Paphos, Cyprus. Oceana on Monday urged EU leaders to strengthen support for low-impact fishermen through the upcoming Ocean Act, saying this is essential for protecting coastal communities and marine ecosystems.
The call followed a high-level conference on islands and coastal communities held in Paphos last week.
Support for small-scale fishermen
Oceana urged the EU to prioritise small-scale fishermen’s access to coastal waters over industrial fleets.
“Low-impact fishermen play a crucial role in strengthening coastal communities, generating income, providing local catches and maintaining traditional practices,” said Vanya Vulperhorst, Oceana’s head of campaigns in Europe.
Proposed measures
The organisation proposed protecting the first 12 nautical miles of coastal waters for low-impact fishermen, increasing fishing opportunities for fleets that support coastal jobs, and restoring fish stocks and marine habitats.
Oceana said similar measures already exist in dozens of countries but remain largely absent across the EU.
Call to include measures in Ocean Act
The organisation also called on European Fisheries Commissioner Costas Kadis to include these measures in the proposed Ocean Act and to ensure that existing fisheries rules are fully implemented.
Irish EU presidency
With Ireland due to assume the rotating EU presidency on July 1, Oceana said this presents an opportunity to advance sustainable fisheries policies that support coastal communities and marine ecosystems.
