In its feedback, the NWWAC has criticised the EU Commission’s “Fishers of the Future” profiles for overlooking key realities. Photo: European Union
The North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) has provided critical feedback on the “Fishers of the Future” project, a study aimed at exploring the evolving challenges and opportunities for the European fishing industry.
While the project was intended to chart future directions for fishers, the NWWAC raised several concerns, particularly about the feasibility of the proposed outcomes.
In its response, the NWWAC argued that the profiles outlined in the project placed too much emphasis on the fishing component of the profession and overlooked essential administrative and managerial roles that are becoming increasingly crucial. The rise of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and remote working technologies presents significant questions about their role in daily fishing operations. According to the NWWAC, while automation may simplify certain tasks, it will not eliminate the need for human intervention, especially in species identification. The council cautioned that relying too heavily on remote data collection and automated systems could complicate the job rather than streamline it.
A major concern raised by the NWWAC was the assumption that technological advancements would simplify life for fishers. They pointed out that introducing these technologies could lead to additional costs, requiring investments in new vessels and equipment. “Given the current financial challenges within the industry, many fishers may choose to exit the sector rather than adopt expensive and complex technologies,” warned the NWWAC. They also noted unresolved safety and capacity issues that could arise with the introduction of these technologies.
The advisory council also criticised the project for failing to acknowledge the vital role that Producer Organisations (POs) play in marketing and price negotiation. According to the NWWAC, expecting fishers to take on these roles themselves is both “unrealistic and counterproductive.” Marketing in today’s global market requires dedicated expertise and resources, and fishers cannot be expected to juggle these responsibilities alongside their daily operations.
Another significant issue flagged by the NWWAC was the assumption that there would be enough manpower to manage the increased reliance on data-driven decision-making. “Data collection, processing, and analysis require specific skills that may not be readily available within the existing workforce,” the NWWAC warned, casting doubt on the project’s vision of a tech-driven fishing industry.
The NWWAC also criticised the project for its “one-size-fits-all” approach to the diverse fisheries in Europe, warning that a single framework to encompass all EU Member States is impractical. They noted that fishing communities across Europe face unique challenges, and any future scenarios need to be flexible enough to reflect national and regional nuances.
Furthermore, the project was criticised for placing small and large-scale fisheries into broad, oversimplified categories. The NWWAC highlighted that the project overlooks a significant portion of Europe’s coastal fishing communities, particularly vessels between 12 and 24 metres, which are typically family-owned. “A more inclusive approach is needed to better represent the full spectrum of the European fishing industry,” the NWWAC urged.
The council also pointed out that expecting fishers to engage in digital marketing and social media promotion is “unrealistic,” given their limited time and resources. Marketing is a full-time job requiring specialised skills, and it is unreasonable to expect fishers to take on these tasks in addition to their existing duties.
In conclusion, the NWWAC called for the project to focus more on legislative changes that would support the future scenarios outlined in the profiles. They stressed the need for concrete recommendations for policymakers, suggesting new regulations or incentives that would make technological advancements accessible, affordable, and safe for fishers.
The NWWAC also expressed concerns about the project’s failure to address external threats to European fisheries, such as the increasing presence of non-European fleets, particularly from China and Russia, in key fishing grounds. This, they argued, is creating significant economic challenges for European fishers, who are facing growing competition from fleets that do not always adhere to the same sustainability standards.
In summary, while the “Fishers of the Future” project presents an interesting vision for the future of the fishing industry, the NWWAC believes that it overlooks key realities, such as the administrative burden on fishers, the financial implications of adopting new technologies, and the diversity of fishing practices across Europe. The council urged that future discussions be grounded in practicalities and backed by concrete legislative recommendations to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for the sector.