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On Wednesday 6 March, Blue Marine presents at the World Fisheries Congress in Seattle, as part of a joint panel session with Fauna and Flora.
Blue Marine will highlight the need to transition away from higher impact fishing practices and present a novel framework to assess the costs and benefits of transition options and demonstrate the applicability of a just transition framework through analysis of local UK case studies. Fauna and Flora will present a study developed to define and measure “destructive fishing” practices and associated indicators.
The session will also hear from fishers and representatives from the Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Federation and Scottish Entanglement Alliance to talk about the realities of gear exchange and the potential unintended consequences on the ground, as well as a speaker talking about an example from Kenya highlighting the need for an enabling environment.
Joe Richards, Scotland Project Manager, who will present at the session said: “The practicalities of a just transition, such as who, where and how it is undertaken, are ill-defined, and to progress understanding and adoption of a just transition within UK fisheries, Blue Marine is developing a framework that can be used to assess the social, economic and environmental impacts of transition options. It’s a great opportunity to present our initial outline framework at the World Fisheries Congress and gain feedback to inform the development of a model that supports a just transition away from destructive fishing practices.”
The just transition framework is a tool for assessing transition scenarios and realistic options for transitioning away from high impact fishing practices, including alternative fishing methods, and/or towards other sectors of the blue economy. The framework is being tested through regional UK case studies, identifying the potential benefits of transition, through reductions in benthic habitat disturbance and the options for alternative activities and employment opportunities including insights into the economic viability, practical costs and support needs.
Emily Bullied, UK Conservation Engagement Co-ordinator said, “Our panel session was really well attended and we had excellent questions from some of the top leaders in fisheries science. The feedback on the just transition framework was very supportive and many people welcomed our balanced approach combining theoretical studies and consideration of the practical challenges of delivering a just transition on the water.”
The just transition framework and UK case studies will be published later in 2024 and are part of Blue Marine’s work to support a transition towards equitable and sustainable fisheries.
