Three small-scale fishers made their way to Brussels to call on newly elected MEPs for a level playing field in the fisheries industry and for small-scale low-impact fisheries to be better supported in the light of their crucial role in addressing the sector’s sustainability and socio-economic challenges.
Gwen Pennarun, President of the Brittany Handliners Association, France, Muireann Kavanagh of the Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation and Isaac Moya Bofill from Empescat in Spain recounted the challenges they face in carrying out their work, which range from being banned from fishing certain commercial species on their doorstep while larger-scale interests do so, to witnessing the depletion of resources during spawning season, and being forced to operate in the context of marketing regulations that are designed for large volumes rather than high-quality products.
‘Article 17 (of the CFP) is there, but Member States need to do more to enforce it. Small-scale fishers practice sustainable fishing, aware of the fragility of the resource and the environment in which it evolves. They depend on quotas and adapt their catching techniques according to the season, the weather, and the moment’s opportunities. We need to help preserve this way of working,’ said Gwen Pennarun, President of the Brittany Handliners Association and Director of the Low Impact Fishers of Europe.
‘To me, it seems the EU’s idea of a sustainable fishery is wrong,’ Muireann Kavanagh said.
The fishers gathered on the esplanade in front of the European Parliament as part of the Rethink Fisheries: For Thriving Seas and Communities event which brought together more than 150 attendees to represent diverse voices, from small-scale fishers to policy makers. The goal was to explore solutions for sustainable fisheries and vibrant coastal communities, underscoring the importance of empowering small-scale fishers in reimagining Europe’s approach to fisheries management.
The Make Fishing Fair session, where fishers featured as panelists, provided an opportunity to hear their stories of resilience as they work in accordance with marine ecosystems while preserving the cultural heritage of their coastal communities.
The panel event followed on from the delivery of the Make Fishing Fair open letter, signed by 37 small-scale fisher organisations from Europe, and delivered to former commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius’ team earlier this year. The letter outlines the actions the Commission and Member States should take, recognising that low-impact, small-scale fishers are key to better managing stocks and protecting the sea, while generating social benefits.
