For more than three decades, the potential and importance of small-scale fisheries has been highlighted in many relevant international and European fora. Despite this, recognition has not sufficiently translated into real changes to enable small-scale fisheries (SSF) to have a decent livelihood and to fulfil their potential. Against this backdrop, we call upon the European institutions to establish a Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries in Europe by 2026, incorporating the principles of the FAO Voluntary Guidelines on Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF Guidelines), based on a differentiated policy and management approach to SSF and larger-scale fisheries.
© Olympia Von Woellwarth
