**Oceana Calls on EU to Support Small-Scale Fishermen Through Ocean Act**
In a recent appeal, Oceana has urged European Union leaders to bolster support for low-impact fishermen as part of the forthcoming Ocean Act. The organization emphasizes that such support is vital for the preservation of coastal communities and marine ecosystems. This call to action follows a high-level conference focused on islands and coastal communities, which took place in Paphos last week.
Oceana's campaign director for Europe, Vanya Vulperhorst, highlighted the importance of small-scale fishermen, stating, "Low-impact fishermen play a crucial role in strengthening coastal communities, generating income, providing local catches, and maintaining traditional practices." The organization advocates for prioritizing the access of small-scale fishermen to coastal waters over that of industrial fleets, which often have a more significant impact on marine environments.
To support this initiative, Oceana has proposed several measures aimed at enhancing the sustainability of fishing practices. These include the protection of the first 12 nautical miles of coastal waters specifically for low-impact fishermen, increasing fishing opportunities for fleets that contribute to local employment, and efforts to restore fish stocks and marine habitats.
Oceana pointed out that similar protective measures have been successfully implemented in various countries around the world but are largely absent within the EU framework. The organization is calling on European Fisheries Commissioner Costas Kadis to incorporate these recommendations into the proposed Ocean Act and to ensure that existing fisheries regulations are effectively enforced.
With Ireland set to take over the rotating EU presidency on July 1, Oceana sees this as a pivotal moment to advocate for sustainable fisheries policies that not only support local fishing communities but also promote the health of marine ecosystems. The upcoming Ocean Act represents a significant opportunity for the EU to align its fisheries policies with the principles of sustainability and community support.
The emphasis on low-impact fishing aligns with broader global trends that recognize the importance of sustainable practices in preserving marine biodiversity and supporting local economies. As discussions around the Ocean Act progress, the role of small-scale fishermen in maintaining the balance between economic viability and ecological health will likely remain a central theme.
Oceana's initiative underscores the need for a shift in policy that prioritizes the interests of local communities and the environment over industrial fishing practices that can lead to overfishing and habitat degradation. By advocating for these changes, Oceana aims to ensure that the voices of small-scale fishermen are heard in the EU's legislative processes, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future for both coastal communities and marine life.