LOW IMPACT FISHERS ACROSS EUROPE A photographic exhibition

This exhibition introduces us to David, Muireann, Neily, and Primitivo — artisanal fishers — who are dedicated to providing fresh, high-quality seafood and supporting the sustainability and heritage of their coastal communities

EU law and how countries allocate fishing quotas

EU law requires countries to allocate fishing opportunities based on transparent and objective criteria. This should take into account the benefits for society, the economy and the environment. However, in practice, countries distribute most fishing quotas to those that have a history of catching the most. This favours industrial fleets over artisanal vessels, harming both coastal fishing communities and the marine environment.

If countries give small-scale fisheries a fairer allocation of fishing opportunities, they can be part of the solution to help preserve the ocean for future generations.

David Lange

“In Øresund, where bottom trawling has been banned since the 1930s, scientists report significant benefits to fish stocks and reef structures, including cod recovery. We advocate for more low-impact fishing areas and quota access.”

“Healthy fish stocks are good business. We must balance allocation of fishing opportunities with nature ensuring it is environmentally sound, climate-friendly and fair.”

“We are hoping to see a new generation of low-impact fishermen and women, but it is difficult if there are no accessible fishing rights for us, so we need to secure them for the future.”

“Denmark's coastal fishing scheme rewards sustainable practices with additional quotas. We see the fisherman's scheme as a vehicle to transition into a low-impact future.”

Neily Kavanagh

“The quota system isn't fair; it's a mockery of inshore fisheries in Ireland - 85% of us are inshore fishermen, but we get only 5% of the herring quota and 1% of mackerel. Big boats take the rest.”

“It's becoming harder to pass on our fishing traditions to the next generation. We need quotas that support our sustainability and heritage.”

“The Irish fisheries minister should pass the Heritage bill to secure our access to inshore fisheries and support our livelihoods.”

Muireann Kavanagh

“Our boats are tied up most of the year. I would want the Irish government to fight in our corner and start allocating quota fairly and let us fish.”

Primitivo Pedrosa

“As small-scale fishermen, we have a very direct connection with the sea; we live with it every day, and fishing became my profession because it's one of the few job opportunities in our local communities.”

“The current quota system values quantity over quality, overlooking the livelihoods and craftsmanship of artisanal fishermen.”

“The fleet that puts the most employment on the table, based on the amount of fish it brings home, is the artisanal fleet.”

“What is also important in quota allocation is caring for the environment - it cannot be that killing a fly with a cannon has priority, that is not feasible for anyone.”

Learn more about the exhibition