The NWWAC has issued a recommendation to the European Commission for improved fisher representation in the fishers of the future project
In a recent joint letter addressed to Ms. Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries at the European Commission, six prominent Advisory Councils (ACs) have expressed their support and concerns regarding the “Fishers of the Future” initiative.
The project aims to gather socio-economic data on the EU fishing industry and predict the future role of fishers in society up to 2050.
The letter, dated 27 May 2024, was co-signed by representatives from the North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC), Long Distance Advisory Council (LDAC), Market Advisory Council (MAC), Pelagic Advisory Council (PelAC), Mediterranean Advisory Council (MEDAC), and South Western Waters Advisory Council (SWWAC). These councils collectively represent a significant portion of the EU’s fishing sector, ensuring a diverse and comprehensive perspective.
Key Issues Raised
During the first workshop held on 19 March in Brussels, and subsequent follow-up workshops, several critical issues were identified. The ACs raised doubts about the methodology and the results of the initial survey conducted among fishers. They criticised the theoretical profiles developed in the project’s first phase as overly simplistic and not fully representative of the diverse EU fishing industry. With less than 200 survey responses, the sampling was deemed insufficient to reflect the geographical and socio-economic diversity of the fishing communities across the EU.
Concerns Over Representation
The ACs highlighted a lack of consultation with fishers from key Member States such as Spain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Ireland. This omission could potentially bias the study’s results, limiting its relevance and effectiveness. They suggested extending the survey to cover major fishing ports and sectors not initially included to provide a more accurate representation of the EU fishing fleet’s structure and distribution.
Call for Enhanced Engagement
The letter stressed the need for greater stakeholder engagement and transparency throughout the project. The use of only one working language in workshops was seen as a barrier to inclusive participation. The ACs urged for a more extended timeframe and deeper involvement of all stakeholders to ensure the project’s success.
Current vs. Future Challenges
While the foresight project looks towards the future, the ACs stressed the importance of addressing current challenges within the fishing industry. They argued that solving present issues is crucial to ensure a sustainable sector capable of reaching 2025 or 2030, let alone 2050. The project should also analyse past and present trends affecting the fishing sector to provide a realistic basis for future scenarios.
Integration with Common Fisheries Policy
In conclusion, the ACs highlighted the importance of integrating the project’s outcomes with the recently announced full evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). They also called for clarity on any additional projects or initiatives that may follow the current project.
The signatories of the letter include Emiel Brouckaert (NWWAC Chair), Iván López van der Veen (LDAC Chair), Yobana Bermúdez (MAC Chair), Sean O’Donoghue (PelAC Chair), Antonio Marzoa Notlevsen (MEDAC Chair), and Sergio López (SWWAC Chair).
This collective call for action underscores the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to shaping the future of the EU fishing industry, ensuring that all voices within the sector are heard and considered.