LIFE President Gwen Pennarun urges stronger support for small-scale fishing at the High-Level Roundtable on the European Oceans Pact
At the High-Level Roundtable on the European Oceans Pact in Brussels on 21 February 2025, Gwen Pennarun, President of the Low Impact Fishers of Europe (LIFE), delivered a passionate speech advocating for greater recognition of small-scale fishing in EU fisheries policy.
Speaking in the presence of Commissioner Costas Kadis, DG MARE officials, and key industry stakeholders, Pennarun emphasised the vital role of small-scale fishers in safeguarding marine ecosystems and ensuring the future of European coastal communities.
“Small-scale fishing is much more than a profession—it is a state of mind, a deep connection to the sea, and a way of safeguarding our future and our resources,” said Pennarun.
Representing 10,000 small-scale fishermen across Europe, Pennarun urged decision-makers to place artisanal fisheries at the heart of the European Oceans Pact, warning that without targeted measures, resource conservation, and fairer quota distribution, the future of the industry is at risk.
A Call for Sustainable Resource Management and Fair Quota Allocation
With over 30 years of experience at sea, Pennarun highlighted that small-scale fishermen are often proactive in conservation efforts, implementing self-imposed biological rest periods and advocating for better resource management. However, he criticised the lack of recognition for these efforts in policymaking:
“We depend on local resources, and in this sense, we play a crucial role as guardians of marine ecosystems. But when we propose sustainable solutions—such as increasing the minimum catch size for pollack or halting fishing during the breeding season—our voices are too often ignored.”
He also addressed quota distribution issues, citing bluefin tuna as an example of a species that has recovered, yet remains largely inaccessible to small-scale fishermen due to unfair quota allocation.
“Even when stocks are abundant, quota distribution remains opaque and unjust. There is an urgent need for improvement.”
Ensuring the Future of Small-Scale Fishing
Pennarun warned that without stronger support, conservation efforts, and fairer resource management, small-scale fishing will become increasingly unattractive for younger generations. He stressed that the future of fishing depends on creating opportunities for young people, ensuring that artisanal fisheries remain viable for decades to come.
“If resources are not preserved, our profession will no longer offer a future for younger generations. This is something we must take seriously.”
Beyond its economic impact, small-scale fishing holds deep cultural significance in regions such as Brittany, where it is woven into the social and maritime heritage.
“Fishing is more than an industry—it is a vital social fabric. Every job at sea creates four jobs on land, supporting local economies across Europe.”
A Direct Plea for Small-Scale Fisheries in the EU Oceans Pact
Pennarun concluded by calling on EU decision-makers to prioritise small-scale fisheries within the European Oceans Pact, ensuring that artisanal fishermen are recognised as key stakeholders in ocean governance.
“Today, it is clear that small-scale fishing must be part of the solution and at the heart of the European Oceans Pact—for food security, for the sea, for local economies, for young people, for the future. Let us support it.”
With the European Commission drafting the final framework for the Oceans Pact, the speech reinforced the urgency of ensuring that small-scale fishermen are not overlooked in EU marine policies. Whether Pennarun’s calls for fairer quota distribution and stronger conservation incentives will be reflected in the final EU Oceans Pact remains to be seen.
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