
CFP Evaluation Report: Europe Must Do Better for Small-Scale Fishers
The analysis of the evaluation of the CFP through the lens of the Low Impact Fishers of Europe (LIFE) reveals a general shared acknowledgement that the primary challenge is not the rules themselves but mostly inconsistent implementation and enforcement across Member States, but it disagrees on the positive trend presented in the evaluation on the sustainability of stocks, which LIFE claims is not borne out by reality.
A number of challenges persist for small-scale fisheries. The evaluation highlights shortcomings in the delivery of the CFP’s social and economic objectives, including securing a fair standard of living for fishers. Key provisions related to access to space, allocation of fishing opportunities and stakeholder participation remain insufficiently implemented. Although the evaluation does not include a dedicated assessment of Article 17, it confirms that small-scale fishers still face significant barriers to accessing fishing opportunities. Regarding Articles 5 and 20, it found no cases where the 12-nautical-mile zone is formally reserved for small-scale coastal fisheries. The evaluation also highlights that structural imbalances and problems of representativeness persist in the Advisory Councils.
LIFE and the evaluation agree that the Landing Obligation and fleet capacity measures have largely failed due to poor implementation, weak enforcement, and numerous exemptions, with little uptake of more selective fishing practices. This has contributed to fisheries mismanagement and reduced resilience. However, LIFE considers it a significant omission that the evaluation fails to link the shortcomings of the Landing Obligation to the inadequate implementation of Article 17.
As discussions begin on the future of EU fisheries policy, LIFE calls for stronger accountability, better implementation and enforcement of existing rules, and greater recognition and a binding mandate for Member States to support the role that small-scale, low-impact fisheries play in supporting sustainable food systems and resilient coastal communities through the Ocean Act. LIFE PR is available here, and position paper here.
4/5 Can we save the eel by eating it? Gastronomy and heritage in focus
LIFE participated in an interdisciplinary research seminar hosted by the University of Gothenburg at Talldungens Gårdshotell in Brösarp, Sweden. The workshop gathered researchers, small-scale fishers, chefs, and environmental organisations to explore how local gastronomy and culinary heritage can play a role in saving the critically endangered European eel.
The day featured open discussions on sustainability and coastal identity, alongside a presentation by eel scientist Willem Dekker. For LIFE, the event was a valuable opportunity to highlight the realities of the small-scale sector, including gear development to selectively fish round goby and avoid eel bycatch. The seminar concluded with group sessions to lay the groundwork for future joint research and practical collaborations.
6/5 LIFE at the European Parliament: Competitiveness and the Future of Small-Scale Fisheries
The Fisheries Committee of the European Parliament organised a public hearing entitled “Increasing competitiveness in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors by reducing bureaucracy and regulatory burden.”
LIFE was represented by Marta Cavallé, Executive Secretary, who took part in the second part of the hearing, dedicated to boosting the competitiveness of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
During the presentation, Marta highlighted the need for moving from decline to a thriving, fair and sustainable small-scale fishing sector across Europe. For that, she highlighted the 6 main factors affecting competitiveness of the small-scale fishing fleet (environmental factors, lack of access to resources, spatial squeeze, lack of access to markets, lack of dedicated support, barriers to enter the profession) and what LIFE suggests to counter the negative trend. She also underlined the need for a dedicated Action Plan for Small-Scale Fisheries within the forthcoming European Ocean Act, calling for a change of course that places small-scale, low-impact fishers at the centre of Ocean Policy.
The hearing provided an important opportunity to bring the voice of small-scale fishers to the European Parliament and contribute to ongoing discussions on the future competitiveness of the sector.
14/5 Highlights from the LIFE Board of Directors Meeting
The LIFE Board of Directors met to discuss the latest policy developments.
LIFE reported on its participation in the first meeting of the European Ocean Board and in a European Parliament Fisheries Committee hearing on competitiveness and simplification, reflecting growing recognition of the organisation and greater visibility for the small-scale sector at EU level.
The Board reviewed the recently published evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), which confirms that many socio-economic objectives for small-scale fisheries remain unmet. Members stressed the need for stronger implementation, accountability and fairer access to resources.
Discussions on the new Fisheries Control Regulation highlighted concerns that several requirements are not adapted to the realities of small-scale fishing operations, particularly regarding reporting and weighing requirements before landing and compliance costs.
Members also exchanged updates on fuel subsidy schemes across Europe, noting significant disparities and calling for fairer support mechanisms that better reflect the needs of small-scale fishers.
21/5 European Parliament Plenary adopts Resolution on the Baltic Sea Multi-Annual Plan (MAP)
De own initiative report (INI) on the Baltic MAP, initiated by the Swedish Green MEP, Isabella Lövin, was adopted by the European Parliament. The MAP, in place since 2016, was meant to support successful fish stock management but has failed to deliver on its core objectives. The report contains 59 measures that are aimed at improving the current management system moving forward. These include a ban on industrial trawling for fishmeal when stocks are in bad shape, adding more precaution to the scientific advice process so as to ensure there are more fish in the sea with higher biomass thresholds in place, as well as integrating the requirements under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive to ensure that fish populations have a healthy age and size distribution.
20-23/5 European Maritime Day 2026: Small-Scale Fishers Engage in Shaping Future EU Fisheries Policy
European Maritime Day 2026 took place in Cyprus. It provided an important opportunity for a delegation of small-scale fishers from France, Denmark, Italy and Portugal, together with LIFE and Blue Ventures staff under the #MakeFishingFair campaign, to engage directly with EU policymakers on key initiatives shaping the future of the sector.
In discussions on the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the delegation called for a dedicated, ring-fenced budget for small-scale fisheries and for funding instruments that are accessible, proportionate and capable of supporting the resilience, innovation and long-term viability of coastal fishing communities.
Debates on the European Ocean Act highlighted the need to secure fair access to resources and maritime space for small-scale fishers, with the 12-mile zone being reserved for small-scale, low-impact operations. Additionally, strengthening co-management approaches should be a central pillar of the sustainable blue economy. The delegation also advocated for the inclusion of a European Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries within the Ocean Act. In this context, they also engaged with and supported Cypriot fishers in their call for a National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries, demonstrating the alignment to act at European and national level.
Contributions to discussions on the Vision 2040 for Fisheries and Aquaculture stressed the need for a dedicated future pathway for small-scale, low-impact fisheries, supported by generational renewal, fair access to opportunities, stronger representation and more inclusive governance structures.
The delegation also engaged in exchanges on the Roadmap for the Energy Transition of EU Fisheries and Aquaculture, underlining that decarbonisation objectives must be accompanied by adequate financial support, appropriate technologies and practical solutions adapted to the realities of small-scale fleets.
A consistent message throughout the event was that the success of these policy initiatives will depend on the meaningful participation of small-scale fishers in both their design and implementation.
20/5 A Positive Signal for Small-Scale Fishers in Maritime Spatial Planning
LIFE welcomes the European Parliament’s adoption of a Resolution on the implementation of the Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) Directive, which recognises the growing pressures on fisheries, particularly small-scale coastal fisheries, from increasing competition for maritime space.
The Resolution calls for a more balanced and inclusive approach to maritime spatial planning, with stronger stakeholder participation, better assessment of socio-economic impacts, and greater recognition of fisheries and aquaculture as strategic sectors for food security and coastal resilience. It also highlights the importance of safeguarding access to fishing grounds via “preferential access within the 12 nautical mile zone for small-scale fisheries, low-impact activities and conservation projects”, and ensuring that small-scale fishers are meaningfully involved in planning processes.
26/5 – Commission Opens Consultation on Fisheries Management Plans
The European Commission has launched a call for evidence on the EU’s Multiannual Fisheries Management Plans (MAPs), seeking feedback from stakeholders on provisions that have proven difficult to implement and their impacts on fisheries management and the sector’s viability. The review forms part of the Commission’s broader efforts to improve and simplify fisheries management while maintaining the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy.
25–26/5 Visit to West Coast Fisher with Chefs, Exploring Future Opportunities
LIFE visited Swedish west coast fisher Bobo Johansson owner of Bobos Fisk, together with chefs from Seafood Gastro (1 Michelin star, Grand Hôtel Stockholm). Bobos Fisk specialises in shellfish fisheries using passive gears and has previously participated in trials with shrimp pots as an alternative to bottom trawling.
The visit focused on exploring new seafood opportunities and strengthening cooperation between fishers and chefs. Gullmarsfjorden is set to become Sweden’s first marine protected area where bottom trawling will be fully phased out from 2027, creating unique opportunities for the development of selective, low-impact fisheries and new value chains based on high-quality seafood products.
28-29/5 ICES advice published
The scientific advice on fishing opportunities for the Baltic Sea in 2027 was published by ICES and the rollercoaster is set to continue next year with stock growth and recovery once again left off the agenda.
At last year’s October Council (p.13) a clear commitment was made by the EU to reform the scientific approach to management to ensure that the advice would support healthy fish stocks. It is regrettable that this has yet to be delivered.
LIFE is critical to the current approach to scientific advice, as it does not deliver healthy stocks or sustainable catches. For the coming year, the output from ICES states that quotas for the Central and Bothnian herring stocks can be more than doubled, even though the biomass levels are below threshold values. The cod fishery will likely continue to be closed, and the salmon stocks are still assessed as being in poor shape.
Komt eraan:
9-11/6 Brussels – EU Sustainable Energy Week, the largest annual event in Europe dedicated to promoting secure, clean and efficient energy.
13/6 Jämtland, Sweden – Fish Festival – Promoting Sustainable Freshwater Fisheries at Lilla Ede Gård in Kälarne, central Sweden. The festival brings together fishers, food producers, chefs and the public to explore how underutilised freshwater species can contribute to more sustainable food systems.
22-23/6 Brussels – AGRIFISH Council of Ministers
26/6 Cyprus – High-level conference “Strengthening islands and coastal communities of the European Union”
7-8/07 Ireland – EU Ocean Act Conference (Ireland)
15-6/7 Inter-AC Meeting and Dialogue with Stakeholders
In de pers
The Commission published its annual communication on the state of EU fisheries, taking stock of progress towards sustainable fishing and setting the course for the upcoming cycle of fishing opportunities for 2027.
Normandy Fishermen Challenge Repeal of 12-mile Fishing Rule
Dutch Court Halts Unregulated Bottom Trawling on Dogger Bank in North Sea
As EU rewrites fisheries rules, Coastal Fishers Fear a Privatised Sea (by LIFE President, Gwen Pennarun)
Immediate support for small-scale fisheries in Cyprus Urged
Cover image @Juergiboe
