A Pan-European Platform of Committed Low Impact Small-Scale Fishers
As a platform of grassroots organizations, LIFE represents the interests of 33 organizations in 15 EU Member States associating around 10,000 small scale fishers across all European sea basins from the Baltic to the Black Sea.
We are an association set up and run by small- scale fishers (SSF) committed to:
Fishing in a low impact manner
Transforming low impact fishing into an attractive and economically viable profession
Sustaining fish stocks and protecting the marine environment
Transforming the food system into a fairer and more sustainable one
Contributing to prosperous coastal communities
This commitment has been expressed in LIFE’S Statutes, in different declarations, and with specific proposals on the implementation of the EU Common Fisheries Policy:
Partners & Donors
Our mission of connecting and empowering fishing communities across Europe could not take place without working closely with a wide range of partners and donors.
Board of Directors
The strategic direction of LIFE is developed and overseen by an elected board of directors of working fishers from LIFE’s three regions.
Baltic and North Sea
![Wolfgang Albrech Wolfgang Albrech](https://lifeplatform.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/wolfgang-albrech.jpeg)
Wolfgang Albrech
![Katarzyna Stepanowska Katarzyna Stepanowska](https://lifeplatform.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Katarzyna-Stepanowska.jpeg)
Katarzyna Stepanowska
![Bengt Larsson Bengt Larsson](https://lifeplatform.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/bengt-larssons.jpeg)
Bengt Larsson
Atlantic Sea
![Seamus Bonner Seamus Bonner](https://lifeplatform.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/seamus.jpeg)
Seamus Bonner
![Gwen Pennarun Treasurer](https://lifeplatform.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/gwen.jpeg)
Gwen Pennarun
![Bally Philp Bally Philp](https://lifeplatform.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/FB_IMG_1704891702764.jpg)
Bally Philp
Mediterranean and Black Sea
![Christian Decugis President](https://lifeplatform.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/C.Decugis-9.jpeg)
Christian Decugis
![Bertrand Cazalet Bertrand Cazalet](https://lifeplatform.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/bertrand.jpeg)
Bertrand Cazalet
![Luis Rodriguez Secretary](https://lifeplatform.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/luis-rodriguez.jpeg)
Luis Rodriguez
![Federico Gelmi Federico Gelmi](https://lifeplatform.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/image2.png)
Federico Gelmi
Team
The members of our team are based in several European countries. We are dedicated professionals who combine a high level of expertise with a strong dedication for small-scale fishers and seas. We’re passionate about the work we do.
![Policy Adviser, Brian O'Riordan Based in Brussels and drawing almost 50 years’ experience in many aspects of fisheries from around the world, Brian joined LIFE in 2015 as Deputy Director. His is mainly a support and advisory role.
Contact: deputy@lifeplatform.eu](https://lifeplatform.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/brianphotoblurb-1_square.jpg)
Policy Adviser, Brian O'Riordan
![Jerry Percy, Senior Advisor A founding Director of LIFE, and long time commercial fisherman with significant experience of representing fishermen at every level. Based in the UK and advising on all issues, great and small.](https://lifeplatform.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Jeremy_new-pic.png)
Jerry Percy, Senior Advisor
![Baltic and North Sea Coordinator, Christian Tsangarides Formerly Policy & Communications Officer for The Fisheries Secretariat in Stockholm. Based in Sweden, Christian Coordinates LIFE’s activities in the Baltic and North Seas.
Contact: bans@lifeplatform.eu](https://lifeplatform.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/christian-tsangarides.jpeg)
Baltic and North Sea Coordinator, Christian Tsangarides
![Executive Secretary, Marta Cavallé Marta is a Marine Biologist with 17 years experience in project management, policy advocacy and supporting small-scale fishers organisations at the waterface. She represents the interests of LIFE’s members in the European Institutions, and is responsible for the smooth running of the organisation.
Contact: executive.secretary@lifeplatform.eu](https://lifeplatform.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Marta2023.jpg)
Executive Secretary, Marta Cavallé
![Senior Communications and Outreach Officer, Claudia Orlandini Based in Brussels, Claudia has several years of experience in institutional communication and media at the EU and international level. Contact: communications@lifeplatform.eu](https://lifeplatform.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Claudia2-square.jpg)