A shared vision for fair, low-impact fisheries in Europe
Overfishing, climate change and pollution are depleting fish populations and threatening marine biodiversity. At the same time growing inequalities push small-scale fishers to the brink. The current system fails to balance economic needs with environmental protection, deepening both ecological and social crises. One thing is certain: there can be no fishing without fish.
The future of fisheries lies in fair, low-carbon, low-impact fishing that brings social, environmental and economic values into balance. This vision calls for a transformation of European fisheries that conserves biodiversity, restores ecosystem functions, upholds social justice, and ensures that marine space and resources are shared fairly.
Shifting from destructive fishing practices to low impact and economically viable fisheries requires a just transition, which provides support for those most affected by change.
A vision already endorsed by many
This vision is already endorsed by many who want fair and low-impact fisheries, including:
- Marta Cavallé, Executive Secretary, Low Impact Fishers of Europe, Spain
- Tobias Troll, Marine Policy Director, Seas At Risk, Belgium
- Brian O’Riordan, Policy Advisor, Low Impact Fishers of Europe, Belgium
- Bruno Nicostrate, Senior Policy Officer, Seas At Risk, Belgium
- Caroline Bennet, Founder, Sole of Discretion, UK
- Cecilia del Castillo Moro, Policy Officer, Ecologistas en Acción, Spain
- Cristina Brice-Pita, Researcher, CESAM/University of Aveiro, Portugal
- David Lange, Fisher and Director, Foreningen for Skånsomt Kystfiskeri, Denmark
- Didier Gascuel, Professor of Marine Ecology, Agrocampus West, France
- Ingrid Kelling, Associate Professor, Lyell Centre, Heriot-Watt University, Scotland, UK
- Jan Versteden, Director, Pintafish, Belgium
- Jeremy Percy, Chair, New Under Ten Fishermen’s Association, UK
- Paula Barbeito, Independent fisheries consultant, Spain
- Sebastian Villasante, Professor, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Thibault Josse, Coordinator, Pleine Mer, France
- Thomas Højrup, Professor of Ethnology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
- Valeska Diemel, Fisheries Policy Officer, BUND, Germany
Total number of other endorsers:
5
Take action!
Endorse the vision for fair, low-impact fisheries.