EU Plans to Expand Social Data Framework for Fishing Communities – The Fishing Daily

Report on the European Commission’s Initiative to Integrate Social Data into EU Fisheries Management in Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction: Strengthening the Social Dimension of the Common Fisheries Policy

The European Commission has formally responded to joint advice from the North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) and the North Sea Advisory Council (NSAC) regarding the enhancement of social data collection within the European Union’s fisheries sector. This initiative represents a significant effort to strengthen the social pillar of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), aligning it more closely with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By addressing the historical imbalance where social factors have been secondary to environmental and economic considerations, the Commission aims to foster a more holistic and sustainable approach to fisheries management. This commitment directly supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), by ensuring that the human element is integral to the sustainable use of marine resources, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), through active collaboration between EU bodies, scientific committees, and regional advisory councils.

2.0 Strategic Actions and Progress Towards SDG-Aligned Fisheries

In a communication from DG MARE Director-General Charlina Vitcheva, the Commission outlined active measures being undertaken in collaboration with the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), and national Data Collection Framework (DCF) correspondents. These actions are designed to build a robust evidence base for policies that promote equitable and sustainable fishing communities.

1. Development of National Fisheries Profiles: To date, sixteen National Fisheries Profiles have been published, providing crucial baseline data on the social fabric of the fishing sector in member states. This work contributes to evidence-based policymaking aimed at achieving SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 1 (No Poverty) by better understanding employment and livelihood dependencies. Profiles for Malta and Finland are scheduled for 2026, with efforts underway to complete profiles for the remaining member states.
2. Pilot Projects for New Social Indicators: Pilot projects are underway in Belgium, Croatia, Finland, Greece, Spain, and Sweden to test new social metrics. These indicators, which include mental health, well-being, and community resilience, are critical for advancing SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) within coastal populations. The results will inform future data collection standards across the EU.
3. Standardisation of Community Profiles: A template for community-level social profiles was developed in 2024. While EU budgetary constraints limit centralized funding, member states like the Netherlands and Spain are proactively developing these profiles. This initiative is vital for tailoring management measures that support community resilience, a core target of SDG 11.

3.0 Future Outlook and Continued Commitment to Sustainable Development

The Commission has expressed broad agreement with the Advisory Councils’ recommendations for future action, signaling a continued commitment to integrating social sustainability into fisheries policy. The forthcoming dialogue on small-scale and coastal fisheries will serve as a key platform for exploring these areas further.

• Focus on Small-Scale Fisheries: The Commission acknowledges the need to explore diversification opportunities for small-scale fishers. This focus is essential for promoting economic resilience and directly addresses SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by supporting a vulnerable segment of the fisheries sector.
• Enhanced Stakeholder Collaboration: DG MARE has reaffirmed its commitment to working with Advisory Councils and other stakeholders. This collaborative approach embodies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and is crucial for developing effective, widely accepted policies. Future discussions will focus on prioritising common objectives within existing resource limitations.
• Integration and Reflection: The upcoming publication of the first comprehensive social report by STECF will provide a critical opportunity to reflect on progress and define the next steps for social data development in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.

In conclusion, the European Commission’s strategic focus on expanding social data collection is a foundational step towards a more equitable and sustainable fisheries sector. By systematically integrating metrics related to well-being, community resilience, and decent work, the EU is reinforcing its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that the management of marine resources benefits both people and the planet.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The entire article is centered on the fisheries sector, which is directly related to the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources. The discussion revolves around the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), the management of fisheries, and the impact on fishing communities, particularly small-scale fishers.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article explicitly mentions the implementation of pilot projects to test new social indicators, including “metrics on mental health, well-being.” This directly connects the EU’s fisheries policy development to ensuring the health and well-being of individuals within the fishing communities.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The focus on strengthening the “social pillar” of the Common Fisheries Policy addresses the well-being and economic stability of those employed in the sector. The article discusses “community resilience” and “diversification opportunities for small-scale fishers,” which are key components of promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth and decent work within these communities.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article is a clear example of multi-stakeholder collaboration. It details the partnership between the European Commission (DG MARE), Advisory Councils (NWWAC and NSAC), scientific bodies (STECF, ICES), and national research institutes. This collaboration is aimed at improving data collection and policy-making, which is the essence of SDG 17. The text notes that DG MARE “remains committed to collaboration with Advisory Councils” to shape future initiatives.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 14.b: Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets.
   • The article highlights the Advisory Councils’ recommendation to explore “diversification opportunities for small-scale fishers.” This directly supports the goal of improving the economic access and viability of small-scale fishing operations, which is the core of Target 14.b.
2. Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • The article states that pilot projects are being implemented to test new social indicators, specifically including “metrics on mental health, well-being.” This initiative is a direct action towards promoting and measuring the mental health and well-being of people in the fisheries sector, aligning with the objective of Target 3.4.
3. Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources.
   • The article describes a complex partnership involving various bodies: “DG MARE has collaborated closely with the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), ICES, and national Data Collection Framework (DCF) correspondents.” This collaboration to gather and analyze social data exemplifies the multi-stakeholder partnership approach promoted by Target 17.16.
4. Target 17.18: By 2020, enhance capacity-building support to developing countries… to increase significantly the availability of high-quality, timely and reliable data.
   • Although the context is the EU, the principle of this target is directly applicable. The article’s main theme is the effort “to develop both quantitative and qualitative data on the social aspects of the fisheries sector.” The creation of “Sixteen National Fisheries Profiles” and the development of a “standardised template” for community profiles are concrete actions to increase the availability of high-quality and reliable data for policy-making.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Metrics on mental health and well-being:
   • The article explicitly states that pilot projects are testing “new social indicators identified in the STECF 24-05 report. These include metrics on mental health, well-being, and community resilience.” These metrics serve as direct indicators for measuring progress towards Target 3.4.
2. Metrics on community resilience:
   • Mentioned alongside mental health and well-being, “community resilience” is another new social indicator being tested. This can be used to measure the social stability and sustainability of fishing communities, relevant to SDG 8.
3. Number of National Fisheries Profiles published:
   • The article provides a quantifiable measure of progress in data collection by stating, “Sixteen National Fisheries Profiles have already been published.” This serves as a clear indicator for Target 17.18, tracking the availability of comprehensive national data.
4. Development of community profiles:
   • The article mentions that a “standardised template and a preliminary list of key fishing communities were developed in 2024.” The number of community profiles developed using this template, such as those started by “The Netherlands and Spain,” can serve as an indicator of progress in collecting disaggregated social data.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: thefishingdaily.com