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Commission publishes guidelines to help member states support small-scale fishers and enhance transparency in the allocation of fishing opportunities

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The European Commission has published guidelines seeking to help member states in supporting small-scale fishers and enhancing transparency and good governance in the allocation of fishing opportunities by EU countries.

The Commission has observed that some of the reported allocation methods do not appear to address adequately emerging challenges faced by EU fisheries. This is especially evident for small-scale coastal fishers, who are more impacted by the energy crisis, natural fluctuation of stocks, competition for the use of the marine space, climate change, degradation of marine environment, invasive species as well as unfair competition from illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

With these guidelines, the Commission invites EU countries to reflect on the methods and criteria they use to allocate fishing opportunities, notably through some good practices examples. Some of these practices are particularly well-suited to addressing the specific needs of small-scale and coastal fishers.

The Commission recognizes the important role of small-scale coastal fisheries, which represent nearly 75% of all fishing vessels registered in the EU and nearly half of all employment in the fishing sector. It places special emphasis on their close links with the social and economic fabric of coastal communities, their close connection with the local environment, society and their important role in European cultural heritage.

Fisheries and Oceans Commissioner Costas Kadis (pictured) said: “These guidelines invite EU countries to reflect on the allocation of fishing opportunities, bearing in mind that small-scale fishers are the most vulnerable to structural and unexpected challenges. Small-scale fishers are the backbone of our coastal communities. We must recognize their role and provide them with the necessary support.”

More information is available online.

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