Market opportunities for artisanal and small-scale fisheries products for sustainability of the Mediterranean Sea Towards an Innovative Labelling Scheme 1 Market Opportunities for Artisanal and Smal -Scale Fisheries Products for Sustainability of the Mediterranean Sea: Towards an Innovative Label ing Scheme AUTHORS Jerneja Penca, Euro-Mediterranean University – EMUNI, Slovenia Alicia Said, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Malta Marta Cavallé, Low-Impact Fishers of Europe – LIFE, Spain Simone Libralato, National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics – OGS, Italy Cristina Pita, International Institute for Environment and Development – IIED, UK and Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies – CESAM, University of Aveiro, Portugal CONTRIBUTIONS BY Brian O’Riordan, Manal Nader, John Daniel Farrugia, Jina Talj, Macarena Molina, Iuri Peri, Paula Barbeito, Serge Raemaerkes, Danijela Mioković, Bertrand Cazalet ILLUSTRATIONS BY Dunja Jogan DESIGN BY Science Crunchers PUBLISHED BY Euro-Mediterranean University Kidričevo nabrežje 2, 6330 Piran www.emuni.si Piran · 2020 ELECTRONIC EDITION http://emuni.si/ISBN/978-961-6805-10-0.pdf © 2020 Euro-Mediterranean University Kataložni zapis o publikaciji (CIP) pripravili v Narodni in univerzitetni knjižnici v Ljubljani Cataloging in Publication record (CIP) prepared by the National and University Library of Slovenia COBISS.SI-ID=42510595 ISBN 978-961-6805-10-0 (pdf) 2 Contents ABOUT THIS REPORT 5 4.3. Innovation in diversification of products 37 4.3.1. Popularising edible invasives, Eat the Lionfish by Diaries of the Ocean, Lebanon 37 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6 4.3.2. Awareness-raising projects, Pescados con arte, Almería, Spain 39 1. 4.4. Innovation in promotion of the products 41 4.4.1. Interactive public presentations, INTRODUCTION 9 Trieste, Italy 41 1.1. Mediterranean smal -scale fisheries 10 4.4.2. Culinary events with chefs, Malta 42 1.2. Problem Statement 12 4.5 Innovation in establishing new brands 1.3. Structure 13 or labels, and innovation in leadership or ownership 44 2. 4.5.1. Brand generation, “Peix Nostrum”, Eivissa Island, Balearic Islands, Spain 44 LEGAL AND POLICY CONTEXT 15 4.5.2. Development of a trademark, 2.1. Fisheries Policies and Regulations 16 GOLION, French Mediterranean 45 2.2. Sustainable Development Goals 16 4.6 Innovation in cooperation and coordination 48 2.3. Smal -scale Fisheries Policy Instruments 17 4.6.1. Slow Food seafood Presidia 48 2.4. Blue Economy 18 4.7 Promising initiatives from outside 2.5. Sustainable food systems 19 the Mediterranean 49 2.6. Summary 19 4.7.1. Digital logbooks, traceability platform and digital marketplace: Abalobi 3. suit of mobile apps, South Africa 49 4.7.2. Community of practice, Local Catch THE STATE OF PLAY IN MARKETS 21 Network, North America 51 3.1. Weaknesses of Mediterranean fisheries markets 22 3.2. Market responses to weaknesses 24 5. 3.3. Types of innovation to address the chal enges 25 OPTIONS FOR ACTION 53 5.1. Intervening in bottom-up initiatives? 54 4. 5.2. Actions to enhance transnational impact 55 5.3. LabMAF contribution to future action 57 TYPES OF INITIATIVES 29 4.1. Innovation in the shortening of the value chains 32 4.1.1. Fishers’ agreements with HORECA, 6. Istria, Croatia 32 CONCLUSIONS 59 4.1.2. Fish Basket scheme, Cabaz do Peixe, Portugal 33 4.2. Innovation in the distribution channels, REFERENCES 62 initiatives using ICT 34 4.2.1. Apps for consumers, Fresh Fish Alert, Sicily, Italy 34 ANNEX 1 66 4.2.2. Multimedia fish guides, Malta 36 ANNEX 2 69 3 www.labmaf.com PLEASE CITE THIS PUBLICATION AS Penca, J., Said, A., Caval é, M., Libralato, S., & Pita, C. (2020). Market opportunities for artisanal and small-scale fisheries products for sustainability of the Mediterranean Sea: Towards an innovative labelling scheme. Euro-Mediterranean University. www.lambaf.eu 4 About this Report This report was prepared by Dr Jerneja Penca, Euro-Mediterranean University (EMUNI), Slovenia, Dr Alicia Said, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Malta, Ms Marta Caval é, Low-Impact Fishers of Europe (LIFE), Spain, Dr Simone Libralato, National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (OGS), Italy, and Dr Cristina Pita, International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), UK and University of Aveiro, Portugal. The fol owing individuals have contributed to the report: Mr Brian O’Riordan, Low-Impact Fishers of Europe (LIFE), Dr Manal Nader, Institute of Environment, University of Balamand, Mr John Daniel Farrugia, Fish4Ever, Malta, Ms Jina Talj, Diaries of the Ocean, Lebanon, Ms Macarena Molina, Pescartes and Low Impact Fishers of Europe (LIFE), Spain, Dr Iuri Peri, University of Catania and Low Impact Fishers of Europe (LIFE), Italy, Ms Paula Barbeito, Slowfood International, Dr Serge Raemaerkes, Abalobi ICT4fisheries, South Africa, Dr Danijela Mioković, Ministry of Agriculture, Croatia, and Mr Bertrand Cazalet, Marepolis, France. Additional y, the report has benefitted from contributions by other participants to the LabMAF project meetings. The report was produced as part of the project LabMAF (Developing a Label ing Scheme for Mediterranean Smal -scale and Artisanal Fish Products), funded under the Bluemed Start Up Actions call 2018. Bluemed financed the material cost related to three meetings among the LabMAF consortium and external experts (Ljubljana, Slovenia, 15-16 May 2019; Balamand, Lebanon, 16-18 October 2019; and Izola, Slovenia/online, 6-7 October 2020), as well as the costs related to dissemination of the project results. Substantive preparatory work was carried out ahead of each meeting and research and writing were done in the aftermath of the meetings. The authors would like to acknowledge the funding by their home institutions in supporting their time. 5 Executive Summary With this report the LabMAF project explores the potential of markets to revive and support a social y, economical y and environmental y Mediterranean small-scale fisheries (SSFs) have always been important to supply local sustainable smal - markets with selectively harvested, high-quality and fresh seafood. Moreover, SFFs employ scale fishing sector. people directly or indirectly with estimated 3 to 5 ancillary jobs ashore for every job at sea. Besides, SFFs conserve an economically and culturally significant heritage of the region. Col ectively, the Their importance is recognized in a number of recent policy objectives aimed to reverse unfavourable policies towards SSFs and integrate them better as to improve in the status of LabMAF project fisheries. and this report Commercially, SSFs products remain often poorly differentiated from products from large- aim to point out scale fisheries and aquaculture. Freshness, quality and inherent value of SSF products (e.g., authentic cultural aspects, traditionally prepared products, locally produced) are generally a gap between under-appreciated. Furthermore, the season-dependent, and quantitatively and culinary the large-scale varied nature of SSF products is seen as poor opportunities for market development. The current market is dominated by lack of product traceability, missing capacity to meet fisheries industry requests of sensitive consumers, as well as the overdominance of a few established products. In addition, small-scale fishers1 remain the weakest in the value chain, lacking a in Mediterranean coherent organisation and the capacity to act, leading to little to no control over prices and countries, and the accept prices, rather than make prices. In summary, existing organization of value chains and market structures fuel a vicious circle of low profitability and increased vulnerability of local and smal -scale an aging fisher’s workforce, economic uncertainty, environmental risks, consumer alienation and weak trust in institutions. market for more Responding to these weaknesses, a number of grassroot initiatives have emerged refined, high-value across the Mediterranean. Through a mapping exercise and case studies, the report and sustainably showcases the geographic extent and the range of initiatives, as well as the main areas of improvements in the existing initiatives: shortening of the value chain; innovation in sourced seafood. the distribution channel (usually using ICT); diversification of products; promotion and education about SSF products; brand development; empowerment of SSF communities through improved leadership, ownership, cooperation and coordination. Shared among these initiatives is a bottom-up approach, responding to specific local contexts (e.g. system of organization, local purchasing habits, natural fishing cycles, cultural specificities, historical traditions, the ambition and pace of founders and stakeholders). The report also illustrates good practices and the types of promising actions currently missing in this region. If capitalised on, we are convinced that the crossover among different initiatives magnifies the potential to accomplish policy goals and achieve a better status of both the oceans 6 and the fishers. The report identifies the need for greater differentiation of seafood products The next step in formalising market that recognises the difference in the quality of products and their social and environmental initiatives for small-scale fishers needs impact. Such differentiation requires an organisational transformation that goes beyond a to be built with sensitivity to local label. To be successful, the required labelling scheme needs to be tailored to local contexts contexts and with an active participation but must operate on the recognition that each distinct initiative forms part of the same of stakeholders, while emphasizing movement. inclusiveness, co-responsibility and trust. The Participatory Guarantee Systems 1. Encourage acceleration and up-scaling of local initiatives, through (PGS) developed in the context of • Shared learning and exchange of good practices among various Mediterranean certification of organic agriculture, SSFs as well as encourage formation of new initiatives. especially for small-scale farmers, • Structured capacity-building, via training programs and tailored advice. provides as an example of a promising, • Implementing ancillary measures, such as provision of infrastructure, promotional yet unexplored direction. campaigns and funding, which benefit SSFs’ market development. A successful SSF sector should look 2. Establish a standard of good practice, based on inclusiveness and a principle of outward for inspiration. Synergising progression, through: with other small-scale food producers • An explicit and accessible guideline, which provide a reference point and a represents an opportunity in terms standard for consumers and producers regarding good behaviour. of capacity-building as well as joint • The promotion of such a standard to the consumers and citizens. representation in front of policy-makers • Peer recognition and support for a shared movement among SSFs. and consumers. The increased pressures on the space in the Mediterranean Sea 3. Complement the ongoing shifts in markets with synergistic policy reforms, through: originating from large scale endeavors • Removing subsidies harmful to SSF. such as the oil industry or large-scale • Improving access of SSFs to fishing resources. fishing sector, pose an imminent threat on • Altering requirements for documentation and improving the enforcement therof the SSF fishing sector. to improve traceability, which in turn, aids marketing of SSF products as well as consumer and governance decisions. The LabMAF project has developed new resources to support such shift, notably: • a draft of a holistic standard ( Guidelines for Responsible Small-Scale Products in the Mediterranean) as a signpost for action, • recommendations of future actions for stakeholders, • communication tools to explain the transition needed to fishers, consumers and policy-makers. 1 Fisher is used as gender neutral term instead of fisherman throughout the document. 7 1. Introduction 1. Introduction 1.1 MEDITERRANEAN SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES There is no universal definition of what constitutes small-scale fisheries (SSF) in the Mediterranean as these fisheries are heterogeneous across different countries. However FAO classifies small-scale artisanal fisheries as those “involving fishing households (as opposed to commercial companies), using relatively small amount of capital and energy, relatively small fishing vessels (if any), making short fishing trips, close to shore, mainly for local consumption” (http://www.fao.org/family-farming/detail/fr/c/335263/). The EU, on the other hand, has an administrative definition for SSF which reads: “fishing carried out by fishing vessels of an overall length of less than 12 meters and not using towed fishing gear” (EC 26/2004). Still, the sector is diverse and not easily characterised (Pita et. al., 2020) and in the absence of a uniform (and sometimes formal) definitions at the national level, the informal working definition used here is that SSF are characterised in relation to boat length (most commonly, under 12 meters), gear type (passive or non-towed gears), technical flexibility (polyvalent gears used according to season and grounds), as well as socio-economic characteristics, such as self-employment and typically remunerated depending on the catch (FAO, 2019). In comparison with larger-scale industrial fishing, most SSFs as defined above are associated with a kind of fishing that is of lower-impact nature (using a set of passive gears, which do not cause irreparable impact on the seabed) and seasonally diverse (in terms of species, fishing grounds and gears). Moreover, according to above definition SSFs operate at a lower production scale. The polyvalent nature and selectivity of gears used generally allow to fish respecting the biological and migratory cycles of different species; SSF are also considered to have low levels of species bycatch and discards.2 Also, SSF generate more revenues for invested euro, greater catches per liter of fuel consumed, and more socio-economic added value for every kilo of fish landed (Jacquet and Pauly, 2008). Some ongoing analyses are demonstrating that SSF produces lower ecosystem impacts for every landed kg than trawlers using ecosystem modelling approach (Agnetta et. al., 2019). Despite the evidence that SSF often have low impacts on ecosystems, this cannot be generally applicable and specific assessments on the sustainability of exploitation need to be done for each case. As an example, clam harvesting in the Venice Lagoon (Pranovi et. al, 2003) is carried out by a fishery that could qualify as SSF by the size of the vessels and the crew, and the use of the gear (Not properly towed gears are used). Further, it demonstrated adaptation typical of SSF by targeting an invasive species ( Ruditapes philippinarum). Yet, this fishery was quite intensive with a production dimension clearly uncommon (40000 tons of landings per year in 1999 in the Venice Lagoon only), has poor selectivity (high catches of non-commercial benthic invertebrates) and, thus, resulted in large ecological impacts in the Venice Lagoon (Libtralato et. al., 2004). Such distortions are usually linked to disengagement of stakeholders from the fisheries resources management, which highlights the relevance of co-management as a factor in sustainability assessments. In the Mediterranean Sea, SSF is an important sector based on various aspects. In terms of jobs and local economy, SSF sector encompasses over 84% of the fishing vessels and provides large opportunities for employment (74% of total fisheries employment; with each job at sea estimated to create at least 3 to 5 ancillary jobs ashore; FAO, 2018c). However, 2 In the Mediter anean, fisheries discards amounts to around 230000 tonnes per year (around 18 percent of total catch) (FAO, 2018c). 10 while SSF/polyvalent vessels dominate with regards to fishing and employment, they represent only 22.6% of total landings from fisheries, demonstrating the small contribution to fishing capacity and production. Mediterranean SSFs provide local supplies of fresh fish on a daily basis, including in remote places, and constitute a source of essential/adequate nutrition to the coastal population, contributing to their food sovereignty.3 Like many SSFs worldwide, they display important values that make them a significant component for sustainable fisheries playing a key role in contributing to livelihoods in pre-harvesting, harvesting and post-harvesting stages, and display strong stewardship ethics towards the protection of species and habitats. Moreover, SSF is an important reservoir of traditional ecological knowledge and an important sight for tourism. Perhaps even more than in other parts of the world, SSF are particularly central to the identity of the Mediterranean Sea. They have played a vital role in the maintenance of coastal communities that constitute a key cultural heritage of the Mediterranean (Raicevich et al., 2018). They are naturally highly adaptable, which is crucial in mitigating impacts of ecological and economic changes (Battaglia et. al., 2010), although increasing uncertainty in fish stock dynamics remains a major challenge for the sustainability of SSF exploitation. Furthermore, SSF demonstrated to be highly adaptable to climatic changes and to the changes of species composition (Pranovi, 2003; e.g., due to establishment/appearance of new invasive species).4 Sustainable Mediterranean SSF are operating at the intersection of economic, social, environmental dimensions, contributing to the key cultural identity of the Mediterranean Currently, the Mediterranean, consisting of jurisdictions of EU and non-EU countries, is recognized as the sea with the highest problem of overfishing, problems of traceability, and heightened risks for fisheries sustainability (Hilborn et. al., 2020). Looking closely at the role of small-scale fisheries in the region, the existing legacy of stewardship, and the potential for enhancing the socio-ecological sustainability of the Sea, could overhaul the current negative image, and provide space for more vibrant fishery-dependent coastal communities. Markets have an important role to play in the equation to restore the socio-ecological sustainability of Mediterranean fisheries and dependent fishing communities. 3 We contrast here the notion of “food sovereignty” with that of “food security”. Food sovereignty is defined as the right of peoples to healthy and cultural y appropriate food produced through ecological y sound and sustainable methods, and their right to define their own food and agriculture systems. It puts those who produce, distribute and consume food at the heart of food systems and policies rather than the demands of markets and corporations. Nyéléni Forum 2007- Final declaration. https://nyeleni.org/spip.php?article375. Food security on the other hand exists when “all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.” 1996 Rome Declaration on World Food Security. http://www.fao.org/3/w3613e/w3613e00.htm 4 E.g. the case of the invasive Ruditapes philippinarum in Northern Adriatic Sea. 11 1. Introduction 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT long term. The current market system, therefore, represents a relevant source of problems for fishers, including SSF, that directly need to be addressed in the context of sustainable Fisheries act at the intersection of a management. number of policy demands. They are expected to contribute to ecological, At the same time, markets provide significant opportunities to bring benefits to SSF and, in climate and social goals, and to the turn, global sustainability. From a production point of view, systems vary from small-scale need to transform the food systems production to more industrialized and globalised production systems. Within the fishing into more sustainable ones. In the sector many different actors operate within distinct social, economic and ecological Mediterranean Region the situation of systems. Yet, the majority of consumers rarely dwell on the issue of who catches fish fishing stocks is particularly serious with and how. While SSF could be more easily aligned with the three pillars of sustainable 80% of the scientifically assessed stocks development (social, economic and environmental) than large-scale fisheries this is fished beyond safe biological limits insufficiently recognised, both among policy-makers and the general public (as per below). (FAO, 2018c) and only 9% of assessed This has led several observers to describe the small-scale sector as “the forgotten fleet”. fish stocks fished at levels below MSY Leveraging on the market opportunities, SSF could become empowered with repercussions (COM(2016) 396). for global sustainability. The prominence of markets in contributing to sustainability at large is recognised explicitly as one of SDG targets: SDG 14b. The causes of this situation are manifold and include long-term fishing pressure, The multifaceted contribution of SSF to the healthy, productive and resilient seas has been fishing capacity not adapting to underappreciated by policy. While international law relating to the use of the sea does environmental changes and, thus, not differentiate between various fisheries, EU and national policies have somewhat producing overcapacity, competition marginalized the SSF over the past few decades and has strongly favored the expansion with other fisheries, the lack of effective of the industrial fishing segment. The latter has largely benefitted from both resource management plans, compliance, control, access and public subsidies (Schuhbauer et al., 2017), outcompeting the SSF. Decades and enforcement (Vasilakopoulos, of favouritism towards industrial fishing meant the marginalization of the small-scale sector 2014). The key underlying factor – with and have exacerbated the vulnerability of the latter. The implications are deeply rooted, a cascading effect on others – is a structural and far-reaching with international and regional management regimes as well dysfunctional management design, usually as national policies insufficiently sensitive to the contribution and the plight of the SSF. The in the form of a centralized, top-down (or scholarship has also failed to challenge the conception of the sector as a uniform one, as “command and control”) model. This has it has rarely discussed the actors in relation to the design and impact of policies (Symes et. alienated stakeholders from management al., 2015). of decision-making processes and, combined with a lack of capacity and The uniqueness of SSF is also not acknowledged in the markets. Partly as a result of being political will at national level to control contingent on the policies, consumers generally do not distinguish between the SSF and and enforce regulations, has in turn led industrial products. Fish is increasingly seen as a homogenous product differentiated to fishing overcapacity and increased mainly by the form in which it is sold, as fresh, frozen, canned or smoked. Despite the competition, encouraging a vicious circle fact that the SSF generate a lot of employment and positive externalities, they receive a leading to overfishing and unviable and disproportionally smaller share of catches and value of the products. The SSF statistics unstructured fishing communities. for the EU indicate that more than half (around 53%) of the direct employment in the catching sector but contribute only 5% of the weight landed and 12,5% of the landed value The economic pressures reflected (STECF, 2019). The low value and appreciation ascribed to SSF is driving a decreasing through fisheries markets represent profitability of the small-scale sector across the EU countries.5 SSF products face market one of the main and often forgotten competition from large-scale fishery products, foreign imports, and aquaculture products factors leading to intensification of that can assure more continuity and quantity of products. Seasonality, the variety and small exploitation of fishery resources and the quantities of SSF productions are seen as poor opportunities for the market. development of bad fishing practices with a direct consequence on the health To reverse these trends, changes can take place at two levels. One is top-down and it is of coastal ecosystems. For example, done through policy that could enhance opportunities of the SSF vis-à-vis industrial and low, unstable and uncertain prices for recreational sectors. In that context, access to resources for SSF (Said et. al., 2020) or fishers result (in the short-term) in the social security of SSF could be improved (FAO, 2019). Regulations should consider the search for compensate those losses SSF distinguished from other fisheries in order to account for SSF adaptation capabilities, by catching higher volumes of fish and high resilience and low pressure and also SSF weaknesses and sensitivities that are quite deploying more fishing effort, which in different from industrial fisheries. While fisheries policies in the Mediterranean are showing turn results in negative feedbacks in the signs of some progress, that progress is slow and incremental at best, proving resilient to 5 The recent STEFC report shows that SSF in 14 countries are facing profit losses (STEFC, 2019). 12 1.3 a greater substantive change. Moreover, access to resources without sufficient market STRUCTURE instruments does not change much for small-scale fisheries. After the introductory section, Section 2 But market tools also allow SSF to distinguish, market and sell their products better. outlines the policy context that provides Opportunities can also be improved through a bottom-up approach with SSF products the ultimate goal of the report. Section 3 being better positioned in the market. If SSF products and their quality are recognized as analyses the current state of the markets distinct and with added value, they are likely to be rewarded for their quality. Improved for the SSF products from the perspective access to resources and markets through the right policy mechanisms for fisheries and of fishers and consumers and indicates the markets can lead to improved socio-ecological sustainability, and long-term benefits for types of responses that can be devised. small-scale fisheries. Section 4 presents some initiatives that have actually been implemented in the Mediterranean, as well as those that Policy Expected Long-term represent possibilities for action, as of yet Mechanisms Outcomes SSF Benefits remain unrealized in this region. Section 5 reflects on the future options for action Sustainable fisheries in the regional context. The conclusion Healthy wraps up the discussion and entails a set Fish Stocks Improve of recommendations for action. Fisheries wellbeing Management and visibility Decreased dependency Distributive on large Sector Resources Justice volumes Regeneration Improved Access Markets SSF Product Enhanced Diversified Differentiation SSF value Market chain Avenues Market Consumer Enhanced Initiatives Awareness Traceability and Transparency Enhanced Resilience of SSF Markets Improving access to resources and markets in line with SDG14B. Our central question was how thus far little explored, innovative market opportunities can be beneficial to the SSF in the Mediterranean with the prospect to enhance the sustainability of this Sea and its peoples. We recognize that the market aspects are embedded in the policy, institutions and governance structures – these certainly motivate the very operation of the markets. The report approaches the issues from the perspective of the markets and directs attention to the ways of improving weaknesses in the organization of the market for SSF products. In the longer term, the strengthening of SSF in the market could ultimately also contribute to the empowerment of SSF and improvements in the status of SSF in the fisheries policies. 13 2Leg. al and Policy Context 2. Legal and Policy Context 2.1 2.2 FISHERIES POLICIES AND REGULATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS Obligations on long-term conservation and sustainable use of fisheries resources arise from the UNCLOS (Articles 61-2) and CBD (Art 1), as well as Chapter 17 of Agenda 21 The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable (UNCED 1992), WSSD 2002 (Johannesburg Plan of Action, articles 30-36), UN General Development and its 17 Sustainable Assembly Resolution on “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals,6 adopted by the Development” (SDG 14 “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine UN General Assembly in 2015, provide resources for sustainable development”). The formulation of policies with that objective an overarching policy framework for originates also from instruments, which have been developed progressively over decades, all states across various environmental mostly under the auspices of FAO (Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, the and socio-economic indicators. In the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and years after their adoption, the SDGs Unregulated Fishing, International Guidelines on Bycatch Management and Reduction of have gained very wide support by Discards etc.). national governments, local authorities, international institutions, non-governmental Further, the Mediterranean states, which are EU member states, are not subject to EU organisations and the private sector, law. The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) of the EU has been a relative late comer to the and reflect a wide consensus on the Mediterranean, with the first Mediterranean Regulation (EC1967/2006) adopted in ultimate policy objectives. As part of 2006 and being almost entirely ignored by Member States. The CFP is certainly better the SDGs, the states have agreed enforced now with Multi-annual Plans, and a number of other related regulations (the to conserve and sustainably use the Common Market Organisation and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund). Its oceans, seas and marine resources objective is to ensure that fishing activities are “environmentally sustainable in the long-term for sustainable development (SDG14). and are managed in a way that is consistent with the objectives of achieving economic, More specifically, they have agreed to social and employment benefits, and of contributing to the availability of food supplies” end overfishing, illegal, unreported and (CFP, Article 2.1). The European legal framework generally provides a clear objective of unregulated fishing and destructive fishing sustainably used resources, but this is implemented more in the breach than observance, practices and implement science-based and where it is applied this is with insufficient rigour or political will. Despite the well-management plans (SDG 14.4.), as well intentioned language in the European legal framework, at national level, both the spirit and as to eliminate harmful fishing subsidies letter of the law are watered down, and/or not fully implemented or enforced. Examples (14.6.) – all by 2020. Specifically, one include non-application of Article 17, lack of support for SSF Producer Organizations, of the targets (SDG 14B) is to provide perverse use of subsidies, etc. The potential of overarching policies to achieve their access for small-scale artisanal fishers to sustainability objectives are undermined if national and local administrations renegue on marine resources and markets. their responsibilities to apply them. To improve the voice of SSF at the European level, Low Impact Fishers of Europe (LIFE) was established in 2012 and registered as a lobby group in Other SDGs are related to the above Brussels, while also working on ground to support SSF organisation. targets. The empowerment of SSF resonates with the targets under SDG 2-Zero Hunger that aim at increasing A holistic lens on sustainability suggests the productivity and incomes of small- responsible fisheries management with, and for scale food producers, including through equal access to productive resources, smal -scale fisheries as a solution. Recent policy markets and opportunities for value addition (SDG 2.3.), and sustainable and statements and commitments relevant for the resilient agricultural practices that help fisheries policies provide hope that many of the maintain ecosystems, strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change and negative trends will be reversed. natural disasters (SDG 2.4.). It also resonates with the SDGs on sustainable consumption and production (SDG 12), which requires sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources (12.2.) and relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature (12.8.). It further resonates with the 6 Sustainable Development Goals requirement to take climate action (SDG 16 13) that looks at improving resilience and 2.3 adaptive capacity to climate-related SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES POLICY INSTRUMENTS hazards and natural disasters (SDG 13.1) and integrating climate change measures In parallel with the formation of policy documents, the mobilization of the SSF community into national policies, strategies and took place, which resulted in a significant policy document, focusing specifically on SSF. planning (SDG 13.2). The Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines; FAO, 2015) adopted by the FAO Committee on Fisheries in 2014 represent an overarching document for the redefinition of governance of the SSF across the globe. While they are of legally non-binding nature, they have nevertheless been developed in a long and multi-stakeholder process and represent a broad consensus on the significance of SSF in the context of prioritizing the eradication of hunger and promoting sustainable development. The objective of the SSF Guidelines are: A to enhance the contribution of small-scale fisheries to global food security and nutrition and to support the progressive realization of the right to adequate food, B to contribute to the equitable development of small-scale fishing communities and poverty eradication and to improve the socio-economic situation of fishers and fish workers within the context of sustainable fisheries management, The SDG approach was consistent with C to achieve the sustainable utilization, prudent and responsible management the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (SCBD, and conservation of fisheries resources consistent with the Code of Conduct for 2020), adopted earlier than SDGs (in Responsible Fisheries (the Code) and related instruments, 2010) by the parties to the Convention D to promote the contribution of small-scale fisheries to an economically, socially and on Biological Diversity. These strategic environmentally sustainable future for the planet and its people, objectives aimed – by 2020 – to E to provide guidance that could be considered by States and stakeholders for the manage and harvest all fish sustainably, development and implementation of ecosystem friendly and participatory policies, legally and applying ecosystem-based strategies and legal frameworks for the enhancement of responsible and sustainable approaches (Target 6), eliminate small-scale fisheries, and harmful subsidies and replace them by F to enhance public awareness and promote the advancement of knowledge on the positive incentives for the conservation culture, role, contribution and potential of small-scale fisheries, considering ancestral and sustainable use (Target 3), respect and traditional knowledge, and their related constraints and opportunities. the traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local The Guidelines include a number of highly pertinent actions mostly on the side of communities relevant for the conservation governments, from ensuring secure and equitable tenure rights and access to resource, and sustainable use of biodiversity (Target to ensuring decent labour conditions. However, the Guidelines specifically envisage 18) and have beneficial ecosystem SSF to act in ways that are separate from the intervention of states. In that respect, the services restored and safeguarded, Guidelines mention associations of fishers, strengthening support in the post-harvest phase, taking into account the needs of women, transformation of value chains, and, especially, regional trade as important approaches indigenous and local communities, and complementing state’s actions. the poor and vulnerable (Target 14). With regards to the specific situation in the Mediterranean, here too there has been an Instrumental to the implementation of increased attention to the SSF. In 2018 Ministerial Declaration aimed at implementing a the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Regional Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea Development is also the proclamation that was signed by 18 Mediterranean and Black Sea countries as well as the EU (FAO, of a UN Decade of Ocean Science for 2018b). The 10-year plan of action aims to provide long-term environmental, economic Sustainable Development 2021-2030 and social sustainability of SSF by reinforcing the capacities of the sector at various levels. (UN, 2018). The Decade as a political This involves improving fisheries management measures to serve the SSF, reinforce the act is intended to mobilise the ocean valorization of SSF products, facilitate direct access to markets, improve participation in community to support the protection decision-making, enhance data collection related to the sector and benefit from traditional and sustainable use of the oceans, but knowledge on marine environment, promote decent work and the role of women, and also other SDGs beyond target 14, by mitigate negative climate and environment impacts. delivering scientific knowledge, fostering technological innovation, and building A very influential factor in setting the policy direction was the launch of the blue growth/ capacity (IOC, 2017). blue economy paradigm. The notion developed ion various platforms and at various levels: within the EU, the UfM and the FAO, each time with a different emphasis. For FAO, 17 2. Legal and Policy Context 2.4 the blue growth approach resonated with its ongoing efforts relating to BLUE ECONOMY sustainable fisheries. FAO’s launch of a “Blue growth initiative” was used to The Union for the Mediterranean, key regional organization, interpreted blue economy as boost the messages of sustainability and a force “to promote growth, jobs and investments and reduce poverty, whilst safeguarding to further promote the Code of Conduct healthy seas and developing a clear vision for the sustainable and integrated development for Responsible Fisheries (adopted of marine and maritime sectors at national and sea basin level” (UfM, 2015). In line with in 1995) as well as other relevant the existing regional priorities, the Euro-Mediterranean understanding of blue economy instruments, such as voluntary guidelines carries an ambition of having a positive distributional effect and reducing disparities in on small scale fisheries (FAO, 2015). economic development, research and innovation capacity, skills of the labour force, FAO’s understanding of blue growth networking and limited access to finance. Blue economy here represents an integrative tool also meant a strengthened promotion of for the region; increasing both the inter-connectedness among industries, human activities aquaculture and certification schemes, and the ecosystems, and the cooperation between countries (Penca, 2019a). Fisheries and and an opportunity to showcase other aquaculture have been selected based on their value added and jobs generated among sustainability practices or develop new the three leading / priority sectors for blue economy (UfM, 2017). ones, such as marking fishing gear, innovative water-saving aquaculture In the EU, the Blue Growth represents “an initiative to harness the untapped potential of farms or financing instruments, such as Europe’s oceans, seas and coasts for jobs and growth” and the EU’s maritime dimension of green bonds (FAO, n/a). its internal strategy titled “Europe 2020”, which focused on smart, sustainable and inclusive growth (EC, 2012). The EU’s discourse related to blue growth marries the maritime and marine opportunities with its priorities of innovation and job creation and create synergies and coherence with its existing policy approaches. The EU indicated five priority areas for blue growth, namely ocean energy, aquaculture, maritime tourism, blue biotechnology and seabed resources (EC, 2017). Fisheries are excluded altogether. The exclusion of fisheries from these priority areas is both factually unjustified and a missed opportunity for the EU’s long-term strategy. Fisheries have economic importance and potential for growth, comparable in importance of gross value added and jobs with four of the five other blue growth activities (Stobberup, 2017). Additionally, there are high synergies between fishing and other blue growth sectors. For instance, in the Mediterranean, the main positive synergies were found between SSF and coastal tourism, protected areas and biotechnology, but also with maritime transport through shared facilities and suppliers, and to a more limited extent also with aquaculture (Stobberup, 2017). The synergy between SSF and new market opportunities remains an untapped opportunity which requires further investigation. The neglect of the SSF’s potential in the EU’s blue growth strategy poses a risk for conflicts between the more favoured blue growth activities and SSF. For instance, aquaculture and coastal tourism have a direct impact and reduce the available area for coastal fishing. (Stobberup, 2017). There is a further pressure on fishing as a profession arising from recreational fishing. Finally, the fishing (including SSF) sector is generally at risk of bearing the burden of the environmental and socio-economic pressures from other activities. SFF level of analysis Pre-harvesting Harvesting Post-harvesting Environmental Environmental Environmental Dimensions Economic Social Economic Social Economic Social of contributions Governance Governance Governance SDGs Small-scale fisheries contributions for the SDGs (Source: WorldFish et. al., 2018). 18 2.5 2.6 SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS SUMMARY Recently, the way we produce and consume food has gained prominence as a policy A holistic lens on sustainability suggests area. The significant impacts of, both terrestrial and marine, globalized food industry on the responsible fisheries management environment and climate are well evidenced (Frank et al., 2018; Tilman and Clark, 2014; with, and for small-scale fisheries as a Willett et al., 2019) and there are clear calls for transformation, in other words, use food solution. Historically, SSF have been in systems and agriculture to bring about the required sustainability transformation (SAPEA, an unfavorable position. Nevertheless, 2020; IPBES, 2019). There is also evidence of embeddedness of the agri-food sector in recent policy statements and commitments the industrial model and concomitant power imbalances and social injustices (IPES-Food, relevant for the fisheries policies have 2017). In the case of fisheries, the use of destructive, non-selective fishing practices, the indicated the directions for the reform practice of discarding, the use of polluting and non-recyclable fishing gear and packaging in fisheries governance and, thus, materials along the value chain and food waste (in fish plants and large retail outlets) provide hope that many of the negative are all part of the problem in addition to social aspects in fish value chains. Considering trends (overfishing, stocks collapse, that the global population is expected to continue its steady rise, as well as become ever marginalization of SSF etc.) will be more urbanised, it is clear that the challenges linked to food systems need to be addressed reversed. The key trends pertain to a urgently and transformed in a holistic way, considering the whole food systems at large, demand that the link between sustainable from food production, processing, consumption to its waste (SAM, 2019). fisheries and livelihoods is enhanced and that sustainable practices of small-scale The outbreak of the Covid-19 epidemic has laid bare the fragile inter-dependency fisheries are empowered. However, of globalised value chains and its vulnerability to sudden changes (such as closing of the potential of overarching policies to restaurants, schools, or stop of flow of migrant workers due to closed national borders). In achieve their sustainability objectives fisheries, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused a shock by collapsing markets and shutting is undermined if national and local down fisheries and left particularly small-scale fisheries struggling to survive economically. administrations do not fully realise their The inherent resilience of small-scale fisheries has revealed itself as fragile and vulnerable responsibilities. The future prospects for to sudden shock. Various challenges linked to food systems need to be urgently addressed, SSF will depend on whether the relevant from food production, processing, consumption to its waste. Backed by scientific findings, national authorities will or will not apply the urge for transformation of the current food systems towards lower-carbon based the letter and spirit of international and diets, including more plant-based ones, and notably, more localised production and regional legal frameworks and translate consumption (SAPEA, 2020) has become a policy priority, particularly the EU. With the them into national laws, integrating them adoption of its “Farm to Fork Strategy” in 2020, the EU is demonstrating the commitment into other national and local policies, to building a resilient, equitable and healthy food system that would act as the global implement initiatives for positive change standard of sustainability. and make available the required funding. Indeed, responsible and ethical sentiment is emerging among consumers and is coupled with an interest for local quality seafood products. These shifting preferences are only gradually entering the segment of the seafood consumer population, partly because of unavailability of consumer tools in this area. But the trend of rising consumer interest and sense of responsibility is unlikely to be reversed. 19 3Th. e State of Play in Markets 3. The State of Play in Markets 3.1 ensure price stability and improve their WEAKNESSES OF socio-economic condition and improve MEDITERRANEAN FISHERIES their stewardship of the resource. To MARKETS the contrary, this feeds into a negative This section focuses cycle of social and environmental The way in which most supply chains and consequences. These issues will be on the creation and markets operate today is suboptimal for looked at in further detail. both the consumer and small-scale fishers; operation of the the markets do not create incentives for WEAKNESS 2 positive change in the status of fishers LACK OF TOOLS TO MEET SSF markets as an and their communities or the status of REQUESTS OF SENSITIVE aspect of the SSF resources that these fishers traditionally CONSUMERS. Consumers are fish. On the contrary, the current dominant becoming increasingly sensitive to the governance. With market system embodies one of the main ethical issues implicated in global trade, and all too often forgotten factors that apart from the concern for quality. A the previous section drive intensification of exploitation of share of them wants to contribute to having demonstrated fishery resources and the development ethical causes, including sustainability in of bad fishing practices with a direct seafood (McClenachan, Dissanayake that sustainability consequence on the health of coastal & Chen, 2016). Policy-makers have ecosystems. We segment the layers of the also indicated their expectations for a has taken center multifaceted problem. greater involvement of the consumer in stage in the past reinforcing the sustainability of fisheries WEAKNESS 1 (Penca, 2020). Indeed, the trend of years, including its LACK OF TRACEABILITY. Too often, increased awareness, accountability products from small-scale fisheries get and stewardship of producers and specific application mixed in the sales process with those consumers has been less present in the to the oceans, this from semi-industrial and industrial fishing, seafood supply chains than in some other aquaculture and imported markets, and commodities (e.g. coffee, cocoa, textile). section reports on the even illegal fishing, including recreational fish (Pascual et. al., 2018). For many Yet, policy tools do not cater for the rise extent to which these of these, their profitability is based on of conscious consumers. The seafood large volumes. On the one hand, the sector had and continues to have very policy orientations consumer is prevented from obtaining limited tools available to consumers to have failed to have full information on the product they assess sustainability criteria (Richter & are buying, in particular, its production Klöckner, 2017; Jacquet & Pauly, 2007) an impact on the system, and in practice also the fishing and they remain lost in the complexity gear used. As a consequence, they are of the whole issue. Awareness-raising markets. It presents prevented from making a choice on the campaigns are often too unspecific. Eco- the scope of the gap type of product they buy and rewarding labelling has a limited utility for consumers the type of fishing they consider better that are interested in balancing both between the operation (professional SSF, industrial or even illicit social and environmental impact of the recreational products). On the other products they purchased. Specifically, the of the smal -scale hand, the small-scale fishers are unable Mediterranean is a grey zone that various markets and the to exert any control or influence over forms of eco-labelling hardly cover. the price and, therefore, are not able Mandatory labelling could play a certain sustainability goals. to present a fair (and ideally premium) role but the current mandatory labelling value of their products to the consumer. requirements in any country, including As a consequence, they are unable to the EU under the CMO Regulations (where they are normatively considered to be most advanced because they include the obligation of indicating the fishing gear, but where they are weakly implemented) do not allow the consumer to differentiate consistently the products coming from different production systems. 22 The amount of information found on the mandatory food labelling does not correspond to the consumers’ expectations (Special Eurobarometer, 2018), neither do other policy tools satisfy the consumers’ expectations regarding sustainable consumption of seafood (McClenachan, Dissanayake and Chen, 2016). In Spain, for instance, a study (Client Earth, 2018) on the compliance of the obligatory information display in fishery products revealed WEAKNESS 5 that 70% of the obligatory information is not provided, especially the production method LACK OF DEDICATED (which was missing in 75% of the products) and fishing gear (which is excluded from 85% ORGANISATIONS AND CAPACITY. of the products), among others interesting data. Similarly, a study on labelling of seafood Its rather common that small-scale fisher in retailers in Slovenia revealed that the vast majority of selling points were not compliant are insufficiently organized in the sales with the regulation, including the key information on fishing gear and fishing area.7 While process and they each, rather than the data collected by fishers is usually complete, the greatest loss of data and information collectively, negotiate prices with their occurs in the post-harvest stage, hindering informed consumer choices. clients (such as restaurants). This puts them in the position of price-takers and in WEAKNESS 3 competition with each other (other small- MARKET DOMINANCE ON A FEW ESTABLISHED PRODUCTS. Small-scale fisheries scale fisher), resulting in a race within products which are not popular or established but are a sustainable alternative to heavily the sector, when there is a prior need to exploited species do not get sufficient marketing attention, with the result that consumers strengthen it as a whole. On top of that, remain dependent on the popular species such as, European hake, giant red shrimp, small-scale fishers’ sales agreements swordfish, Gilthead seabream, European seabass and salmon. Often these species are are normally verbal and fluctuate on imported and come from other production systems such as aquaculture. Along with the a daily basis and disable fisher from parallel local production by large-scale fisheries and aquaculture, the imports of fresh having secure prices for a whole year, fish have posed challenges to the products of small-scale fisheries, especially in countries let alone across years. To implement where the markets are small and easily saturated. The presence in the market disregarding the agreement, each fishing family or season, the stable characteristics in size, prize and quality are probably factors that individual fisher has to take care of the facilitated consumers (and restaurants) to adapt and get used to these few popular highly logistics and infrastructure, instead of visible species (in the Mediterranean context, these are especially sea bream and sea having resources to share. That means that bass). Small-scale are frustrated by the fact that their products are assimilated through the each family has to have a van (preferably supply chain and treated like any other at best, while producing more positive externalities isothermal, but this is not always the case) than the competitor. and the possibility to store or process their products. Such fishers usually work WEAKNESS 4 long hours, for relatively low and very FISHERS ARE THE WEAKEST IN THE VALUE CHAIN. An important economic uncertain revenues, which may on times problem is the unequal distribution of power in the value chain with the fishers carrying not even cover the costs of fishing, and the a disproportional burden. The marketing arrangements tend to favour the interests of the invisible labour included. They might even buyer, rather than the fishers, who have little to no control over pricing. Also, the complex, enter into debts to the sellers, while having non-transparent and lengthy value chains represent a problem. Producers often do not few opportunities to break through this sell to the final consumer but employ a wide chain of intermediaries and middlemen (fish cycle of dependency, as they have very brokers, fish processors, agents and retailers). Fishers receive marginal earnings for seafood limited access to basic accounting tools, relative to other actors of the value chain, which can be as low as 10% of the final sales credits, micro-finance, and insurance. price of his product and the intermediaries about 90% of the value (Josupeit, 2016; Purcell et. al., 2017). WEAKNESS 6 VICIOUS CIRCLE. These tough and Mixing their product in the supply chain is often the involuntary choice of the small-scale uncertain working conditions have fishers, because it is the only option available. This happens when the consumer does not wide implications. They make the sufficiently recognise the quality and the externalities of the small-scale fisheries product, fishers very vulnerable and lead to the or do not have the means to find and award it. It also happens when fishers do not have a nearby or constant market to sell to. Travelling several kilometers every day to the nearest point of first sale incurs additional transport cost and time investment that they cannot afford and, if selling in an auction, normally receive the worst selling conditions by selling the last ones. 7 Preliminary results from the study in the framework of the project DNA based technology for fraud detection in fishery products with socioeconomic impact assessment (project ID V1-1808). 23 3. The State of Play in Markets 3.2 impoverishment of fishers and their families, or a premature abandonment of the activity. Secondly, they contribute to the fact that the profession is unattractive to the youth and MARKET RESPONSES that generational renewal is not ensured (White et al., 2015). This also results in the TO WEAKNESSES reduction of future prospects of SSF coastal communities, including for women, whose work remains largely invisible (Frangoudes et al., 2019). Thirdly, as a result of unstable The weaknesses of the organisation of and low prices, fishers may intensify the fishing effort, including by bending the rules or seafood markets in the Mediterranean operating on the margins of law in order to compensate the low price with a high volume are areas with much potential for of catches. This has a depressing effect on prices and, of course, aggravates the situation improvement. A number of initiatives have of overexploitation of marine resources and ecosystems. Fishers may also decide to sell been developed by the stakeholders outside the established mainstream markets through direct sales to gain higher revenue. to empower the SSF in existing markets Where direct sales are illegal, this may give them a certain margin of profit in the short-or create new ones. Both, the value term but will likely result in a negative impact on their revenues in the long-term as well as chain and awareness of consumers are contribute to a weakening of the trust in institutions. being targeted. The actions taken are very much local, or at best regional. The presented negative effects are a result of the existing organisation of value chains and They involve different tactics, from the marketing system, the details of which are very local-specific and case-dependent. practices of shortening the supply chain While some countries have an obligatory system of sale through a fish market (normally and direct marketing arrangements, using an auction) (e.g. Spain), others do not (e.g. Italy); in some countries, buyers are developing supporting technology, willing to pay a premium to SSF products; in others, they are not ready yet; in some developing labelling schemes, organizing countries fishers have necessary infrastructure to ensure quality and traceability of products, promotional events and festivals, working while others - especially in non-European countries - may not. This report does not present with chefs in restaurants or with schools, the details implicated in the organisation of value chains in different countries. Instead, it and empowering SSF sectors to get confirms that while problems of suboptimal organisation of value chains and difficulties with organised and become effectors of markets for SSF are shared across the Mediterranean, the specific reasons may not be. change. These come from different sectors in society and specific goals of activities may vary considerably. One of the repetitive aspects is the re-connection between effectors from different sectors (e.g., bringing consumers in direct contact with fishers, or chefs in contact with researchers), sidestepping mainstream markets and usual ways of doing things. Most of the activities owe their success to investments of time and energy by individuals. Public funding has been crucial for most of the initiatives and appears to be necessary for continuing and upscaling many of them. While SSF themselves are crucial to ensuring that their products are differentiated and perceived to be of a higher value than seafood from other types of production, the extent to which valorization can materialize is also determined by the capacity of the SSF to get organized and act collectively (branding themselves or selling their products), and by the willingness for national governments to make space and endorse new marketing initiatives and organisations. These initiatives, especially when they operate successfully, demonstrate the 24 appetite for the kind of transformations 3.3 CSA schemes that do offer fish products in the supply chain that are requested TYPES OF INNOVATION TO normally do not follow clear and holistic by at least part of the SSF (supply) and ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES criteria. Some of these innovations are consumers and citizens (demand). They also linked to using a new distribution point to the fact that there is a lack of The purpose of this section is not to channel (online sale, through specific systemic distinction in the seafood markets present a wide variety of actions but to apps, social media pages, WhatsApp, regarding products’ provenance, quality, identify the key models of responses, or etc.), as described here below. We have environmental and socioeconomic impact the key types of innovations that have seen the coming about of direct sales on producers. These initiatives have a taken place. This allows a more focused innovations with the COVID-19 epidemic shared timing and underlying rationale, and strategic reflection on the options where local fishers’ organizations and there might be an exchange of for action, based on the underlying started online selling and delivering their practices taking place on the informal or reasons for negative trends and feasible products directly to the consumers through ad-hoc level, but without any institutional responses. The actual initiatives may simple social media channels or more coordination going on between these and normally do incorporate more than elaborated tools, e.g. Hook and Deliver efforts. one of the following models or types of (Malta), Poiscaille (France). An effective innovation. A combination usually results and traditional means of direct selling One of key lessons that emerges from the in a higher impact and increased benefits: is directly off the boat or at a fishers’ mapping and understanding of the SSF market located in marinas or ports. While value chains and markets is that each INNOVATION 1 not quite a case of innovation, these initiative has responded to a specific need INNOVATION IN THE SHORTENING channels serve the purpose of direct or the perceived limitation, which would OF THE VALUE CHAIN. This type sales and should not be overlooked not necessarily work in the same way in of innovation aspires to reforming the by consumers. Recently, initiatives have other contexts. For instance, in some cases sales system so that it shortens the value emerged to map these direct marketing (e.g., France), fishers find the opportunity chain between the producer and the points at harbour level to inform and in selling directly to the consumer. In many consumer by reducing the number of promote their uptake by direct consumers countries direct sales are possible and intermediaries and ideally reaching the (e.g PleineMer’s map in France). have indeed provided an important retail point where the producer is able to serve Direct sales are allowed in most of the channel for SSF. For many fishers, direct the final customer directly. The outcome Mediterranean countries, even if they are sales have resulted in added value, which of a shortened value chain is usually a limited in value in some countries (e.g makes a difference between earning a good price deal for both the fisher and in Slovenia, a fisher can sell up to 50kg revenue or suffering a loss. However, the consumer, who receives a better of fish straight from the boat). However, this would not be the best response in product, probably also at a better price, they are illegal in a few countries, such as some other markets (e.g., some Lebanese but also at improved traceability. Direct Spain or Portugal. regions), where knowing the way in which contact also improves communication; the product was harvested might not thus, producers are able to better inform INNOVATION 2 necessarily be a priority for the consumer. consumers about the qualities of their INNOVATION IN THE Here, instead, improving infrastructure and products, and consumers are able to DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL. Initiatives skills to ensure better hygiene conditions better communicate their requirements. may improve sales systems using ICT of the products and their selling points In agriculture, farmers markets, organic (Information and Communication would better respond to both the needs of vegetable boxes and schemes based Technology), through apps, online the consumer and fishers. on the Community Supported Agriculture platforms or social media channels (CSA) model are numerous and have to offer their products and services. ICT enabled consumers to engage directly is increasingly used in the sale of food with smaller producers of quality produce, and, although it is not at the same level enabling spreading good practices. In of other types of food such as fruits and fisheries, similar initiatives are achieving vegetables, selling fish products online similar success. Examples include is also raising attention. Online sale is Community Supported Fisheries (CSF), often accompanied by more traditional fish box schemes and on-line trading systems, such as phone orders. In many schemes, although they are fewer in Cofradías in Spain, for example, fishers numbers if we compare them to schemes have started to sell their products through from agriculture. Also, despite targeting the same consumers, very few CSA and CSF schemes seem to interrelate or establish clear synergies, and those 25 3. The State of Play in Markets the auction sale (every day at 4pm), and reach buyers through the online system. More recently, a very interesting movement of cooperation among online food providers, including vegetable, fruit, cereal etc. can be observed. This provides a more convenient service to the final consumer but also makes the distribution channel more effective. However, fish INNOVATION 4 INNOVATION 5 providers are still quite behind to join INNOVATION IN PROMOTION OF INNOVATION BY GENERATION OF these cooperation platforms and with few THE PRODUCTS AND AWARENESS A BRAND OR LABELLING SCHEME. known examples in the Mediterranean. RAISING. These initiatives involve both Some initiatives have deployed branding in-depth printed or digital materials and labelling the products to highlight INNOVATION 3 and hands-on promotional activities, certain aspects of their production INNOVATION IN DIVERSIFICATION consisting of workshops, gastronomic method. Known labelling schemes in OF PRODUCTS. Initiatives may offer events, fish festivals and cooking classes, the Mediterranean have been initiated different products to diversify the type targeting different audiences, from chefs by fishers or NGOs, and not by public of sales. Consumption of fish tends to the general public. These initiatives go authorities, even if these have been to be concentrated on relatively few beyond providing technical and legal supportive of the action. They have come species (hake, cod, shrimp, bass, farmed information of the products by explaining in the form of a logo and/or a statement salmon, etc.), which can potentially be the origin and the fishing techniques that on the product that tells the consumer the overexploited and often not correspond brought the fish from the sea to the dish, food meets the standard of that scheme. to the local reality and seasonal these activities are promoting the intrinsic The sort of information that the brand or availability. Initiatives emerged to create value of the product, teaching how it label communicates can be different and new markets, and price lesser-known is to be prepared, and explaining the has included the origin of the product species in the market, which are an ecological significance of the marine (geographical indication), the production important part of the catch for small species and the low impact nature system (exclusively small-scale), quality scale fishing, have gastronomic value, of small-scale fishers. The purpose of and freshness of the products (e.g. fish of and help to reduce fishing pressure all those initiatives is to promote local the day), and others. These are instances on overexploited species. Interesting products (zero-miles) to allow the of “self-declaration schemes” (where initiatives exist to create new markets for re-connection of the consumer with the adherence to a selected commitment is non-indigenous (and usually invasive) small- producer, draw bridges and even done by the scheme operator themselves, species that are increasingly being allow spaces for interaction among based on their own product standards major catches of the small-scale fishers. consumers and fishers, enabling mutual or criteria). In the Mediterranean, there This is especially relevant for the Eastern understanding, and increasing trust. These are very few instances of “third-party Mediterranean but it is gradually initiatives aim also at increasing consumer certification schemes” (the procedure spreading over the whole basin. In some capabilities to make ecologically by which a producer or a group of of the initiatives, even the product offered sustainable choices when buying marine producers undergo an independent is presented differently by offering them products or ordering fish dishes. The and formal evaluation by a third-party a “fish box scheme”, that offers the events have the intent of explaining the of their production method) (Dankers, consumer a certain amount of fish, but not value of neglected marine products 2003). The notion of a “third-party” specifying the species, where the species in order to facilitate consumer to see refers to the fact that schemes rely vary according to the fishery on that day beyond the popular products they are on an attestation procedure for its in that season, according to the catch of used to (e.g., seabream, seabass, salmon, members, which is independent from the day. swordfish). their interference (Dankers, 2003). The most known among such schemes is the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Few labels, if any, address all the dimensions of sustainability. Well-known existing certification scheme of Fair trade has not entered fisheries products. Only Slow Food network, which operates a very loose labelling scheme, has addressed social values of fisheries products on top of environmental ones. 26 INNOVATION 6 INNOVATION IN LEADERSHIP OR OWNERSHIP. While this innovation does not relate to the product or its sale directly, but the managerial level, it constitutes a key innovation factor to take into account. It can enable fishers to become price-makers instead of being price-takers. In some cases, previous investment in support and capacity building of the sector has become better organized and enhanced the entrepreneurial dimension of their own commercialization initiatives normally combining several of the previous innovations. This not only empowers the SSF sector as actors of change and diminishes the INNOVATION 7 intra-sectoral competence but allows to create fairer prices of their product and reverts INNOVATION IN COOPERATION directly to the maintenance of their own structures and collective action. Small-scale Fishing AND COORDINATION. Initiatives Producer Organisations (FPOs) in Europe can play a key role in the management of have been set up that seek to coordinate commercialization structures of SSF Products and increased impact on the sustainability of efforts, replicate and scale-up the fishing products, in all its dimensions. However, few Member States’ policies support small-previously mentioned innovative initiatives scale fishers to establish dedicated SSFPOs. There are several cases of recent initiatives to allow a greater impact and enhance to establish SSFPOs being stymied by what amounts to at worst a “hostile environment”, visibility. These are initiatives of second or at best “bureaucratic intransigence” with the national authorities. Linked to this is the level (networks, etc.) that try to give conditionality for establishing POs that requires high volumes of landings, whereas what is visibility and connect several initiatives important for SSF is the value addition. STECF data show that SSF land only 5% of the EU and try to simplify messages given the catch by volume, but up to 15% by value, with a Gross Value Addition to revenue ratio of complexity of the whole subject for the just under 70%. general public. This is, for example, the case for Restauramar8 in Galicia (Spain), Not all initiatives for marketing small-scale fisheries products need to be owned and led a network of restaurants committed to an by small-scale fishers, social entrepreneurs or non-profit organizations can take over the ethical code, which promotes awareness role. This is not to say that fishers should be less engaged; in fact, their close engagement and capacity building of the main and feeling of co-ownership is of utmost importance as promotes co-responsibility, shows stakeholders or others of international the sector as a dynamic and active stakeholder to look for solutions and in their role as nature detailed later in the following custodians of the sea. sections. Weakness Types of Innovation Lack of traceability Innovation in the shortening Lack of tools to meet of the value chain requests of sensitive consumers Innovation in the distribution channel Market dominance on a few established Innovation products in diversification in the type Fishers of product offered are the weakest in the value chain Innovation in promotion Lack of dedicated of the products organisations and awareness and capacity raising Vicious circle Innovation by generation of a brand or labelling scheme Innovation in leadership or ownership Innovation in cooperation and coordination 8 Restauramar website: www.restauramar.org 27 4T. ypes of Initiatives 4. Types of Initiatives Basic features Type of innovation This section presents SF? el n S alue nd rand, r he v n f b ship innovative actions Name of the initiative Location, Range of action olely o chai ner peration el, certification Leadership o ow Coop awareness raising lab Focused s Shortening t Distribution chann Product diversification Promotion a Generation o that were introduced LOCAL/NATIONAL INITIATIVES WITHIN THE MEDITERRANEAN to promote SSF Concha de la Costa Malaga, Spain √ √ √ x x √ x x products and Pescados con arte Almería, Spain √ √ x √ √ x √ x markets. The main Peix Nostrum Eivissa, Spain x √ x √ √ √ √ x goal is to present the El peix al plat Barcelona, Spain x √ √ √ √ x x x geographic extent of Empesca’t Escala i Estartit, Catalunya, Spain √ √ x √ √ √ √ x such action in the Peix de custodia Maresme province, Catalunya, Spain √ x x x √ √ x x Mediterranean, the Golion Languedoc Roussillon, France √ √ x √ x √ √ x range of innovations Association pleine mer France √ √ x x x x x x introduced and Poiscaille France √ √ √ √ x x x x to outline the key Thon rouge de ligne France x x x x √ √ x x features of good practice. AdriSmartFish Caorle Fish Market, Italy √ x x x x √ x x Fishbox Italy x √ x x x x x x Fresh Fish Alert Sicily, Italy √ √ √ √ x x x x We have deployed a dual approach. Prizefish Project Italy and Croatia (Adriatic Basin) x √ √ √ x √ √ x First, in the mapping exercise, we sought to identify, through stakeholder Mare e Salute Gulf of Trieste, Italy x x x x √ x x x engagement, internet search and an open Fishers’ agreements Istria, Croatia √ √ √ x x x √ √ call, all the cases of good practice both with HORECA within and outside the Mediterranean, Pick the Alien, iSea Greece √ x x √ √ x x √ limiting ourselves the presentation of cases to those which are more recent Instanbul Birlik Fishery Istanbul, Turkey Cooperative √ √ √ x x x √ x or ongoing. The result of this mapping is presented in Table 1, which provides A box of the Sea Greece √ √ √ √ x x x x basic information on the location and type of innovation of initiatives, as per the Fish for tomor ow Malta x x x √ √ x x x categorization outlined in section 3.3. The list is not exhaustive. All the initiatives from Eat Fresh Fish Malta x x √ √ x x x x the mapping exercise that are found in the Eat the lionfish initiative Lebanon Mediterranean region, are presented on √ x x √ √ x x √ the map. Club Bleu Artisanal Tunisia √ √ √ √ √ √ x x GLOBAL INITIATIVES WITH IMPACT IN THE MEDITERRANEAN Marine Stewardship Council Global, with presence x x x x x √ x x in Mediter anean Open Food Network Global, with presence in x √ √ √ x x x √ France, Spain and soon Italy Slowfood presidia Global with 18 fishery presidia √ √ x x √ √ x √ List of some initiatives aimed at increasing in the Mediter anean market opportunities for small scale fishery products. Note: √ (yes), x (no) 30 Map indicating the geographic locations of the different initiatives. In the second phase, we decided to some evidence of commendable should be noted that some new initiatives present case studies of innovative market factors leading to successful outcomes. are constantly appearing across the responses as means to advance the We present examples according to Mediterranean and more broadly, and study of this complex research topic. They no particular template, in short, semi- more analyses and documentation is likely cover both the breadth of responses in structured form, but cover analytically to emerge in the future. The intention is the Mediterranean, but also responses important elements that characterise that these examples inspire reflection and that the region is missing – two specific the cases. Key aspects of the chosen allow for some preliminary conclusions instances of ways in which weaknesses cases are described, including a brief about the learned lessons to be drawn. of the markets have been tackled outside background of the fishery, how the the region, but which are promising to challenge was tackled and what the be explored also in the context of the results are. Due to lack of data, we do Mediterranean. Cases were sought not claim to present full-blown case where we received cooperation of the studies here. We are also aware that actors involved in the initiatives, allowing the following selection of cases is not us to offer the description of the cases representative of all initiatives and projects and the claims asserted. As data on taking place in the Mediterranean. It these initiatives is extremely scarce, our main criterion for presentation was that cases are or can be evidenced in a written form, and capable of generating 31 4.1. Innovation in the shortening of the value chains 4.1. for hotel and restaurants. It has a facility for smoking and mincing, as well as cooking. Apart INNOVATION IN THE from processing the seafood, HORECA also provides delivery of products directly to the SHORTENING OF THE VALUE buyers. The principle of this initiative is that the fishers’ cooperative in Istra collects the catch CHAINS from its members, but also from other local fishers who are looking for buyers. The fish are sorted, and the catch is stored at the approved refrigerating facility that also has a direct 4.1.1. retail and wholesale area for HORECA buyers. FISHERS’ AGREEMENTS WITH HORECA, Istria, Croatia The cooperative offers a possibility to order a direct delivery, and this option is mostly used by hotels. About 15% of buyers come to the wholesale storage center in person, while 85% Contribution from of orders are made by telephone. 80% of prices are fixed, while prices for some fish that is Danijela Mioković not available throughout the year (like some high priced, large white fish) are negotiated at the moment of the purchase. Small-scale vessels in Croatia constitute This initiative has shortened the supply chain, because it eliminated one intermediary 84% of the active fleet (5.085 vessels), between the fishers and HORECA sector. The fishers’ cooperative is owned by the fishers their contribution in gross tonnage is 22% and, therefore, controls the prices that are offered to HORECA buyers. At the same time, the and in engine power 43%. Total value issue of seasonality of the catch and supply of fresh products during events of bad weather of landings of small-scale fishery in 2017 are overcome by offering frozen products. was EUR 7.43 million, covering 13% of total value of landings. Total weight of This initiative also enabled the fishers to enter the domestic market in a more stable manner, landings of SSF is about 1.600 t (total for and maybe even more importantly, created an offer of local products easily available to Croatia is 60-70.000 t, white fish total is restaurants. In this way, the restaurants and bars that offer street food can add local fish to 3.300 t, plus 1.000 t for cephalopods; their menu and can rely on a steady supply chain and delivery. STECF, 2019). SSF in Croatia uses 15 different types of fishing gear targeting around 100 different fish species across different seasons. The market for SSF products is mostly domestic, except for the Istria region where the export to the Italian market is significant and has an important influence on the price fishers get for their products. The described initiative with the HORECA (hotels, restaurants, catering) sector was developed because fisher wanted to depend less on the export (and prices dictated by the foreign buyers) and sell more on the local market. There was also Examples of product on offer. a demand coming from the HORECA sector for high quality local products with a steady supply and delivery. The important factor for HORECA is the benefit of getting all seafood products in one place, through the role of the Istra Cooperative. The Cooperative Istra is comprised of 50 and owns a fish processing plant as well as a purification and dispatch center for bivalve molluscs. The processing turns the catch to ready-to-cook frozen products like fish fillets, gutted and cleaned fish, chucked and cleaned scallops, cleaned squid and cuttlefish. The processing plant can produce special requests and orders Seafood processing plant. 32 4.1.2. filling in a form. They first choose the number of baskets they want and specify species not FISH BASKET SCHEME, CABAZ DO wanted (customers do not choose the fish they want but can choose three species that PEIXE, Portugal they do not want included in the basket). Lastly, the costumers choose the frequency of the delivery (every week, every two weeks, one-time-off) and the place of delivery. Contribution from Cristina Pita The basket costs €25, and is made of 3 Kg of three or more species, paid in cash upon delivery. The fish is delivered clean and gutted, ready to be cooked. The baskets are taken Fish basket of fish box schemes are to the customers. Delivery can take different forms. In the case of this initiative there are present in various parts of the world, delivery points organized in different locations and customers go to these meeting points to including the Mediterranean (e.g., Kouti pick-up their orders, in other initiatives the basket is taken to customers’ houses. Thalassa/Box (full of) sea in Greece). One of the characteristics of this initiative is the diversity of seafood. The basket is always While the present case study is from composed of three different species, depending on the season, from a list of up to 26 outside the region, the principles are different species. shared. The benefits of the initiative include: Small-scale fisheries in Portugal account • Educate consumers about seafood products; for almost 80% of the fishing sector, • Consumers receive fresh fish at a reasonable price; conducting short-fishing trips, employing • Promote the use of undervalued species, by including unknown, low value species in the a variety of (mostly static) gear and basket, which otherwise would be discarded due to not having a market; catching a variety of species. While • Bring fishers and consumer closer together; some species fetch relatively good prices • Increase the value of seafood products and revenue to fishers. at auction, a number of species remain underutilized and undervalued. The Difficulties of this initiative include: initiatives of fish baskets have been set • Illegality of direct sale (in Portugal); up to address that challenge. There are • Need of fishers’ associations to register as buyers in auction, which increases three comparable fish basket initiatives in production costs; Portugal. We will describe the “Cabaz do • Lack/low management capacity of fishing associations (requires training); Peixe” initiative. • Publicity costs to bring new consumers into the initiative; • Access to appropriate consumers and change of consumer preferences (lack of The objective of the “Cabaz do Peixe” fish preference for whole/unprocessed fish); basket is to promote the consumption of • Keeping supply consistent (due to bad weather in the winter, artisanal low production, local fish, caught in a sustainable manner etc.) by the artisanal local fleet, involve fishers in the marketing of their catch, value More information at http://www.cabazdopeixe.pt/ unknown species and value species that (at times) would be discarded otherwise due to not having a market. The objective is to eliminate the middlemen, shorten the value chain and bring fishers closer to consumers with benefits to both. The “Cabaz do Peixe” fish basket sells fresh fish from around 80 artisanal vessels (varying from 3-17 meters in total length) from Sesimbra fishing harbour and Catch for the “Cabaz do Peixe” fish basket. operating in the seas around Sesimbra. The initiative was started in 2015 and the area of operation has been increasing ever since. The initiative is run by the Sesimbra fishing association. The Portuguese law demands all fish to be sold in auction. Fishers take their catch to the auction and the Sesimbra fishing association (to which the fishers belong) buys this fish. Customers order online by Distribution of the “Cabaz do Peixe” fish basket. 33 4.2. Innovation in the distribution channels, initiatives using ICT 4.2. INNOVATION IN THE DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS, INITIATIVES USING ICT 4.2.1. APPS FOR CONSUMERS, FRESH FISH ALERT, Sicily (Italy) Contribution from Iuri Peri The fishing sector in Sicily represents 23% of the Italian fleet, and it is responsible for 18% of national fish production and 26% of revenues. At a national level, the Sicilian fleet is the The project aims to reduce the serious most representative of small-scale fishing, both in terms of capacity (number of boats and gap that is common in micro agri-food overall tonnage) and activity (fishing effort and catches). Small-scale fishing characterizes businesses and small-scale fishing in the regional fishing sector best, being an important segment in terms of fishing units with particular. A constantly declining sector, approximately 2.000 vessels, equivalent to approximately 67% of the Sicilian fleet. The which, more than any other, is in a employment corresponds to about 40% of the entire regional fishing sector, with more than dramatic crisis, falls victim to an onerous 3,000 fishers. and complex regulation, a complex and difficult work activity, a constant The marketing circuit of the fresh caught product coming from small-scale fishing shows that evolution of the consumption models that those fishers are oriented to a local market, consumers or restaurants through direct sales. increasingly look at processed products On the other hand, fishers belonging to bigger fleets present more complex distribution and to low prices imposed by the circuits, where there is a consistent use of wholesalers and intermediaries. The species retailers. The final objective of Fresh Fish caught at sea during fishing trips (lasting a few hours), are almost all marketed as fresh Alert, therefore, is to enhance small-scale products. Only a small percentage (anchovies and Bluefin tuna) is destined for processing. fisheries value chains and increase the resilience of the sector. Fresh product While returning back to port from their n fishing trips, the fishers access the App uctio with the mobile phone and take photos odPr to communicate following information Wholesaler Fisher in real time: the species of fish caught, fishing gear used, quantity expressed in Wholesale kg, sale price, place and landing time. fish markets Processing le On the other hand, the consumer can Sa Big and small Open-air consult the App for information on the retailers fish market Dock catch of the day and book their favorite pick by choosing where to collect it. Fish Restaurateurs ion can be delivered and picked up by the pt consumers in specific sales points. On Fish shops Consumers sum the App one can also consult information Con about the fisher’s activity (fishing boat and related licenses, etc.) and the marketed species, including useful indications on Scheme of the general market circuits in Italy. nutritional characteristics. Twenty fishers from the Riposto, Stazzo, The Fresh Fish Alert Project was conceived and implemented by the University of Catania, Aci Trezza, Ognina di Catania, Catania financed by the Sicilian Region, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and in and Brucoli Ports have been involved collaboration with the Low Impact Fishers of Europe. After completing a series of territorial and trained to participate in the App and market surveys on the small-scale coastal fishing activity and on supply chain in Sicily, development. The App is open to the a mobile application for Android and iPhone smartphones was developed capable of inclusion of additional professional small-establishing a direct link between fishers and consumers to enable virtual marketing. On the one hand, this was aimed at improving the competitiveness of small-scale fishery businesses and, on the other hand, guarantee consumers transparency, information and small-scale fish products, caught within a set of social and environmental guidelines. 34 ETICHETTA FRESH FISH ALERT siquis.it Il prodotto riporterà tutte le informazioni obbligatorie previste dalla normativa europea. PROGETTO Esempio di 1 etichetta per un prodotto fresco non trasformato Catturato nel Golfo di 2 FRESH SGOMBRO Catania FRESH e preimballato (Scomber scombrus) Un modello di Action-Research Sbarcato a Catania il 16/01/20 3 FISH Data di scadenza 18/01/20 10 Reti da traino Il progetto coinvolge le marinerie Conservare tra 0° e 2° C 9 siciliane operative nel Golfo di Catania Quantità netta: 250 g 4 Prodotto piccola pesca che praticano prettamente la piccola 8 Ragione sociale e indirizzo: artigianale pesca artigianale. ALERT FISH XXX Le azioni previste dal progetto mirano a: Italia 5 migliorare la capacità delle imprese della pesca costiera artigianale a trattenere una quota più elevata del valore delle catture effettuate favorire la trasparenza del mercato e la 7 6 tracciabilità del prodotto. ALERT Informazioni real-time sul pescato, trasmesse direttamente dai pescherecci. OBBLIGATORIO 1 Denominazione commerciale e nome scientifico FACOLTATIVO 2 Metodo di produzione REGOLAMENTO OCM Zona di cattura REGOLAMENTO FIAC 3 Porto di sbarco Data di sbarco 4 Termine minimo di conservazione / data di scadenza www.freshfishalert.it Condizioni di conservazione Progetto sviluppato dal Dipartimento di info@freshfishalert.it Agricoltura, Alimentazione e Ambiente (Di3A) 5 Codice QR dell’Università degli Studi di Catania, 6 Etichetta di certificazione finanziato dalla Regione Siciliana con fondi 7 Contrassegno di identificazione FEAMP 2014-2020, bando di attuazione misura 8 Peso netto 1.26 “Innovazione nel settore della pesca”. 9 Operatore del settore alimentare 10 Categoria di attrezzi da pesca www.freshfishalert.it info@freshfishalert.it Leaflet of the Freshfishalert.it application and main features. scale fishers who fish in the Catania Gulf. It is hoped that a large part of the fishers and their the activities and to build the capacity family members in the area will be involved. The system is currently in beta testing and will of the SSF sector from being only fishers soon be available on the App stores for the whole community. In the next phase of work to develop their business and organise more complex logistics and management logistics will be established, such as infrastructure collectively. Much effort, time and to semi-transform and delivery of the catch, and creation of home delivery circuits among resources are needed to appropriately others. assist them. Finally, fundraising to have the start-up investments is a challenge to be The project aims to improve the profitability of fishing by promoting the consumption of overcome. fish obtained from selective fishing systems, in compliance with the minimum sizes and according to the principles that characterize traditional small-scale fishing, creating a More information: new alliance between fishers, their families and consumers. The pilot project supports http://www.freshfishalert.it/ and guarantees improved profitability to a sector of small-scale fishing, which is heavily suffering to obtain a sales price sufficient to cover the production costs. The main challenge is to involve the fishers to organize themselves in the management of 35 4.2. Innovation in the distribution channels, initiatives using ICT 4.2.2. MULTIMEDIA FISH GUIDES, Malta Contribution by JD Farrugia The Quickfish Guide is a consumer tool produced by fish for tomorrow and an NGO from Malta, with the support of European funding for youth. The Guide aims to help people make environmentally conscious seafood choices. The first guide was launched in 2014 as a printed pocket guide (printable version here) and as a more comprehensive guide on the fish4tomorrow website (here). The Guide contains 45 seafood items which are rated on a three-point Videos are a powerful way to encourage scale; Recommended, Eat with Caution, people to try some of the lesser-known and Avoid. Information for the Guide fish that are among the more sustainable was obtained through various sources choices. A series of videos called A (incl. IUCN Red list, government/EU Guide to Fish have been produced information and legislation, scientific to equip people with the knowledge, articles on specific species, similar guides inspiration, and confidence to buy these from around the Mediterranean, websites fish from their fishmongers and prepare like www.fishbase.org, conversations them in their own kitchens. The videos with local experts and scientists, GFCM (which can be found on Facebook or reports) and the fish was ultimately rated YouTube) are beautifully made, easy-based on health of fish stocks, fishing to-follow, and contain instructions in methods and social consequences, as Maltese and English. The videos provide well as any other environmental impacts information about learning how to choose of e.g. fishing, farming, importation. fresh fish, how to fillet fish, and how Fish4tomorrow is currently looking to to prepare traditional recipes such as issue an updated guide, most likely with a comber (serran) baked over a kapunata. different approach from the previous one, The A Guide to Fish repository is an by using more first-hand information from ongoing project so it will continue to grow local fishers. over time. 36 4.3. Innovation in diversification of products 4.3. of lionfish away from vulnerable areas of INNOVATION IN DIVERSIFICATION OF PRODUCTS the ecosystem. 4.3.1. Contribution by a number of stakeholders POPULARISING EDIBLE INVASIVES, EAT THE LIONFISH BY DIARIES OF THE is needed in identification and control OCEAN, Lebanon efforts. Diaries of the Ocean has established rapport with all the key Contribution from stakeholders. Volunteers, derbies, Jina Talj fishing and angling clubs, diving clubs, researchers and academics involved in Invasions of non-indigenous species are a significant danger to local biological systems lionfish studies, NGOs, and so on have and to worldwide biodiversity. The common lionfish, Pterois miles is viewed as one of the been trained to help detect and control most invasive species on the planet, causing a lot of negative impacts in its invasive range the population. Lionfish monitoring, and (Albins and Hixon, 2008). In the Mediterranean, P. miles was first recorded in 1991 in the removal can present an opportunity for Eastern Mediterranean Sea (Golani and Sonin, 1992). However, it was not until 2012 tourism industry, which can contribute that the species was recorded again in the basin in Lebanon (Bariche et al., 2013). Since to the local economy, especially where 2012, P. miles has been continually extending, invading new territories as demonstrated by various reports from nations of the Eastern Mediterranean - Lebanon, Turkey (Turan et al., 2014), Cyprus (Kletou et al., 2016), Greece (Turan and Öztürk, 2015), Tunisia and Italy (Azzurro et al., 2017). The species is now considered as invasive in all of the Eastern Mediterranean, raising genuine worries for the potential effects on nearby marine environments and local species. The tropicalization of the Mediterranean Sea because of climate change will most likely increase lionfish numbers and those of other Lessepsian fish. Invasive species are a major danger to biodiversity and one of the most pressing environmental issues of our times, costing local communities around the world millions of dollars. The public has a very important role to play in relief and management procedures of invasive species by supporting applicable approaches and policies. The common lionfish is a beautiful specimen which attracts public attention. It is exceptionally well known among divers and, yet, it is very damaging to local ecosystems, representing a genuine risk to economically significant species as well as to endemic and vulnerable species. One of many events thrown for the public to introduce marine invasive species and the The most sophisticated action plan in the East Med is available in Cyprus, thanks to the lionfish, and to promote its consumption. EU funded project RELIONMED-LIFE (Preventing a lionfish invasion in the Mediterranean through early response and targeted removal). The NGO Diaries of the Ocean is working towards the same goal in Lebanon – science-based wide action. It has also established there are fishing clubs and diving centers. partnerships with stakeholders in the West Atlantic and the Caribbean regions to benefit Over the course of 2 years, it has directed from their experience with the lionfish since the 1980s. fishers in several ports across the coastline to hunt the lionfish and sell it on their fish Popularising the consumption of the delicious lionfish offers an opportunity for transforming markets. Fish restaurants have also been a problem into an advantage. Lionfish has firm and gentle meat, which is considered of targeted by the campaign, and many high quality. There is potential for lionfish to provide high market value and many incentives now offer lionfish dishes on their menus. for harvesting. It is a healthy choice of fish to eat as it has a higher concentration of Diaries of the Ocean has partnered with heart-healthy Omega 3 fatty acids and a lower concentration of Omega 6 fatty acids. a local dietician to produce a recipe Nutritional studies have also found lionfish to be high in lean protein, and that compared book specifically for the lionfish and to many other popular fish, it contains lower levels of heavy metals such as mercury. All this who confirmed the above-mentioned makes it a very healthy choice and a sustainable seafood for human consumption. nutritional value of the lionfish to be found both in print and online at https://www. The aim of the project is to create fishing pressure on the intrusive fish and, thus, control its diariesoftheocean.org/. Documentaries, population by diminishing its density and abundance in the long term. As per experience podcasts and public talks have been learned from the Atlantic coasts, extraction is right now the most efficient management produced as part of the campaign and technique used to control lionfish populations. For lionfish removal activities, the initial talks with fishers and divers are ongoing step ought to be determining sites of interest, for example, ecologically sensitive areas, to collect data on lionfish sightings and spawning aggregation zones, nurseries, marine protected areas and tourist sites. Directed catches. removals can lessen Pterois spp. numbers in certain areas and, hence, remove direct effects 37 4.3. Innovation in diversification of products Dealing with the lionfish invasion requires broad support from the public, necessitating a We focus on the following indicators of significant investment in outreach and education. But the lionfish issue is also an excellent success: tool for educating the public about invasive species, as well as a starting point for other • Number of lionfish studies produced topics such as marine biology and marine conservation. • Number of students doing research on the lionfish Current and future plans of the Diaries of the Ocean team: • Number of restaurants that add • Encouraging and promoting best practices of fishing methods of introduced and lionfish to their menus invasive species. • Number of fishmongers selling lionfish • Identifying and conveying important messages related to lionfish impacts, controls, and • Cooking shows creating lionfish consumption. recipes • Ban on spearfishing lionfish lifted • Culling events/derbies • Medical centers adding protocol for lionfish sting • Native fisheries bouncing back to healthy populations with shifting harvest pressure towards the lionfish. Challenges we are facing and expect to face throughout our work are financial obstacle. Finding funds has not been easy and without a steady income to hire full time staff, the implementation of the above strategy will take more time than planned. Another challenge is the reluctance of governmental institutions to cooperate. Unfortunately, governmental institutions One of many events thrown for the public to introduce marine invasive species and the lionfish, and to do not realize the urgency of the problem promote its consumption. and the ecological and economic case for decisive early action. They believe that lionfish is not an urgent problem, despite showing them how other countries in our region are responding to what might become an ecological disaster. Citizen science may provide data that is not 100% accurate or reliable, but since we will be depending on communities to provide us with a lot of the data, we need the Diaries of the Ocean team to validate the acquired data with dives and evaluations. This will cost us time and money but will ensure we have better information. Infographics created for lionfish education. Fishermen send photos of their lionfish catch. More at: • Supporting the development of curriculum in schools and community service projects by https://www.diariesoftheocean.org/ relating lionfish to ecological principles about invasive species for both national and local levels. • Promoting conservation behavior through outreach focused on the human role in causing and exacerbating the lionfish invasion, as well as highlighting the success of ongoing control efforts and partnerships. • Working with other organizations in the East Mediterranean and creating a lionfish working group to coordinate response activities. 38 4.3.2. and youth who will be the consumers of the future. This initiative allowed us to focus on AWARENESS-RAISING PROJECTS, the ethnographic heritage linked to the artisanal fishing sector and the possible alliances PESCADOS CON ARTE, Almería, that it can generate with other sectors (tourism, science, culture, etc.), as well as the social, Spain economic and environmental importance of the existence of artisan fishing centers in the territory. The activities proposed also seek to enhance the value of protected marine areas Contribution by in general and the Marine Reserves of the Natura 2000 network. Last but not least, with Macarena Molina the project we seek to empower fishers themselves as the protagonists of these actions and as members of their organisation, coordination and execution. As in the rest of the Mediterranean, a key characteristic of Almeria’s small- The activities are planned to educate about seasonality, local nature and the variety of scale fishers is their alternating use of species caught using traditional, low-impact fishing gear as to raise awareness of the different fishing gears over the year. added value of consuming these fish products, as well as to inform about the marine The gear is selected according to the protected areas of the Natura 2000 network, were as follows: shifting conditions of the fishing grounds, • Demonstrations and culinary days in restaurants and food markets, using local, seasonal mainly the availability of species and the fish species caught with traditional fishing methods. reproduction season. This variability of fishing gear brings with it a great variety in the species caught. However, many of these species are not demanded by the markets and are returned alive to the sea before entering the commercial chain or are consumed by the surrounding fishing communities. In other cases, demand is so low that the selling price is minimal. On the other hand, the traditional cuisine of the fishing communities, which is closely linked to these species of little commercial value, can become attractive for consumers and restaurants. Improving the demand for these species (Rubio, Lisa, Morena, Volaor, Llampuga, Albacora, etc.) in terms of price and quantity is an opportunity for the sector. To respond to this challenge the Pescados Sample of the guide developed indicating the species of the month. con arte designed a program of activities aimed at raising awareness of these species and the cuisine linked to them in order to increase demand and therefore the price, as well as offering an alternative to more commercially sought-after species that are on the verge of overfishing. The idea came from the Association of Artisanal Fishers of the Cabo de Gata Marine Reserve: Pescartes. In fact, it was the fishers themselves who identified the opportunity, established the species that were the object of the project and devised actions accordingly. The organization thought that it should act at all stages of the local value chain (retailers-restaurants-consumers) and pay special attention to the children Leaflet of the initiative. 39 4.3. Innaovation in diversification of products • Organizing information days in fresh 2000 students have taken part in the fish shops and consumer associations, itineraries, more than 900 participants in to inform about seasonal and local cooking workshops, 16 fresh fish shops fish species caught using traditional and twenty restaurants. In economic fishing methods as to teach people terms, they observed a slight increase how to read labels and to inform them in demand for some species, but this is about different fishing methods. not very noticeable yet. Crucially, an • Carrying out educational tours (e.g., increased awareness among consumer “Marine biodiversity and artisanal groups about overfishing and protection fishing”) aimed at educational centers measures was noticeable. This initiative and citizen associations in order to has empowered the fishers: They learn about the ecological values of received better social recognition from marine reserves and Natura 2000 the immediate area, including greater network areas in the project’s area recognition of the fishers’ association by of action, the activities compatible the administration and better relations with the conservation of marine between them. biodiversity and to raise awareness of the importance of participation in their The success of the initiative has brought the conservation. SSF of Almería to advance and organize • Creation of a network of sustainable themselves into a more formal business restaurants that include seasonal, structure to arrange a direct marketing local fish species caught with artisanal scheme, on which they are finalizing to fishing gear in their menus. design its Business plan. • Publication of a guide to seasonal, local fish species caught with artisanal fishing gear, which includes aspects of the biology of the species, the artisanal Pictures of the Project development. fishing gear(s) used to catch it, local ecological knowledge, practical aspects of differentiating it from other species or consuming it and recipes. The initiative is innovative in that it gives voice to artisanal fishers, works on the concept of “seasonal species” for seafood and promotes ethnographic heritage as an opportunity for the fishing sector and the catering sector, in particular, and the tourism sector, in general. The impact and benefit that the initiative has had varies. The initiative attracted a high number of people. More than 40 4.4. Innovation in promotion of the products 4.4. INNOVATION IN PROMOTION OF THE PRODUCTS 4.4.1. and economic sustainability of local SSF, increase consumption of ecologically sustainable INTERACTIVE PUBLIC products, and to contribute to the general sustainability of human fish consumption PRESENTATIONS, Trieste, Italy (zero nautical mile). The activity is based on one-off presentations of local fisheries with their technical aspects. The discussions involve both the experts and general public. The Contribution by presentations show the ecology of target species, making it clear that one product is Simone Libralato ecologically more sustainable than others. Notably, the same species caught with different gears can be two different products. Furthermore, the discussions highlighted that some The North-Eastern Adriatic Sea (Gulf discards can be quality products, and that other variables including season, gear used, of Trieste) is characterized by the size of the specimen, local origin, and type of species need to be considered when opting predominance of SSF using gill nets and for ecologically sustainable products. Local, social and economic sustainability is, thus, pots with great variability in tools in order directly associated with ecological sustainability. To simplify the consumers’ choice a simple to follow the seasonality of main target A3 brochure guide was provided. The guide contains information on seasonality, gears 10 May 2019, event FAIRSEA and MARE e SALUTE at Antico Caffè San Marco (Trieste). species. In the area a few lampara purse and species name that are specific to the local area and is valid at the very local scale (the seines are also active, which mainly target estimated validity is 30 km). It would need to be, however, considerably refined if exported anchovy and sardine when migrating to other areas (even in the same region). through the area (roughly from April to October). The critical situation of the The problems of the initiative are that it: sector lies in the influence of imports • Needs to be reiterated continuously to keep consumers aware; arriving from other areas of Italy or • Needs to make compromise with species locally abundant/important for the market but abroad as well as of farmed species, indicated as in critical situation at larger scales according to stock assessment or IUCN which affect the demand for local lists (e.g., the case of small sharks); products. • Works well for species already present in the market and for which the consumers can improve demand (e.g., Trachurus spp.), but it is difficult to have impact for species not An initiative was set up by OGS yet established or not readily available in the market (e.g., Belone belone); – the Italian National Institute of • The increased demand for some products might further stimulate imports; Oceanography and Applied Geophysics • One of the potentially critical points is the identification of ecologically sustainable – to promote the consumption of local fisheries practices/species, which is always partially subjective even if based on fish as a general way to increase social scientific evidence (e.g. the case of Chamelea gallina). 41 4.4. Innovation in promotion of the products The initiative is generally well-received 4.4.2. other demersal species and, thus, their among those attending the events. CULINARY EVENTS WITH CHEFS, prices remain very low. However, the impact is difficult to Malta quantify. While several hundred people/ Further information about this can be consumers have been reached, the Contribution by found at https://eatfreshfish.com.mt/ economic impact is not easy to quantify. Alicia Said and JD Farrugia The benefits of the initiative include the fact that it is easy to implement, does not Small-scale fisheries in Malta compose need a governance of complex scheme over 80% of the fishing sector, conducting to be adopted, can be improved and is short-fishing trips a variety of species flexible to adjust to changes in the context including demersal and pelagic fisheries. (changes in time or in space). The activity While certain fish, such as bluefin tuna, is carried out by OGS thanks to projects swordfish, rockfish, groupers, fetch good FAIRSEA (Fisheries in the Adriatic Sea – a prices at the local market, a number of Shared Ecosystem Approach; interreg species remain underutilized and not IT-HR); PRIZEFISH (Piloting of eco- valuable for the sector. Recent statistics innovative fishery supply-chains to market also show that imported species, such as added-value Adriatic fish products; salmon, are eaten more than local fish interreg IT-HR); MARE e SALUTE (funded in the Maltese context (Demarco, 2017). by Region Friuli Venezia Giulia). Various initiatives, both by governmental and non-governmental organizations, have been put in place to create a positive momentum for small-scale fisheries. The government-commissioned Eat Fresh Fish – It’s a Healthy Dish campaign focused on educating people about various unpopular species and different ways to prepare them with the ultimate aim of reducing dependence on exploited stocks such as swordfish, bluefin tuna and other species. The campaign, conducted over 6 months in 2014, was implemented through a trailer visiting a number of schools, fish fairs and other 10 April 2019, event FAIRSEA and MARE e locations around Malta and Gozo, as SALUTE at Museo Revoltella (Trieste). illustrated in the promotional material. Recipes and other information were distributed, accompanied by events where chefs showed the public how Promotional material used for Eat Fresh Fish to easily cook tasty recipes at home. campaign. Health benefits were also explained. The campaign encompassed TV, internet and radio dissemination. The media strategies and marketing campaigns drew a lot of crowds to the events, as these also provided consumers the opportunity to taste the different fish types. However, a general critique was that the fish that were promoted also included fish-farmed products. Fishers explained that some fish remain unknown amongst consumers including skate, ray, frigate mackerel, Flyers events for MARE e SALUTE. mackerel, parrot fish, types of eels and From Our Sea event. 42 Notable among the non-governmental efforts was the project Rediscovering Maltese Culinary Heritage Through Sustainable Seafood (funded by the Arts Council Malta and implemented by fish for tomorrow in collaboration with the Mediterranean Culinary Academy). This project started from the discovery that many old Maltese seafood recipes utilise local, seasonal, and sustainable seafood generally caught by small-scale fishers. The project aimed to identify Malta’s culinary heritage in relation to seafood, showcase it and give the general public access to the information and the skills to carry on the tradition through the videos as well as the event. In the initial research stage traditional Maltese seafood recipes, which utilise sustainable and/or underutilised fish, were collected from old Maltese recipe books as well as conversations with food historians, local chefs, and the older generation of locals. Some recipes were turned into videos. In the next stage of the project, an interactive culinary event was organized, where attendees helped prepare one of their first courses as part of a dining experience. Participants were treated to a tasting menu of local, seasonal and sustainable seafood. The idea of pop-up seafood dining experiences has extended beyond the project. The idea behind the events is to give people a chance to try the seafood from local sources and prepared by some of Malta’s top chefs. There have been fifteen events so far that have taken place at restaurants around the island as well at some very special locations including vineyards, overlooking the Grand Harbour or on a rooftop in Mdina. The chefs, who have undertaken the challenge of preparing a tasting menu using seafood, which is recommended by fish for tomorrow have had the opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity. Dishes like lampuki cooked in clay, woodchip smoked mackerel, and even a dessert featuring grey mullet bottarga have all been big talking points. 43 4.5. Innovation in establishing new brands or labels, and innovation in leadership or ownership 4.5. INNOVATION IN ESTABLISHING NEW BRANDS OR LABELS, AND INNOVATION IN LEADERSHIP OR OWNERSHIP 4.5.1. BRAND GENERATION, “PEIX NOSTRUM”, Eivissa Island, Balearic Islands, Spain Balearic Islands, like most of the ensuring the differentiation and highlighting the quality of the product and the ecological Mediterranean, celebrate a long tradition values that are important to fishers beyond the price itself. The participating fishers believe of organized fishing, dating back to the that the future of fishing lies in ensuring less fishing effort, greater selectivity, less aggressive Phoenicians and Cartagena and before fishing gear, less energy consumption, quality in the handling process, selection and the Roman Empire. The fishers back then identification. All of these environmental benefits will ultimately lead to greater profitability harvested many species that are still found and recognition of their sector. there today using similar gears than now, except for the trawlers. PEIX NOSTRUM builds on a traditional/historical approach, as fish in Ibiza was never sold through an auction and a formal association of fishers was established to market In 2008, the professional fishers from two and distribute fish in a manner that avoids unfair and unnecessary competition and the ports of Ibiza registered the trademark overexploitation of fishing grounds, while at the same time getting the best product prices. PEIX NOSTRUM ( our fish). The purpose The negotiation and establishment of a set of prices per season every year, common for of the brand was to ensure that fishers all its clients has allowed to reach certainty and stability to the fishers, a major key success. participate in the way fish is sold in the In the past, an important benefit of the association of fishers was to provide schooling to island, ensuring that fishing has a positive the children of fishers beyond the standard. Overall, the label follows-up on many of the impact and guaranteeing the traceability traditions from the past but also provides a number of benefits in today’s context, such as of products. In 2015 they started using a better revenue to the local fishers and a better protection of the traditional fishing grounds ribbon to trademark lobsters. Now there against poachers targeting high-value species. are 23 species using this patented ribbon. Around 80 fishers that use small vessels PEIX NOSTRUM is expanding the activities beyond the label. In 2015, an annual festival and passive gear, as well as 4 trawlers of “gerret” ( Spicara smaris) was launched, bringing together the islanders, from individuals use the label. and families to restaurants. The festival includes a contest in preparing a dish from this traditional product. Similar fairs and festivals have been celebrated as well to promote the The label PEIX NOSTRUM is applied seasonal species, usually unknown. visually through a badge, stuck to the products (for high-value species, such as More information at: https://www.peixnostrum.com/peix-nostrum/ lobster, grouper, john dory or dentex), or to boxes (in case of more abundant species), allowing visible identification of products caught and marketed by the staff of the fishing organization, and distinguishing it from some imported products with uncertain freshness and hygiene standards. It attests to the product’s premium quality, its freshness, traceability and the efforts of professional fishers in applying self-regulation, including respecting closure times and the rules of marine protected areas, improvements in fishing gear that aims to be more selective and less impactful on the ecosystems. The premise of the project is to work on the quality and differentiation of the local fish, rather than quantity and increasing pressure on fishing grounds. Thus, the work of the PEIX NOSTRUM does not so much focus on promotion as it does on 44 4.5.2. and about 40% of catch landing. SSF are the least productive and must therefore optimize DEVELOPMENT OF A the economic valuation of their products. Aquaculture activities are also well developed TRADEMARK, GOLION, in this area, mainly for shellfish (oysters, mussels) in lagoons and in the open sea. Some French Mediterranean farmers also practice small-scale fishing complementarily. Contribution by Here, the fish can be sold in three main ways: direct sale, auction and fisher-wholesaler Bertrand Cazalet / fisher-fishmonger / fisher-restaurant. Except for direct sale, small-scale fishers have little influence on the post-catch networks and markets. Thus, large fluctuations in product The GOLION project was developed in prices do not always allow SSFs to guarantee sufficient profitability. Other key factors 2014 by the Union of Professional Small-affecting the quantity of landings and revenues must also be considered: variation of scale Fishers of Languedoc Roussillon supply (seasonality and species diversity/abundance) and demand (tourism), low level of (since 2018, Syndicat Professionnel des competition of professional buyers and little differentiation in the quality of product. These Pêcheurs Petits Métiers d’Occitanie – negative aspects are accentuated when the small-scale fisheries products are sold at the SMPO), in partnership with the Occitania same time as other products from industrial and semi-industrial fisheries, whose profitability Region, and with thanks to a grant is based on the importance of volumes landed at average low prices. from the Daniel and Nina CARASSO Foundation. The Union has about 80 All these difficulties led the SPMO members to consider ways to improve their control of the active fishers working in the FAO zone value chain and the promotion of their products. They drove the design and implementation 37 of the GFCM, both in coastal areas of the project GOLION around four main objectives: and lagoon (salted waters). GOLION • Improve the identification and traceability of small-scale fishery products (tagging, activity zones cover the three regions of labeling); the French Mediterranean (Occitania, • Improve promotion of products (quality, diversity, seasonality), of practices of small-PACA and Corsica) in the Subarea 37.1 scale fishing and strengthen better vertical integration in the fish value chain. Particular Western Mediterranean: Division 37.1.2 effort was put on species that have a weak image or reputation with the public and Gulf of Lion; Division 37.1.3 Sardinia for distributors and those whose sizes are of “portion” size (between 300g and 500g for the Corsica region. the most part); GOLION activities focus on Geographical Sub-Areas 7 and 8 (Source: EC, 2018). In the French Mediterranean, the small- • Contribute to a more sustainable management of these fisheries through better scale fishing (called “petits métiers”) is articulation of fishing effort (individual and collective) and development of the market practiced by very multipurpose (versatile) (“fish better to sell better”); vessels with a length of less than 12m, • Develop a Franco-Spanish dimension of collaboration and exchange on valorization/ whose trips do not exceed 12 hours and marketing practices in coastal areas of Spanish Catalonia (this component was do not include trawling. It represents 84% subsequently implemented as part of a new project called SYNEPESCA also supported of the fishing units, 70% of embedded staff by the Carasso foundation). 45 4.5 Innovation in establishing new brands or labels, and innovation in leadership or ownership The strategy was to enable identification, marking and traceability of small-scale fishery products and valorize small-scale fisheries products. This requires a better balance between supply and demand by opening up new markets to professional buyers who are sensitive and receptive to SSF: GOLION’s clients must adapt to the low productivity of its members (reduced fishing effort and irregular landings). In return, GOLION offers a sustainability approach, with very wide variety of products, sometimes little or poorly known, and an optimal quality of freshness. To distinguish and to visually identify its products, the SPMO developed its own logo GOLION as a trademark registered at the INPI (National Institute of Industrial Property). The logo contains several symbolic elements of the small- scale fisheries and the geographical location of ships and products (The technical versatility through the two main practices (gears) of the net, the hook, and their many variations; a particular typical species of coasts and lagoons, the gilt-head (sea) bream ( Sparus aurata), stylized by the yellow line which “make up” his eyes; a triptych of colors combining the sea (blue) with the Occitania Region (yellow and red) and its historical cross. The logo GOLION (trademark) in color and black and white version The marking methods are of two types as shown in the pictures below. The marking of storage/transport bins for all small-scale products targeted by SPMO fishermen (about 30 species) as part of their versatility (about 10 techniques). The hooked fish marking can identify each fish caught by these techniques (can, line or longline). Marking of storage/transport bins. 46 GOLION is marketing its products as ensuring extra quality (freshness and shipping on the same day or D + 1), small fishing provenience and traceability. The prices are fixed in advance and average prices are higher than those identified in the usual sales channels. The calculation Tags for individual hooked fish marking. used for determining the sale price is In addition to the labelling requirements by the national rules and the European Union mainly based on the level of profitability (which require the statement of common name and Latin name of the species, area fishing, established by the fisher himself fishing gear and sender), the GOLION products indicate the following information at the (“according to expert” approach). This back of their tags: name / first name of the fisher, his port base and the day of catch (dater is somewhat of an “ideal” price to reach punches for storage/transport bins tags only). for the professional but not systematically acquired and obtained during the sale In addition to the labelling requirements by the national rules and the European Union process. The price is also influenced (which require the statement of common name and Latin name of the species, area fishing, by the buyer, depending on available fishing gear and sender), the GOLION products indicate the following information at the volumes, quality, size, transportation, back of their tags: name/first name of the fisher, his port base and the day of catch (dater season, etc. The average price recorded punches for storage/transport bins tags only). in auction is considered as a reference for the establishment of GOLION products To explain its approach and the characteristics of its fisheries (versatility, seasonality and prices, which seek to be higher by at least diversity of its products, freshness), the GOLION has deployed a number of communication 1 Euro/kg. For some products, the prices channels: posters, commercial flyers, press, meetings (travel, conferences) and website can be by 2, 3 or 4 Euros/kg higher than (www.golion.fr – under construction). Both the public and professional stakeholders have those in auction. A fisherman using the been targeted. GOLION brand to sell his products over the counter makes an average profit of In parallel, SPMO structured its commercial activities. The aim is to improve its internal 12% higher than that made at auctions. organization and its external visibility to offer its brand and its products to professionals of the sector. The SPMO has no commercial skills and decided to create in 2014 an The success of the trademark has brought economic interest grouping (EIG) entitled “GOLION, small-scale fishermen of the Gulf of the GOLION members to take a step Lion” as the depositary of the trademark and logo GOLION. This is a legal arrangement forward and organize themselves into a that allows each member of SPMO to also join the EIG GOLION, if he/she wishes to use more formal business structure. They have the trademark, logo and receive identification tags. Membership was free during first years submitted a file to establish themselves and then in 2019 an annual subscription was introduced, as well as the repayment of a as a “Producer Organisation” in the tax of 3% on the value of sales made by the common trademark. To date, EIG comprises French Mediterranean, a PO that will be nearly 60 SSF members. The EIG is not exclusive and each member remains free to using entirely composed of small-scale fishers. modes of sale of its own (including direct sales). The request is being investigated with the Ministry of Fisheries and the response Additionally, EIG seeks to support fishers in the monitoring and quality of their products and is expected at the end of 2020 or increase average price and ensuring regular price during auctions and deals with traders. beginning of 2021. Above all, the group provides essential logistical support for fishermen since all commercial work is carried out by a person specially assigned to this function: intermediary between fishermen and buyers, validation of orders, reception of products, preparation, packaging, weighing, labeling, shipping, tracking and invoicing. To date, the brand has become known to professional buyers of the sector in France, mainly in Paris and Occitania Region. In 2019, GOLION has strengthened its marketing capacities through the rental of a fish wholesaler from the managing authority of the fishing port of Port la Nouvelle (GOLION’s head office); obtaining sanitary approval from the veterinary services; and the purchase of a refrigerated vehicle for the transport of GOLION products at the local level. This vehicle is intended both for the collection of members’ products destined for the fish wholesaler and for the delivery to customers (restaurants) from the fish wholesaler. Jointly, these structuring efforts has enabled EIG GOLION’s turnover to double in 2019. The aim is to maintain this growth in 2020 and 2021, although the Covid-19 crisis worsened the outlook for the current year. 47 4.6 Innovation in cooperation and coordination 4.6. the rational use of available resources and the reduction in the use of non-renewable INNOVATION IN COOPERATION resources. AND COORDINATION Slow Food Foundation for biodiversity began the Slow Food Presidia project in 1999. After 4.6.1. cataloguing the first hundred products at risk of extinction (with the Ark of Taste Project), SLOW FOOD SEAFOOD PRESIDIA Slow Food took a step further, entering the world of the production process to learn about the areas of origin, meet producers, promote their products, skills and knowledge. Over the Contribution from years the Slow Food Presidia project has become one of the most effective instruments to Paula Barbeito put Slow Food’s politics on agriculture and biodiversity into practice. This initiative encompasses many of the The “Slow Food Presidium” is now a registered brand, including a graphic logo and innovations described in the sections guidelines which producers voluntarily subscribe to, committing themselves to respecting the above, including that it is visible as a production protocols and to work in line with the Slow Food philosophy. There are currently label. Most importantly, it provides a 592 Presidia around the world. 31 of them are fish and seafood Presidia, placed in 11 network of support and visibility to local countries, 19 of which are established in the Mediterranean (mostly in Italy). initiatives (and local labels), harmonizes criteria and promotes cooperation among A Slow Food Presidium protects: different stakeholders in the value chain • A traditional product at risk of extinction (an Ark of Taste Product); (i.e., producers, cooks, and consumers). • A traditional processing method at risk of extinction (e.g., in fishing, animal husbandry, food processing and farming); The Slow Food movement brings • A rural landscape or ecosystem at risk of extinction. together pleasure and responsibility. It promotes “good, clean and fair food”. To set up a Slow Food Presidium, it is necessary to verify environmental sustainability (the With regards to “clean”, it stands for “clean” element) and social sustainability (the “fair” element). respecting the fertility of the land and of hydrographic ecosystems, excluding What does the Slow Food Presidium do? the use of synthetic chemical substances, • Organizes training activities: to improve the quality of the product and the sustainability maintaining traditional farming and land of the production chain, to sharpen the producer’s sensory capabilities, help create management practices. With regards to associations between the producers involved and develop eco-compatible packaging. “fair”, it defends the producers to have • Promotes and supports their products and their local areas, showcasing them during an active role and total autonomy in the international events, making them known to chefs (through the Slow Food Cooks’ management of their activity, they must Alliance project) and fostering direct retail (through community-supported agriculture collaborate and together define the initiatives or Earth Markets). rules of production and forms of product • Communicates: telling the story of the products, producers and their lands through promotion, possibly joining together to all of the Slow Food Foundation of Biodiversity’s means of communication: websites, form collectives. e-newsletters, publications, videos, photographic exhibitions, press office… • Creates a platform for Slow Food Presidia producers to interact with producers in The three fundamental pillars that define other regions or parts of the world, with chefs and retailers, experts (e.g., agronomists, the concept of sustainability, as per Slow veterinarians), universities, journalists and simple consumers. Food understanding, are: • Social sustainability: the ability to There is an established protocol with its subsequent guidelines for various product provide access to services considered categories. These have been drawn up by the Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity, to be fundamental (e.g., safety, health, in collaboration with experts and producers. They are regularly updated on the basis of education) and welfare conditions suggestions from local coordinators and producers. Slow Food has clear guidelines on (e.g. enjoyment, happiness, sociability) baked goods, beekeeping and honey production, animal welfare, cheese and dairy in equal measure within communities. products, cured meat and pig farming, drinking milk, meat breed, plant varieties and salt. • Environmental sustainability: the ability Although they have guidelines on fisheries and aquaculture products Slow Food is now in to maintain quality and the fertility of the process of revisiting the guidelines and modify them in order to better capture the spirit natural resources over time, preserving of small-scale fishers. biodiversity and guaranteeing the integrity of ecosystems. • Economic sustainability: the ability to generate revenue and work overtime and to achieve eco-efficiency, in 48 4.7 Promising initiatives from outside the Mediterranean 4.7. traceability platform, a MARKETPLACE (featuring Seafood with a Story), and an integrated PROMISING INITIATIVES FROM digital transactional system. Essentially, the app offers benefits on two fronts – recording OUTSIDE THE MEDITERRANEAN data and marketing of the product. First, it allows the fishers to document their fisheries, collect vital fisheries data and, if wanted, share this data to improve collective fisheries 4.7.1. (enhancing data by all SSF) and personal business management (e.g., following own DIGITAL LOGBOOKS, fishing and sales records). For instance, ABALOBI has the ability to showcase to fishers that TRACEABILITY PLATFORM AND it can make economic sense to spread harvesting effort across a range of marine species. DIGITAL MARKETPLACE: ABALOBI Second, it allows the fishers to sell their catch to the markets directly, mostly to restaurants. SUIT OF MOBILE APPS, South At the same time, this enables the consumers to be able to fully trace their seafood. Each Africa catch is delivered with its traceability code – the QR code that travels from the fishers’ logbook through the value chain to the patron. Contribution from Serge Raemaerkes Additionally, the platform facilitates electronic payments directly to the fishers with full transparency on the return they receive and on the component of the selling price allocated The initiative has been developed in to a logistics fee that covers delivery of the fish to the chef’s door. ABALOBI considers this the South African context, but due to its high degree of transparency in value chains critical to enable small-scale fishers to realise holistic and ambitious approach as well a fair value for their catch and build tangible market incentives for responsible fishing as demonstrated success, it is presented practices. in this report. The potential of this initiative is indeed already being explored in the ABALOBI started its approach in 2015 as a research project within the University of Cape context of the Mediterranean, with a few Town. By co-designing technology with small-scale fishers, the team sought a human-known pilot projects (Albania, Italy). centered approach for fishers to collect reliable data and to benefit from the use of such data in terms of improved accounting and fisheries management. In 2017, the first prototype The South African small-scale fishing of ABALOBI MARKETPLACE was built and in that same year fishers from the west coast sector has been characterized of South Africa utilised the platform to sell directly to a Cape Town-based restaurant, by decades of vulnerability and initiating South Africa’s first Restaurant-Supported Fishery. ABALOBI MARKETPLACE today marginalization through colonisation encompasses nine fisher groups from small-scale fishing communities between Lambert’s and apartheid. Also, post-apartheid Bay and Arniston, impacting the livelihoods of close to 350 fisher families. Several times commercial fisheries reforms paid very a week, although weather dependent, these fishers supply fully traceable, seasonal and little attention to the specific needs of local Catch of the Day via ABALOBI MARKETPLACE to 350 chefs in the Cape and small-scale fishers, leaving these fishing Johannesburg. Recently, ABALOBI opened up the MARKETPLACE for the public via a communities in positions of poverty, and home delivery system. Within its first week, more than 1000 individuals registered to access food and nutrition insecurity, despite living ‘fish with a story’. in a country with considerable natural wealth. ABALOBI is a social enterprise ABALOBI set off a groundswell From Hook to Cook movement. It has successfully worked that was set up in 2017 to engage with with chefs to develop a market appetite for lesser known, undervalued species. Chefs small-scale fishers with the specific participating in the From Hook to Cook movement have undertaken to honour the local intention of aiding them to participate ecosystem, adapting their menus to represent what the sea yields on any given day during meaningfully in the economy, as well as a particular season. This ensures market access for the diversity of species in the basket of resource governance. It has chosen to resources that small-scale fishers harvest using low-impact and traditional fishing methods. take a radical approach to disrupting and These species have the Agulhas and Benguela current as integral part of their ecosystem, re-inventing seafood supply chains and as expressed in their seasonal flavours, which in turn stimulates chefs to create locally related food systems in South Africa. inspired dishes and promote South African cuisine. ABALOBI developed a suite of mobile While a movement by chefs has emerged, so have changes in fishing communities and apps linked to a community-based practices taken place. Data collected through the platform shows that the overall financial deployment program that relates to well-being of fisher families has improved, opening opportunities for debt repayment, seafood traceability and full fisheries vessel maintenance and enhanced safety at sea, improved food and nutrition security, and documentation of small-scale fishers in schooling. Fishers’ fishing practices have begun to shift back towards a more diverse basket order to achieve a fair and transparent of resources – placing less pressure on ‘higher value’ species that are considered over-supply chain, community development exploited. As the fishers are able to obtain better prices for high-quality, traceable catch and long-term ecological sustainability. of the day, the general trend in fishing practices has begun to shift towards a decrease in fishing effort. The mobile app suite and platform include an electronic catch documentation and 49 4.7 Promising initiatives from outside the Mediterranean The empowerment has effects on the from species that are considered ‘ecologically unsustainable’ but rather that they find a preservation of cultural heritage. Several meaningful way to contribute towards transitioning these species towards an ecologically traditional coastal products developed sustainable state. Although this is seemingly a complicated journey to navigate, it is a vital and prepared by female fishers, have one for involving fishing communities in the fight for the health of our oceans and seafood begun to be sold through the co-stocks. development of ABALOBI PANTRY – representing and preserving the coastal cultural ecology and proud heritage of the many small-scale fishing communities dotted along the South African coast. ABALOBI represents the first fully documented fishery and fully traceable supply chain to exist in South Africa. It is working further to achieve transparent, equitable and responsible supply chains, with the intention of catalysing small-scale fisheries improvement and sustainable fisheries management. The next step in this pathway is to engage stakeholders to realise how the status of critical fish stocks can be improved through the empowerment of small-scale fishers. In order to rebuild stocks, fishers must play an integral role in decision-making, share their catch data (in different ways to different stakeholders as local knowledge must be respected) and channel their harvests through traceable value chains. In the current regulatory environment, this is not possible without market support and positive incentives. ABALOBI maintains that it critical that restaurants and consumers alike do not disengage 50 4.7.2. COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE, LOCAL CATCH NETWORK, North America The Local Catch Network is a Community of Practice made up of fishers, organizers, researchers and consumers from across North America that are committed to providing local, healthful, low-impact seafood via community supported fisheries and direct marketing arrangements in order to support healthy fisheries and the communities that depend on them. Based on core values and principles, the network seeks to increase the visibility and viability of small-scale fisheries from North America and aim to provide assistance to individuals and organizations that need support envisioning, designing, and implementing locally relevant businesses that work towards social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Local catch has successfully put together a “seafood finder” that joins profiles, information and contact from around 500 Community Supported Fisheries and Direct Marketing arrangements in North America, while providing general information to consumers on the values and benefits of these type of arrangements. At the same time, it has organized capacity building summits with the aim to (1) facilitate knowledge sharing, mentor relationships, and networking within our community and with new partners; (2) identify and develop innovative strategies for protecting, operationalizing, and promoting the core values; (3) increase localcatch.org’s capacity to directly support small-scale fishers and values-based seafood businesses. For more information: www.localcatch.org 51 5. Options for Action 5. Options for action This section explores 5.1. fair food systems. With more widespread INTERVENING IN BOTTOM-UP responsible initiatives by SSF and real INITIATIVES? the options to options for supporting responsible fisheries the consumers will become leverage on the Do the mushrooming initiatives designed sensitized and willing to implement ongoing initiatives to be beneficial to SSF require any behavioural changes. proactive action? At the grassroots level, which are taking many initiatives have emerged in the In the long term, all these processes Mediterranean to respond to policy are drivers of social and environmental place at local or failures and market opportunities. They change. Enabling small-scale fishers to regional scales. operate at the local level in various obtain a fair price for their catch (i.e. countries in the Mediterranean. They have a price that enables a fair income for spanned over better marketing, improved decent livelihoods) and acknowledging and shorter supply chains, better the ecological and social value of SSF But given that policy objectives are communication between producer and is likely to ensure a better engagement regionally set can SSF products be valued consumer, better visibility for SSF products of fishers in a gradual process towards across a broader geographical area and and their characteristics and organisation sustainable harvesting of resources and in an international context? The analysis and empowerment of the SSF sector ensure thriving coastal communities. consists of two-steps; the first one relates across the entire Mediterranean. These Addressing the shortcomings of the current to articulating the rationale for desirability initiatives are seemingly diverse because dominant market system is central to of any action (versus no action apart from they respond to different local contexts. reversing the prevailing unsustainable allowing the development of bottom-up However, they become much more and unfair status and to moving towards local initiatives), and the second one is to similar when considered as responses a fish production system, which respects examine the tools that are most promising to the same policy opportunities (section the responsible and sustainable utilization in the context. 2.2.-2.5) and common challenges that of the available marine resources. are shared in the region (sections 2.1. Such a system fosters and is based on and 3.). As such, the described initiatives resilient small-scale coastal communities form part of the movement for the greater fishing in a low impact manner through recognition of the SSF product and reveal an approach that allows all local an overall pattern to address existing stakeholders to be involved and held challenges by deploying one or several responsible so that communities can exert types of innovation categorised in this greater control over the resources, on report (described in section 3.3). which they depend, especially for food production. Not only is there an established link among different initiatives, we advocate that there is a greater potential for accomplishing policy goals and achieving better status of the seas if the efforts are capitalised on and if collective presence of SSF market initiatives is leveraged. Establishing a strong link between simultaneously occurring initiatives is likely to bring about at least two important benefits. On the one hand, this would empower responsible SSF production. We would expect cross-pollination of initiatives and shared learning. New context-sensitive initiatives are likely to be set off in new places and further progress is to be expected in the existing initiatives. On the other hand, this would involve the consumers in the required transformation of holistic sustainable and 54 5.2. which has a local and cultural character. Different SSF may exercise their dedication to ACTIONS TO ENHANCE various sustainability criteria differently, not least because of variable starting points. The TRANSNATIONAL IMPACT key is to maintain an acknowledgment of diversity and commitment to the same principles and push for inclusion as well as continuous progress in their accomplishment, instead of How can responsible fishing practices opening the door to exclusivity or ratcheting down. This can be accomplished through: and small-scale fisheries’ supply a) Establishment of explicit and accessible protocol/code of conduct/guidelines/ chains be enhanced? From the social, principles, providing a reference point for consumers and producers regarding ecological and governance/economic good behaviour. While there is a set of implicit criteria as to what sustainability means point of view, what are the best tools in the context of the Mediterranean, a clear standard seems to be missing currently, for increasing the visibility and value of although it would be desirable to connect various stakeholders. Wide validation and small-scale fisheries products in order to acceptance among the stakeholders are prerequisites. support a sustainable small-scale fishing b) Promotion of the accepted standard to the consumers and citizens and efforts to sector in the Mediterranean? A number raise awareness of the nature of responsible SSF and their viability, as part of ocean of interventions seem desirable, at various literacy. levels of governance: c) Peer recognition and support to foster an awareness among the SSF that there is a shared movement, a network or a community of practice that is capable of 5.2.1. encouraging, providing advice and healthy competition. Encourage acceleration and scaling up of local initiatives. 5.2.3. Existing initiatives have scope to be further Complement the ongoing shifts in markets with synergistic policy reforms. The improved (e.g., add more criteria that are focus on promoting bottom-up market initiatives should not obscure the fact that many respected) and innovative initiatives can challenges of SSF and sustainability are a result of historical governance. The harmful appear in new places without a strong policies should be replaced, in particular through: SSF market presence yet, through: a) Removing subsidies harmful to SSF. a) Cross-pollination and experience- b) Improving access to fishing resources by SSF – an issue that is highly relevant to the sharing among the proponents of organisation of markets, as access ensures that SSF markets can operate. good practices in various parts of c) Adjusting requirements and enforcement for documentation and traceability the region. The LabMAF project itself processes to support marketing of SSF products and decisions of consumers. This will demonstrated a great appetite on allow governments, consumers and fishers to jointly navigate towards improving the the side of SSF to exchange good status of fish stocks and ensuring sustainable fishing. practices and challenges overcome. Shared learning will result in increased In recommending the establishment of a standard (2), we have reflected on the strength of existing initiatives and establishment of existing standards. Certainly, the MSC is the clear front-runner scheme broaden the geographical application for (third-party) certification of fishery sustainability, using a science-driven environmental of working examples; standard and a thorough third-party verification process that also audits product b) Structured capacity-building, via traceability to provide reliable information to consumers. However, MSC is subject to training programs and tailored advice; several criticisms for the lack of a social dimension in assessment (Ponte, 2012; Foley, c) Implementing ancillary measures for Okhyere and Mather, 2018) and the selection of its environmental criteria (Thrane, Ziegler their development, such as investment and Sonesson, 2009), as well as governance, accessibility and appropriateness, all of in meaningful infrastructure (e.g., which are generally extremely challenging for small-scale fisheries (Stratoudakis et al., processing plants), promotion of SSF 2015; Wijen and Chiroleu-Assouline, 2019). Indeed, the uptake of MSC has not been products in public procurement and proportionate, either geographically or in terms of size of operators. As a result, small-ensuring start-up funding. scale fisheries have generally not benefited from the MSC scheme (LeManach et al., 2020). In the Mediterranean, there is currently (as of October 2020) only SATHOAN 5.2.2. small-scale fishery certified or none undergoing the MSC certification. In recent years, Establish a standard of good having recognized the issue itself, the MSC is dedicating considerable effort to accessibility practice, based on inclusiveness for SSF, mostly through facilitating pre-assessment and the running of FIPs. This approach and a principle progression. In the continues to be underpinned by the commitment to the existing MSC principles and more process of proliferating initiatives that broadly the model of a third-party certification process. In practice, the MSC is neither are considered desirable, it is important attracting the SSF communities nor reflective of their multiple values other than the three to clarify the principles of appropriate ecological principles of the MSC. behavior and keep an emphasis on the idea of continuous improvement. A number of criteria are considered to constitute the sustainability “package”, 55 5. Options for action Based on the values observed among the Mediterranean SSF and the actually emerging bottom-up initiatives, a much more suitable approach for a standard seems to be one that highlights local geographies and values and acknowledges the differentiation of standards based on local realities and products. Locally diversified standards can still play a role of a standard (Penca, 2019b). In that context, a very promising scheme is that of Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) in use in organic agriculture for smallholders. The idea of PGS was developed by IFOAM, which defines PGS as “locally focused quality assurance systems [certifying] producers based on active participation of stakeholders and are built on a foundation of trust, social networks and knowledge exchange.” The PGS scheme is considered an alternative and complementary tool to third-party certification. It requires that an initiative operates in accordance with the key principles of the sector but is otherwise reflective of the ongoing involvement in local environments. It offers a low-cost, local system of quality assurance with a heavy emphasis on social control and knowledge building. PGS has become especially crucial to poorer smallholder farmers. The rejection of the “one-fits all” approach and instead encouragement of a diversity of particular standards, embeddedness to local realities and products, and the potential for promoting a sense of ownership by the operators are crucial advantages of the PGS approach also in the context of SSF. PGS is certainly worth exploring as a viable tool to support thriving SSF and their local markets. An identified risk is that the scheme provides insufficient clarity to the final consumer and does not serve to facilitate and ease the consumer decision. The LabMAF’s proposal of Guidelines for Responsible Small-Scale Products in the Mediterranean seeks to strike a balance between the need to provide a coherent narrative and framework that is easily understood by the general public and potential consumers and allowing for specific local initiatives to articulate their more specific principles. The Guidelines emphasise a holistic view of the fishing activity, including environmental, social, economic, cultural, safety and governance criteria and imply a common ultimate vision of responsible SSF shared across the Mediterranean. The Guidelines are suggested to act as a reference point for further actions and considerations, including their revisions and improvements in the future. Following up on these options for action requires dedicated resources, interdisciplinary and international effort. 56 5.3. LABMAF CONTRIBUTION TO FUTURE ACTION ACTION REQUIRED LABMAF RESOURCES AS STARTING POINTS Cross-pol ination and experience-sharing among the proponents This report with models of innovation, description of good of good practices in various parts of the region practices and options for future action and website Implementing ancil ary measures for their development This report with suggestions of possible policy measures Establishment of explicit and accessible protocol/code of Guidelines for Responsible Mediterranean Small-scale Fish conduct/guidelines/principles, providing a reference point for Products / Annex 1, which can be further elaborated consumers and producers regarding good behaviour Promotion of the accepted standard to the consumers and citizens 2-page leaflet and website 57 6. Conclusions 6. Conclusions While comprising over 80% of the Mediterranean fishing a locally scope. Accounting for the local specificities (social, fleet, providing employment and contributing to high-quality cultural, economic, ecological) foremost requires detailed seafood, small-scale fisheries are under-represented as a empirical knowledge of the existing struggles and opportunities, distinct production sector both politically and on the market. needs and circumstances. Likewise, ecological sustainability of There is a link between the two aspects. The political under- SSF exploitation should continuously be subject to scrutiny and representation of SSF means that specific characteristics and not assumed a priori. Equally, not every SSF market may need needs of the sector are poorly understood, as they tend to be an improvement. The local-specific character of SSF and the included in organizations controlled by, and catering to the solutions to empower them speak against the assumption that needs of, larger scale fishing interests. These stand to lose from one model fits all. It also defeats the temptation to replicate the formal differentiation of SSF products often scoring better on existing initiatives uncritically. various indicators from quality of the product as well as the environmental and social aspects of production. While defending a diversity of means to accomplish the objective, this study finds a case for a harmonizing approach The existing legal provisions as well as governance structures to these initiatives with the view of guiding stakeholders towards have yet to lead to the development of a fishing sector that sustainability, involving environmental and social aspects as would support a healthy and sustainable Mediterranean Sea. the ultimate goals. We defend accelerating the bottom-up More recent strategic and policy documents at the global initiatives, while establishing a clear standard of practice. and regional levels speak a more ambitious language and The LabMAF project has secured some resources required advocate holistic approaches and integration of economic, for the indicated shift: it has suggested of a holistic standard social and environmental goals. The policy focus on sustainable (“Guidelines”, Annex 1) as a signpost for action, recommended development and the food systems approach favour a stronger future actions, and produced a set of communication tools to role for sustainable SSF than previously. While differing in explain the transition needed to fishers, consumers and policy- political force and in scope, they jointly highlight the significance makers. Further work is required with regards to the finalization, of responsible small-scale fishing practices to sustainability and endorsement and circulation of the regional standard among offer a window of opportunity for their recognition. the stakeholders. Also, initiatives need to be further developed through knowledge exchange, capacity-building and their joint Against the background of a more favourable policy context promotion, as well as improving the policy on SSF access to the for the growing contribution of SSF to sustainability, various resource and synergistic policies that favour responsible SSF. initiatives segment small-scale fisheries markets have emerged. We have examined many in the course of the project and All these actions would benefit from supportive policy this report has presented some in more detail. Further, it has measures, Notably an enabling environment and funding. categorised them and explained how they respond to the Reaching SSF to work collectively, moving from price-takers to weaknesses in the SSF markets. Common to all the initiatives price-makers, establishing their own direct commercialization we examined is a bottom-up approach responding to structures and empowering them for being agents of change specific local contexts, such as the system of organization, on sustainability of the sea is not automatic. Small-scale fishers purchasing habits, natural fishing cycles, cultural are used to individual and autonomous nature of work and specificities, historical traditions, the ambition and pace of accustomed to years of disengagement in collective action in founders and stakeholders. The individual initiatives conceal the management and marketing of their products. In addition, a number of difficulties if they were to be transposed to other the transition from their role of being only fishers to being also contexts. They are focused on “getting it right” in local contexts salesmen requires of a change of mindset, which is not easy, (ensuring stakeholder engagement, ensuring sustainability of especially taking into account the high age of the workforce. In initiative) rather than target a particular method. Just as there are the transition towards higher valued products, small-scale fishers large differences across SSF in the Mediterranean (in terms of require assistance and support, where – for reasons indicated gears, technical tools, targets, areas of exploitation, capacity above – peer review could be a key tool of success. and catches), the initiatives empowering the SSF markets are various, while working with the same ultimate purpose – a Further, adequate funding and endorsement from national greater segmentation of the market for seafood products that policies to reach those objectives are significant. In this respect would recognise the differences in the quality of fish products the establishment of SSF Producer Organisations can play a and their social and environmental impact. crucial role in European Countries. Activities of tourism fishing, Such differentiation of products indeed requires paying attention to the local nature of SSF / Paying attention to the local nature of SSF is key to the expansion of SSF product differentiation. This requires rejecting general assumptions about the nature of SSF and accepting that advice will have 60 sustainability information actions and marine protected areas Finally, the considerations of SSF markets and the sector should seem to be particularly suitable for creating synergies in order not lose sight of the external factors. Synergising with other to increase visibility of responsible SSF and to gain the trust of small-scale food producers is an opportunity for SSF initiatives consumers. They could add to SSF income generation, while in terms of capacity-building as well as joint presentation in enhancing public awareness of the role of responsible SSF as front of policy-makers and consumers, where a wider range of guardians of the sea. products with shared values can be offered. At the same time, Eventual formalisation of the market initiatives for small- the increased pressures on the space in the Mediterranean scale fishers should build from the key feature of local Sea present an imminent threat on the SSF fishing sector. In the sensitivity/local-embeddedness, sense of ownership and context of increasing pressures at sea from a variety of sources, active participation of stakeholders, while reinforcing the most notable are ambitions for gas and oil extraction in the co-responsibility and trust. The fact that a number of market East Mediterranean, which would heavily impact on the fishing initiatives are already running while many others are yet to grounds and with pollution. The SSF markets can be as strong as be set-off speaks in favour of an inclusive framework that they are successful in securing the sector a future. encourages incremental voluntary progress rather than sets the bar so high as to act as exclusionary and exclusive. An adequate model should not prescribe standardised indicators and instead allow initiatives to suggest their own criteria for success in the context of sustainability. The model of Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS), developed in the context of certification of organic agriculture and especially for small-scale farmers, is a very promising direction to be explored in the context of the Mediterranean SSF. A critical challenge for the efforts in building up the distinctiveness of SSF products (mostly everywhere, but especially in the Mediterranean) is to systematically link these to data-supported understanding of value chains and integrate them in the management decisions. Better marketing, branding and retailing of SSF should be linked to improved documentation of the catches and stocks in order to allow for fine-tuning of governance regimes at any time. Small-scale fisheries continue to be regarded as data-limited, but too little is done to address that deficiency and move towards accomplishing fully documented fisheries and their full traceability. Technology-based initiatives, including those at grass-roots level, of which the Abalobi suit provides an example, can be instrumental in such a shift, especially if they use the fishers’ data to address their needs rather than for surveillance purposes only. 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Program Brief. 65 Annex 1 GUIDELINES FOR RESPONSIBLE MEDITERRANEAN SMALL-SCALE FISH PRODUCTS To contribute to sustainable development of the Mediterranean, the LabMAF project seeks to engender a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable small-scale fishing sector in the region and promotes a revival of the vibrant small-scale and low-impact fishing communities that form an integral part of the rich history of this region. The project promotes small-scale and low-impact fisheries in so far as they promote fishing practices based on sustainable development principles and enhancement of livelihoods of fishing communities. The document sets out principles and standards of behaviour for responsible practices with a view to encouraging a respectful use and stewardship of the Mediterranean. It provides a reference point for the promotion of good practices often conducted by the Mediterranean small-scale fisheries relating to low environmental impact, ecosystem approach, concern for social justice and local benefits, and protection of cultural heritage. As such, the guidelines are addressed at fishers who can use them to advance and consolidate responsible practices; at citizens and consumers who can use them to discern and value the products by low-impact small-scale fishers of the Mediterranean, and to policy-makers who can understand them as a recommended direction for improving policies and other legal and institutional frameworks and instruments. The idea of the guidelines is to encourage incremental progress. Further, they should always be interpreted in a manner that is sensitive to local specificities. The guidelines should be revised regularly. 66 Annex 1 PRINCIPLE ON FAIR LIVELIHOODS AND FAIR TRADE OBJECTIVE: To allow the fishers to lead decent livelihoods and ensure fair payment across the supply chain This principle seeks to ensure that the food chain is simple, short, traceable and transparent, consumers can access healthy and sustainably produced food, while generating fair economic returns in the supply chain and fosters resilient, cohesive and interconnected small-scale producing communities, promoting fair trade and access to resources. A system that fosters a new governance where all local stakeholders are involved and held responsible, so that communities can exert greater control over the resources on which they depend, especially for their food production. A system that makes visible and rewards the role of women and attracts young generations. POSSIBLE MEASURES: • Improve value of responsible small-scale fishers’ products and their revenues and competitiveness • Shorten the supply chain and ensure more direct sales (by enhancing the use of community supported agriculture and fisheries schemes -CSAs and CSFs-, dock-pick-ups and other direct marketing arrangements) • Tap into new markets for fishers’ products • Promote the purchase of local high-quality fresh fish caught by responsible small-scale fishers • Promote better information, awareness and visibility of small-scale fishers’ products and its value added • Expand economic opportunities and reduce fishers’ vulnerability through diversification of activities (e.g. sustainability information actions and marine protected areas) • Secure stability of the price and income for fishers (e.g. by ensuring contractual sales to clients, increasing storage capacities, preservation, processing of products or adequate market tools) • Improve social cohesion, cooperation and self-organization of SSF to ensure quality, and fair price of products (through fishers collective agreements, shared resources, creation of dedicated organisations and/or collective business opportunities, etc.); • Engage in transfer of skills to the younger generations to enhance inter-generational sustainability of traditional fishing/exploitation and related job opportunities (including in the post-harvest subsector) in coastal communities • Promote actions that will attract the younger generation into the sector • Involve and increase visibility of relatives, spouses or colleagues into the fishing activities and/or trading to enhance intra-generational sustainability, with particular attention to equitable recognition of women and vulnerable groups • Promote transparency, fairness and accountability in the value chain, i.e. in fisher-buyer relationships, incl. by application of regulations, monitoring and regulating unfair trading practices, • Promote co-management and participatory approaches in governance of resources • Organize or participate in capacity-building for fishing communities on potentials of value-added products • Promote cooperation in cooperatives and among fisher cooperatives or fishing communities to ensure quality and fair price of products • Contribute to positive social impact in the local community • Promote the interconnectedness and synergies with other small producers in-land PRINCIPLE ON CULTURAL HERITAGE OBJECTIVE: To maintain and protect traditional fishing practices, knowledge and livelihoods while embracing innovation and creativity Without anchoring too much in the past or neither devaluing the modernization, this principle seeks a good balance, recovering and valorizing the traditions and techniques which are compatible with sustainability components, preserving local and traditional knowledge, while promoting innovation, creativity and social entrepreneurship. POSSIBLE MEASURES: • Ensure consumption of traditional healthy Mediterranean diets and improve food sovereignty • Contribute to discerning and recognizing the value of the local quality from the Mediterranean • Showcase a historically-diffused technique traditionally used by local fishers or processors • Acknowledge traditional local ecological knowledge of fishers • Contribute to the preservation of that knowledge (e.g. by training in traditional gear manufacturing and mending) and promotion to others (e.g. by disseminating information on techniques, natural seasonality of products when promoting the product, through culinary 67 Annex 1 CONSUMERS practices) In the • Demonstrate fishing livelihoods and practices (e.g. through knowledge centers, museums of fisheries, historical fishing, festivals, Mediterranean, WHO ARE MEDITERRANEAN workshops) SSFs represent • Contribute to revival/recuperation of a lost low impact technique SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES (SSFs)? 80% of vessels and • Promote innovation, creativity and social entrepreneurship 70% of fishers • Contribute to community-building of coastal fishing communities (e.g. by networking with other cultural entities and social fabric of coastal communities, supporting local in festivities and celebrations, investing in appropriate infrastructures, organizational structures and capacity development) PRINCIPLE ON ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY Involving fishing households Polyvalent fishers (using different (not commercial companies) fishing gears around the year, OBJECTIVE: according to seasonality, target To support low-impact fisheries practices and ensure ecological sustainability of fisheries Artisanal small vessels species, conditions of the (up to 12 m) environment and stocks, etc.) The principle seeks to ensure that the food chain has a low environmental impact, respecting seasons, preserving the sea-based resources Making short fishing trips on which the food system depends; helping to mitigate climate change and adapting to its impacts and reversing the loss of biodiversity and close to shore Self-employed and food waste, taking into account the interconnectivity of ecosystems. Low productivity, high remunerated according diversity of products to catch POSSIBLE MEASURES: • Improve selectivity, ensure polyvalence and seasonality in fishing, and respect maturity of species/species’ life-cycles • Ensure no impact on the sea-bed Mostly use passive gear • Diversify the catch to offer underutilized fish species and never use towed • Control fishing effort and fishing mortality according to ecosystem carrying capacity fishing gear • Mitigate or prevent interaction with endangered and vulnerable species • Address the issue of non-indigenous species and other effects of climate change (e.g. develop an economic value of invasive species, contribute to programs of climate change mitigation) • Prevent and mitigate ghost-fishing (prevent discarding and abandoning fishing gear and remove the lost gears from the sea,) • Promote the fight against IUU (by e.g. voluntary control and enforcement system, promote enforcement) THE VALUE OF SSFs • Promote fully documented fisheries and efficiency of data collection systems • Encourage lower carbon footprint of fishing and of product once landed (e.g. local consumption, delivery, attention to packaging and materials used) • Prevent marine water pollution during operation and boat maintenance when possible (e.g. explore alternative materials in fishing Fishing heritage and operations, prevent disposal of solid waste at sea, avoid toxic antifouling paints on boats, avoid disposal of paint into the sea during traditional food boat maintenance) preparation, forming an integral part of Mediterranean identity PRINCIPLE ON HEALTH AND SAFETY Socially well-integrated, OBJECTIVE home-grown employment To ensure a safe and quality working environment of fishers and offer good quality and safe product But in the market it is difficult This principle seeks to contribute to food security, nutrition and public health – making sure that everyone has access to sufficient, nutritious, Largely selective and to distinguish the SSFs sustainable food that upholds high standards of safety and quality, while ensuring occupational health, safety and fair working conditions; seasonal harvest product from that of industrial fisheries, • Ensure quality of fresh product (e.g. through a chain of cold, icing, cold rooms for storage) and processed product aquaculture and even illegal • Take measures to ensure healthy and safe working environment (secure safety equipment and adequate communication system, such as fisheries. How to award Local food social and environmental vessel geo-location systems) provision advantages of SSFs? • Provide training on safety measures on vessels including first aid, and food handling courses to ensure hygiene practices are internalized in fishing operations WEAKNESSES OF SSFs 68 CONSUMERS Annex 2 In the Mediterranean, WHO ARE MEDITERRANEAN SSFs represent SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES (SSFs)? 80% of vessels and 70% of fishers Involving fishing households Polyvalent fishers (using different (not commercial companies) fishing gears around the year, according to seasonality, target Artisanal small vessels species, conditions of the (up to 12 m) environment and stocks, etc.) Making short fishing trips close to shore Self-employed and Low productivity, high remunerated according diversity of products to catch Mostly use passive gear and never use towed fishing gear THE VALUE OF SSFs Fishing heritage and traditional food preparation, forming an integral part of Mediterranean identity Socially well-integrated, home-grown employment But in the market it is difficult Largely selective and to distinguish the SSFs seasonal harvest product from that of industrial fisheries, aquaculture and even illegal fisheries. How to award Local food social and environmental provision advantages of SSFs? WEAKNESSES OF SSFs 69 CONSUMERS Annex 2 PRODUCERS WHAT CAN YOU DO? THE VALUE OF SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES (SSFs) Fishing heritage and traditional food BE DIRECT BE LOCAL preparation, forming Explore ways to connect more directly between Buy and eat local fish, lower your carbon footprint an integral part of you and the fishers, where SSF settle a fair price. and appreciate local specialties wherever you go. Explore also festivals, go on a fishing tour and chat Mediterranean identity with chefs about the provenance of the fish they use. Socially well integrated BE SUSTAINABLE BE ADVENTUROUS home-grown Support selective, seasonal fishing of a variety Search for diversity in your dishes and explore employment of different species, which are not threatened. seasonal and unfamiliar catch. Adapt your demand to the supply and not the other way around. Diversity of catch BE INFORMED BE HEALTHY Keep yourself updated on the options to buy Consume fresh and unprocessed fish species seafood, also those less conventional (using and combine it with a healthy lifestyle. Local food apps, social media, etc.). provision Largely selective and seasonal BE CURIOUS BE BOLD harvest Meet fishers in the fishing port, ask about Do you want to set up a consumer group to species they catch and how to prepare them, sustain community-supported fishing? learn more about fishing traditions, and how SSF fishers guard our ocean. Examples of initiatives of SSF products around the Mediterranean that: Shorten the value chain Promote their products in a novel way Innovate in how they distribute catch Distinguish their products with a label WEAKNESSES CAN DRIVE INNOVATIONS Offer new types of products Cooperate successfully with other food producers Weaknesses Types of Innovations Shortening of the value chain - Insufficient recognition of environmental Diversification in the type of products offered and social advantages of SSFs - Lack of power to establish direct sales at fair prices, leading to a negative circle that keeps Promotion of products and awareness-raising fishers vulnerable - Poor product traceability and differentiation from industrial and farmed products Branding and label creation - No cohesive market representation by SSFs - Markets often require regular supply of specific products Innovation in the distribution channel Innovation in ownership or cooperation 70 Want to know more? www.labmaf.eu | www.labmaf.com PRODUCERS Annex 2 THE VALUE OF SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES (SSFs) Fishing heritage and traditional food preparation, forming an integral part of Mediterranean identity Socially well integrated home-grown employment Diversity of catch Local food provision Largely selective and seasonal harvest WEAKNESSES CAN DRIVE INNOVATIONS Weaknesses Types of Innovations Shortening of the value chain - Insufficient recognition of environmental Diversification in the type of products offered and social advantages of SSFs - Lack of power to establish direct sales at fair prices, leading to a negative circle that keeps Promotion of products and awareness-raising fishers vulnerable - Poor product traceability and differentiation from industrial and farmed products Branding and label creation - No cohesive market representation by SSFs - Markets often require regular supply of specific products Innovation in the distribution channel Innovation in ownership or cooperation 71 7 PRODUCERS Annex 2 WHAT CAN YOU DO? BE PROUD GO DIRECT Promote the social and ecological advantage Explore ways to shorten the value chain between of you as a small-scale fisher and the quality you and customers and connect directly to them, of your products, especially of commercially including via chefs and HORECA professionals. underappreciated seafood which often are hidden delicacies. BE VISIBLE BE TECH-SAVVY Embrace branding and labelling schemes, appear Could existing technology and other tools (e.g., at festivities or gastronomic events. apps, social media) work for you in reaching the consumers more efficiently? BE INFORMED COOPERATE Keep yourself updated on how other SSF Coordinate with like-minded fishers to improve your communities have overcome their challenges and situation. Is there any scope to improve your which solutions could work for you. Reach out to organisation, leadership or business sides? them or join a network. Examples of initiatives of SSF products around the Mediterranean 72 Want to know more and get support in solutions? www.labmaf.eu | www.labmaf.com © 2020 Euro-Mediterranean University 73