As a small European craft fishermen, we do not sin with large machines, nor use destructive techniques, we do not fish hundreds of miles off the coast, nor do not benefit from large tax exemptions and fuel subsidies from the European Union.
What we have is much more precious: generations of know-how and a deep commitment to protect our fishing areas, of which we are the guardians for future generations. For us, fishing is not only a profession, it is an inheritance – a way of life anchored in centuries of tradition transmitted from generation to generation, and whose livelihoods are intimately linked to the preservation of the ocean.
A marine ecosystem threatened by industrial fishing
But today, this heritage is threatened. Not by the sea, but by industrial fleets that plunder the oceans with impunity and marginalize us.
Industrial fishing, supported by large subsidies and tax exemptions, has powerful lobbies
Industrial fishing operations that overexploit the seas are supported by large subsidies and tax exemptions, they have powerful lobbies that defend their interests with decision -makers to the detriment of small craft fishermen. Their destructive practices, such as background trawling, do not only threaten biodiversity – they undermine the very foundations for lasting fishing. They destroy the seabed, exhaust stocks, emit large quantities of greenhouse gases, and jeopardize our survival to us, handcrafted fishermen guaranteeing sustainable fishing and respectful of marine ecosystems.
It is not an ecological crisis – it is also an economic and social crisis. While we represent 76 % of the European Union fishing fleet, we are put aside for the benefit of policies promoting the industrial interests of a minority which generates little jobs and shares its profits little, helping to accentuate the fragility of our coastal communities. This is why we call for effective implementation and imminent respect for existing protected marine areas. These areas have been created to protect marine life and livelihoods from coastal communities, but too often, they are only symbolic. Ensuring real respect for these protective measures is essential to guarantee the future of sustainable European fishing and the marine ecosystems on which it depends.
AMP – When they are well designed and well applied – work. The fishermen experience it daily, and science confirms it. They restore the diversity and density of fish stocks; And when the fish come back, the fishermen too. A healthy ocean means flourishing fisheries – and the latter require abundant ecosystems. The AMPs offer vital protection, allowing marine life to recover from decades of industrial pressures.
Contrary to what industrial lobbies claim, AMPs do not consist in prohibiting access to the ocean
Contrary to what industrial fishing lobbies claim, AMPs do not consist in prohibiting access to the ocean. They consist in prohibiting its destruction. They allow marine life – and by ricochet to our livelihood – to regenerate.
We, artisanal fishermen, use low -impact selective devices such as hand lines, dormant nets and lockers – methods that preserve ecosystems, nourish European citizens and generate more jobs in coastal communities than any other segment in the sector.
The EU must respect its commitments
We are the sea guardians, not just its users. But while we respect the rules, we are the first penalized by the collapse of fish stocks, policies of allocation of unjust quotas and an increasingly limited access to our own waters – those who exploit the most natural resources seem on the contrary to be rewarded.
The European Union had however promised more equity through the common fishing policy (PCP) and in particular via article 17 which plans to reward sustainable practices and take into account social and environmental criteria in the allocation of fishing authorizations. In practice, the Member States do not apply these provisions: industrial fleets receive The vast majority of quotas and fuel grants – Even though they offer fewer jobs and cause more damage.
This unfair situation which directly penalizes the small European fishermen cannot last. We call on the European Union to respect its commitments and to:
- really apply article 17 of the common fishing policy;
- end the subsidies funding the destruction of the ocean and marine ecosystems;
- Protect, strengthen and extend sea areas – truly – protected.
AMPs are not an obstacle to fishing. They are one of the keys to bringing long -term fishing to life. For us who still sin with our hands, our hearts and our inheritance in memory, the protected sea areas are the promise of a future that we can believe.
Because if we want flourishing fisheries, we need a flourishing ocean. We, small European craft fishermen, know better than anyone that the two are inseparable.
*List of signatories:
Christian Decugis, craft fisherman, Var, France. A traditional fisherman’s grandson, Christian has been practicing since 1980 in Saint-Raphaël. He uses nets, haughty palalangers and lockers. Member of the Prud’homies since 1980, prud’homme for more than 20 years, ex-president of the local committee of fisheries of the Var (2009-2012), founding member of Medarnet, president of Apam and Life.
Alisdair (Bally) Philip, locker fisherman and national coordinator of the Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Federation – Highlands, Scotland. Bally is locker fisherman on the west coast of Scotland. He coordinates the National Federation and militates against underground trawling, for a sustainable future for young fishermen.
Isaac Moya, artisanal fisherman and co -founder of the Empesca’t – Catalonia, Spain. Fisherman with a low impact, he co -launched Empesca’t, a collective promoting fair prices for craft fishermen, responsible practices and the protection of local ecosystems.
Macarena Molina Hernández, artisanal fisherman, Andalusia, Spain. Representative of artisanal fishing within Pescartes, in the Marine of Interest Fishing Cabo in Gata-Níjar.
Renato Galeotti, craft fisherman, president of the Associazione Casette Dei Pescatori – Vada, Italy. Renato directs the association which brings together the artisanal fishermen of Vada using meshes with low impact.
André Dias, craft fisherman – Algarve, Portugal. André is a craftsman who, with his colleagues using low -impact lockers, fights for the ban on background trawling in coastal areas.
