Foresight study on fishers of the future

This study, funded under EMFAF, is a foresight exercise to project the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities the fisheries sector may face in the future. It anticipates transformations in fishers' roles and identity and examines trends influencing fisheries, including environmental and technological drivers, demographic shifts, and market trends.

It also considers fishers’ broader contributions to marine conservation, coastal development, and maritime spatial planning. By envisioning different possible futures, the study provides a foundation for informed decision-making, ensuring fishers remain integral to the EU’s sustainable blue economy.

As one of the pillars of coastal communities and economies, EU fisheries play a vital role in providing a healthy supply of food to local, national and international markets. They are also part and parcel of the EU’s coastal cultural heritage.

However, the sector faces increasing pressures from climate change, biodiversity loss, economic uncertainties, and geopolitical challenges. These realities underline the need for a forward-looking approach to ensure the long-term future of fisheries.