Fishers of the Future, an EU event will take place tomorrow, Tuesday 19 March at the European Commission building in Brussels
The Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) is set to host a dynamic participatory event tomorrow, Tuesday 19 March 2024, both in Brussels and online.
The event aims to delve into the evolving profiles of today’s fishers and envisage their role in the long-term sustainability and profitability of the sector, as well as the well-being of fishing communities.
Titled “Fishers of the Future,” this event is a crucial step towards understanding the future landscape of the fishing industry and shaping policies that align with the evolving needs and aspirations of fishers. Interested participants can access the agenda and event details on the dedicated website.
Following the main event, selected stakeholders with strategic insights into the fishing sector will engage in three focused workshops. These workshops will explore the drivers, challenges, and potential scenarios that may shape the future of the fishing industry. This initiative is part of the ongoing second phase of the “Fishers of the Future” study, which aims to anticipate the trajectory of the fishing profession.
The ‘Fishers of the Future’ study is an integral component of the ‘Pact for Fisheries and Oceans’, initiated in February 2023. It seeks to examine the evolving role of fishers in society up to 2050, considering factors such as technological advancements, environmental concerns, and societal expectations.
Led by Tetra Tech International Development in partnership with Poseidon Aquatic Resource Management Europe and Ipsos, the study involves experts from various domains, including F&S and Trinomics, alongside national researchers from 22 EU countries.
In the first phase of the study, conducted in October 2023, national researchers consulted with fishers across all coastal EU Member States to gain insights into their identities, lifestyles, and motivations. Building on this foundation, the second phase aims to gather feedback from diverse stakeholders on the drivers and challenges shaping the future of fishing. The final stage will synthesize insights from fishers and stakeholders to envision the profession’s evolution by 2050.
The upcoming event on tomorrow will focus on three key themes: defining the current and future roles of fishers in society, examining factors influencing the sector’s long-term sustainability, and exploring challenges and opportunities arising from interactions between fishers and other maritime stakeholders.
Through engaging discussions and interactive sessions, participants will contribute to shaping a forward-looking vision for the fishing industry, ensuring its resilience and relevance in the years to come.