New Vision for Fair, Low-Impact Fisheries to Inspire the Future of EU Seas – The Fishing Daily

Report on the Vision for Fair, Low-Impact Fisheries in Europe

Introduction

A coalition of stakeholders including Low Impact Fishers of Europe, Seas At Risk, fishers, fishmongers, scientists, and environmental NGOs has launched a unified Vision for fair, low-impact fisheries aimed at inspiring the future management of EU seas. This initiative aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Call for a Just Transition to Low-Impact Fisheries

The group, operating under the name “Rethink Fisheries,” has issued a call to accelerate a just transition towards fisheries that are both ecologically sustainable and socially equitable. This Vision emphasizes:

1. Ending overfishing, a legal obligation since 2020, to restore marine ecosystems (SDG 14).
2. Ensuring fair livelihoods for fishing communities, supporting decent work and economic growth (SDG 8).
3. Promoting low-impact fishing systems that restore ecosystem functions and uphold social justice.

Marta Cavallé, Executive Secretary of the Low Impact Fishers of Europe, highlighted the need for a new shared vision that supports vibrant local fishing communities and sustainable livelihoods.

Urgency of Decisive Action

Tobias Troll, Marine Policy Director at Seas At Risk, stressed the critical condition of the ocean and the necessity for immediate action to protect marine life and dependent communities. The Vision calls on EU authorities to:

• Champion the Vision and integrate it into policy actions.
• Utilize existing EU legal frameworks to drive the transition to fair, low-impact fisheries.

The approach requires coordinated efforts to:

• Restore ecosystems and fish populations.
• Reshape food systems to prioritize local human consumption of fishery resources (supporting SDG 2: Zero Hunger).
• Promote economic viability and social inclusiveness in fisheries.

Development and Presentation of the Vision

Developed over two years, the Vision integrates ecological, social, economic, and governance dimensions to reflect the complexity of the fisheries sector. It advocates for a just transition focused on quality over quantity, sustainable livelihoods, and community-centered management.

The Vision will be presented at an event hosted at the European Parliament by Thomas Bajada, MEP, coinciding with key EU policy developments including:

• The European Commission’s 2040 Strategic Vision for Fisheries and Aquaculture.
• Evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy.
• Development of a new ‘Ocean Act’ for coherent marine governance.

This Vision offers actionable guidance emphasizing:

• Low-impact, low-carbon fishing practices (supporting SDG 13: Climate Action).
• Fair access to marine resources and space.
• Strong community participation in fisheries management.

Statements from Key Stakeholders

Thomas Bajada, MEP, underscored the essential role of small-scale fishers in the blue economy and the threats they face, including climate change and social injustices. He urged policymakers to balance protecting small-scale fishers’ livelihoods with safeguarding marine sustainability, and to transform the Vision into reality for the benefit of oceans and coastal communities.

Conclusion

The Vision for fair, low-impact fisheries represents a comprehensive pathway towards achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals by fostering sustainable marine ecosystems, promoting social equity, and supporting economic viability in European fisheries. Its implementation is critical for ensuring the long-term health of oceans and the well-being of communities dependent on them.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water – The article focuses heavily on sustainable fisheries, marine ecosystem restoration, ending overfishing, and protecting ocean health.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Emphasizes sustainable use of fishery resources prioritizing local human consumption and low-impact fishing practices.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Highlights fair livelihoods, social justice, and sustainable employment for fishing communities.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action – References the impacts of climate change on fisheries and the need for low-carbon fishing practices.
5. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Calls for social inclusiveness and fairness in fisheries management, focusing on small-scale fishers and local communities.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 14 Targets:
   • Target 14.4: Effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing to restore fish stocks.
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems.
2. SDG 12 Targets:
   • Target 12.2: Sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.8: Ensure people have relevant information for sustainable development and lifestyles.
3. SDG 8 Targets:
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.
   • Target 8.4: Improve resource efficiency in consumption and production.
4. SDG 13 Targets:
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning.
5. SDG 10 Targets:
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote social, economic and political inclusion of all.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 14:
   • Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels (indicator 14.4.1) – implied through the call to end overfishing and restore fish populations.
   • Coverage of protected marine areas (indicator 14.5.1) – implied through ecosystem restoration and protection efforts.
2. Indicators for SDG 12:
   • Material footprint, material footprint per capita (indicator 12.2.1) – implied by emphasis on sustainable resource use.
   • Number of companies publishing sustainability reports (indicator 12.6.1) – implied through stakeholder collaboration and transparency efforts.
3. Indicators for SDG 8:
   • Employment rate in sustainable fisheries and related sectors – implied by focus on decent livelihoods and employment.
   • Proportion of informal employment in fisheries – implied by social justice and inclusion themes.
4. Indicators for SDG 13:
   • Number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies (indicator 13.1.2) – implied through climate adaptation in fisheries.
5. Indicators for SDG 10:
   • Proportion of people living below 50% of median income, by social group (indicator 10.2.1) – implied by addressing social inequalities in fisheries.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: thefishingdaily.com