Richard Delmas, a 27-year-old fisherman from Réunion Island, is innovating small-scale fisheries with support from the EU and the European Fisheries, Maritime and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). Eschewing his father's large-scale operations, he established a one-person business focused on flexibility and direct sales, using a modest longline vessel for sustainable fishing practices. His method emphasizes quality over quantity, targeting pelagic species and reducing costs while supporting local supply chains. Richard's journey exemplifies how targeted EU support can revitalize small-scale fisheries in Europe's outermost regions and inspire new entrants into the profession.
The European Commission's first annual social report on fisheries, aquaculture, and processing sectors covers 2017 to 2023, revealing employment statistics, demographic concerns, and working conditions. The sectors employed approximately 298.831 people in 2023, with fisheries accounting for 40% of these jobs. The workforce is predominantly male, with low wages averaging €29.447, well below the EU average. Safety incidents have risen sharply, particularly among smaller vessels. The report emphasizes the need for improved data collection to enhance future analysis and aims to regularly assess the social dimension of the sector, contributing to sustainable fisheries policy in the EU.
The European Union has pledged €338.35 million for ocean conservation, sustainable fisheries, and maritime security at the Our Ocean Conference 2026 in Mombasa, Kenya. Initiatives funded include enhancing the Global Ocean Observing System, improving maritime security against piracy, fighting illegal fishing, and addressing marine pollution. The EU's ongoing commitment to ocean protection has resulted in over 2,900 commitments valued at approximately $169 billion since the conference's inception in 2014.
In Malta, the ‘Explore the Variety, Eat Sustainable Fish’ initiative, supported by EMFAF funding, aims to diversify seafood consumption to alleviate pressure on overfished species. The project promotes a variety of local fish through social media, partnerships with chefs, and public outreach.By enhancing food literacy and market stability, it seeks to increase awareness of sustainable seafood, improve fish availability, and support healthier marine ecosystems while reinforcing community-level behavioural change.
The European Commission has adopted two strategies aimed at supporting EU islands and coastal communities, addressing the unique needs of 17 million people living on over 4.000 islands and 95 million along 70.000 km of coastlines. The strategies propose a comprehensive approach that encompasses economic development, connectivity, energy security, climate resilience, and community well-being. Both strategies aim to establish a cohesive framework with integrated measures to enhance resilience, economic opportunities, and quality of life