The Commission has launched ‘Fishers of the Future’, an EU-wide participatory project that will examine the future role of fishermen/women
Exploring the Identities and Challenges of Europe’s Fishermen/women: ‘Fishers of the Future’ Project Unveils Insights
A comprehensive study led by Tetra Tech and a consortium appointed by the European Commission has delved into the lives, identities, and motivations of fishermen/women across all 22 coastal EU Member States.
Initiated as part of the Commission’s foresight project, ‘Fishers of the Future’, the research aims to shape a nuanced understanding of today’s fishermen/women and anticipate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Over the last three months, researchers engaged with fishermen/women from diverse backgrounds, uncovering a tapestry of identities that define the contemporary fishing community. The first phase of the project has culminated in the creation of 12 distinct profiles, ranging from traditional fishermen/women with deep-rooted generational ties to those embracing innovation, such as part-time fishermen/women involved in pescatourism or crew members engaged in various EU fleets.
These profiles, reflecting the diversity within the fishing sector, are now available for download on EUSurvey. Stakeholders, industry participants, and the public are invited to provide feedback, enriching the understanding of the multifaceted roles played by today’s fishermen/women.
Shaping the Future: Seeking Stakeholder Input
As the study moves into its second phase, it shifts its focus to the future landscape surrounding fishermen/women. A survey has been launched, encouraging contributions from a broad spectrum of stakeholders to gather insights into the key uncertainties and challenges faced by fishermen/women today and in the coming years. The intention is to comprehend the potential impacts and opportunities stemming from these challenges.
Interested parties are urged to submit their responses before February 16, 2024.
To further foster collaboration and idea exchange, the Commission has scheduled a participatory event on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, to be held both in Brussels and online. Detailed information about the event will be made available soon.
Context and Collaborative Efforts
The ‘Fishers of the Future’ study is a pivotal component of the ‘Pact for Fisheries and Oceans’ unveiled in February 2023. The overarching goal is to scrutinise the evolving roles of fishermen/women in society up to the year 2050.
Tetra Tech International Development spearheads the research team, joined by partner organisations including Poseidon Aquatic Resource Management Europe, Ipsos, F&S, and Trinomics. The collaborative effort seeks to weave together the narratives of today’s fishermen/women, fostering a proactive understanding of the challenges and opportunities that will shape the future of the fishing industry.
