DG MARE is advancing its “Fishers of the Future” foresight study. Photo: European Union
The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) is advancing its “Fishers of the Future” foresight study, an ambitious initiative designed to shape the future of the fishing industry across the EU.
The study aims to help policymakers navigate uncertainties by analysing alternative scenarios and future trends, drawing on input from a wide range of stakeholders.
In a recent letter to the Chairs of several key advisory councils—the North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC), the Long Distance Advisory Council (LDAC), the Market Advisory Council (MAC), the Pelagic Advisory Council (PelAC), and the Mediterranean and South Western Waters Advisory Council (MSWWAC)—Kestutis Sadauskas, on behalf of Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General of DG MARE, outlined the Commission’s vision for the study.
The letter details the study’s approach as a participatory and iterative process. It emphasises that the initiative is not intended to define a singular future for fishers but to stimulate strategic thinking and planning around potential future conditions and challenges facing the sector. DG MARE underlines that the foresight study is a “learning process,” acknowledging feedback and adapting as necessary to address emerging needs and concerns.
Since its launch, the study has conducted extensive consultations across 22 coastal Member States, incorporating input from focus groups, workshops, surveys, and a key event held in March 2024. This feedback will be further enriched by additional meetings with advisory councils and social partners scheduled for September, alongside another round of consultations with fishers.
DG MARE recognises that this is its first foray into foresight studies and that, as with any such exercise, there are areas for improvement. While some stakeholders have pointed out limitations in the methodology, the Commission emphasises the value of the study in generating meaningful discussions about the future of the fishing industry. It sees this as a critical first step towards more extensive research and dialogue in the coming years.
Looking ahead, the project will continue to develop future profiles of fishers for 2050, with the final report expected by December 2024. However, the Commission is committed to maintaining an open dialogue beyond this deadline, ensuring the study’s findings contribute to the ongoing evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). The intention is to keep the conversation alive during the next Commission mandate, with future stakeholder consultations already being considered to discuss the final outputs.
Kestutis Sadauskas reiterated the importance of the project as a dynamic and evolving process. He highlighted that while the study may not have a perfect methodology, it is nonetheless effective in provoking vital thought and debate on the future of the fishing sector. This, he stated, is essential to shaping future policy directions.
The European Commission recognises the “Fishers of the Future” initiative as a crucial step toward ensuring the sustainability and adaptability of the fishing industry. As the study progresses, DG MARE remains committed to engaging all relevant parties and refining its approach to meet the sector’s changing needs.
With the study set to conclude at the end of 2024, its impact is expected to extend well beyond, laying the groundwork for ongoing policy development and adaptation to future challenges faced by the EU’s fishing communities.