Regional Action Plan for Artisanal Fisheries in the Mediterranean and Black Sea – The Regional Action Plan for Artisanal Fisheries in the Mediterranean and Black Sea (RPOA-SSF) is available and can be downloaded here. The RPOA-SSF represents a historic commitment to promote environmental, economic and social sustainability in the artisanal fisheries sector. Approved as a Ministerial Declaration in September 2018, it involves Mediterranean, Black Sea and EU countries, outlining a 10-year roadmap.
The RPOA-SSF is the result of an extensive process of consultation and collaboration between high-level representatives, experts and fisheries authorities across the region. The adoption of the Voluntary Guidelines for Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries, endorsed by the FAO and adapted to the specificities of the Mediterranean and Black Sea, was crucial.
This innovative plan sets out specific principles, key objectives and concrete measures that will be implemented over the next decade. Its focus is not limited to traditional small-scale fisheries management; it embraces a holistic view of the sector, recognising its economic, social and cultural importance in the region.
At the centre of the RPOA-SSF are the fishermen themselves and the communities that depend on this activity. The strategic objectives of the plan aim to ensure a sustainable future for artisanal fisheries, considering all dimensions involved. Food security and poverty eradication are key pillars, integrated with a broader vision of the crucial role that artisanal fisheries play in the marine ecosystem and society.
The plan promotes a collaborative approach, actively involving stakeholders, experts and regional authorities. The concrete measures outlined in the RPOA-SSF emphasise a commitment to sustainable practices, promoting the conservation of fishery resources and preserving the traditions of fishing communities.
With its inclusive and proactive approach, the RPOA-SSF serves as a model for addressing the complex challenges of artisanal fisheries. Its targeted implementation over the next decade is crucial to ensure a balance between the needs of the fishing industry and the long-term conservation of marine resources in the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
Regional Action Plan for Artisanal Fisheries in the Mediterranean and Black Sea
