In an effort the secure sustainable fisheries through the CFP reform, small-scale fishermen and NGOs have joined forces, by making a follow-up declaration to that from La Coruna in 2010, on the need to ensure that priority access to fisheries is given to those who fish in the most environmentally and socially sustainable manner.
The aim of the declaration is to ensure the recovery of fish stocks and habitats, the promotion of best practice, a just allocation of fishing access based on social and environmental criteria, and an equitable distribution of the benefits derived from these activities.
Artisanal fishers, who comprise 65% of the European fisheries workforce, have found their fishing opportunities eroded by the policies taken by managers within the EU. According to the Commission’s projections, employment in the fish catching sector is set to decline by 60% over the next 10 years.
On October 10th 2011, representatives of small-scale fishermen and NGOs will be rallying for their voice to be taken onboard the CFP reform. They will launch a joint declaration “Size Matters – Quality Counts” on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). The following day there will be a hearing in the European Parliament on the socio-economic viability of small-scale and coastal fisheries.