Towards sustainable management of European fisheries

Fisheries management has only recently started involving communities whose livelihoods depend on fish resources and those interested in the long-term health of the ecosystem. An EU initiative is further strengthening these networks to tackle management issues.

Climate Change and Environment

The GAP1 (2007-2009) project established working relationships between scientists and fishery stakeholders in order to enhance the understanding and management of fisheries and the marine environment. The current reform of the EU's Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) provides a window of opportunity for finding sustainable solutions to fisheries management, setting the stage for all stakeholders to pool their resources. With this in mind, the EU-funded GAP2(opens in new window) (Bridging the gap between science, stakeholders and policy makers Phase 2: Integration of evidence-based knowledge and its application to science and management of fisheries and the marine environment) project reinforced the synergies already created between scientists, fishermen and policymakers. This has helped to ensure the sustainability of European fisheries. To achieve its aims, the project carried out 13 participatory research case studies that brought together the three groups of stakeholders from 11 European countries. They cooperated on a broad range of research issues aimed at solving problems of shared interest in fisheries management and science. By combining the accumulated knowledge of local and regional fisheries stakeholders, the GAP2 team was able to involve them in the decision-making processes that they are ultimately affected by. Case study results that show the challenges and advantages of the participatory approach, and are available to researchers worldwide through policy briefs, training courses and a toolbox to assist in the design of collaborative research projects (see website). Several communication and outreach actions were implemented. Two key workshops attracted high-level industry stakeholders, scientists and government representatives to identify practical steps in support of an effective knowledge base for regionalised fisheries management. In early 2015, a three-day international symposium was held to discuss challenges and opportunities arising from participatory research in fisheries. The GAP2 project has been a pioneer in stimulating debate on topical issues concerning the active involvement of all stakeholders in the governance of EU fisheries, and it partners continue to pursue their work to reinforce this.