EU Commission plans expansion of social data in fisheries, pledging more research on community, well-being and small-scale sector impacts. Photo European Union
Commission Responds to Advisory Councils on Social Data in Fisheries
The European Commission has acknowledged the North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) and the North Sea Advisory Council (NSAC) for their joint advice on improving the collection and integration of social data within EU fisheries management, describing the work as “an ongoing effort” to strengthen the social pillar of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
In a letter signed by Director-General Charlina Vitcheva of DG MARE, the Commission recognised that social factors have historically received less attention than environmental or economic dimensions but said that “active work” is now underway to address this imbalance.
Over the past two years, DG MARE has collaborated closely with the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), ICES, and national Data Collection Framework (DCF) correspondents to develop both quantitative and qualitative data on the social aspects of the fisheries sector.
Sixteen National Fisheries Profiles have already been published, covering Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. Germany’s Thünen Institute has produced its own profile following the STECF template. Profiles for Malta and Finland are due in 2026, while experts are still being sought for Romania, Lithuania, and Poland.
The letter also confirmed that pilot projects are being implemented in Belgium, Croatia, Finland, Greece, Spain, and Sweden to test new social indicators identified in the STECF 24-05 report. These include metrics on mental health, well-being, and community resilience. The outcomes will be reviewed by the STECF Expert Working Group on social data in its next sessions.
Regarding community profiles, a standardised template and a preliminary list of key fishing communities were developed in 2024. However, DG MARE noted that “EU budgetary constraints mean that we cannot fund the development of all these profiles” and encouraged national research institutes to undertake the work. The Netherlands and Spain have already begun this process.
In response to the Advisory Councils’ recommendation for annual updates, greater recognition of recreational fisheries, and exploration of diversification opportunities for small-scale fishers, the Commission expressed broad agreement, stating that these areas “are a potential path for further exploration” within the forthcoming dialogue on small-scale and coastal fisheries.
Ms Vitcheva stressed that DG MARE remains committed to collaboration with Advisory Councils, encouraging them to maintain engagement with STECF and DG MARE’s social dimension team. “After the publication of the first social report following the STECF March plenary, it will be an opportune moment to reflect, in collaboration with Advisory Councils, on the next steps for the development of social data,” she wrote.
The letter concluded by reaffirming that Advisory Councils will “continue to play a central role” in shaping future social data initiatives across EU sea basins, calling for convergence between regional bodies to prioritise common objectives within the limitations of available human and financial resources.
