Rethink Fisheries : a vision for low impact and fair fisheries in Europe

European Parliament
Rue Wiertz 60
1047 BRUSSELS
Rue Wiertz 60 1047 BRUSSELS

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Online
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S&D Group Logo Seas At Risk Logo Low Impact Fishers of Europe (LIFE) Logo

Rethink Fisheries

A vision for low impact and fair fisheries in Europe

📅 Date:
Thursday, 11 December 2025
🕐 Time:
14:30 – 17:00
📍 Location:
PHS 3C50, European Parliament, Brussels
💻 Format:
Hybrid (in-person and online participation available)

Hosted by



Thomas Bajada, Member of the European Parliament, S&D Group, Malta
Thomas BAJADA
Malta Malta  European Union MEP 
Member of the European Parliament

About the Event


After two years of work with fishers, civil society, scientists, and actors across the seafood value chain, Seas At Risk (SAR) and the Low Impact Fishers of Europe (LIFE) will present a shared Vision for a just transition toward low-impact and fair fisheries. The session will explore how small-scale, low impact fishing can contribute to healthy seas, resilient marine ecosystems and thriving coastal communities across Europe [attached_file:1][attached_file:2].

During the discussion, participants will consider a new model for how Europe organises, conducts, and supports its fisheries — a model designed to strengthen environmental sustainability while improving the social and economic resilience of coastal communities. Building on SAR’s advocacy for low-impact fisheries and LIFE’s work with small-scale fishers at EU and regional sea-basin level, the event will identify concrete pathways for a fair and effective transition in line with the Common Fisheries Policy [web:24][web:25][web:28].


Programme


14:30
Welcome remarks
Thomas Bajada, MEP, S&D Group
14:45
Setting the scene: Overview of the current state of European fisheries
Overview of key trends and challenges in EU fisheries, including stock status, climate impacts and socio-economic pressures on coastal communities.
15:00
The destination: What defines low-impact and fair fisheries?
Joint presentation by Seas At Risk and LIFE of the Vision for low-impact and fair fisheries in Europe, including ecological, social and economic criteria.
15:30
The pathway: How to transition toward the Vision in practice
Discussion of policy tools, financial support and governance reforms needed to enable a just transition for small-scale and low-impact fishers across European sea basins.
16:00
Exchange with participants and stakeholders
Open debate with fishers, NGOs, policymakers and other stakeholders on opportunities and barriers to implementing the Vision.
16:30
National & European context
Ms Catherine Chabaud, Minister Delegate for the Sea and Fishery (tbc)
Ms Dovile Vaigauskaite, Head of Unit, European Commission DG MARE D.3 (CFP and Structural Support, Policy Development and Coordination)
16:50
Closing remarks
Thomas Bajada, MEP

Speakers


VIP guest
Catherine Chabaud, Minister Delegate for the Sea and Fishery

Catherine CHABAUD

Minister Delegate for the Sea and Fishery (tbc)

French Government

Dovile Vaigauskaite, Head of Unit, DG MARE D.3, European Commission

Dovile VAIGAUSKAITE

Head of Unit, DG MARE D.3

European Commission

Tobias Troll, Marine Policy Director, Seas At Risk

Tobias TROLL

Marine Policy Director

Seas At Risk

Marta Cavallé, Low Impact Fishers of Europe

Marta CAVALLÉ

Executive Secretary

Low Impact Fishers of Europe (LIFE)

Important – This event is by invitation, and only registered participants will be admitted. Due to capacity constraints, all attendees must register, including those already holding a European Parliament access badge.

MEP event
Ausstrahlung am: Germany (Deutschland), Austria (Österreich), Belgium (België / Belgique / Belgien), Bulgaria (България), Croatia (Hrvatska), Czech Republic (Česko), Denmarkv (Danmark), Estonia (Eesti), Finland (Suo...

European Parliament

Rue Wiertz 60 1047 BRUSSELS

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