Artisanal Small-Scale Fishery (SSF) according to EU is the one employing vessels
smaller than 12m LOA, not using towed gear. World-over, it is the most relevant fishery
segment, deeply rooted in local traditions, adapted to the environment through coevolution,
and inherently sustainable. For this, and for its potential to provide
sustainable growth and jobs, in harmony with the marine environment, it is
acknowledged at many levels (FAO, EU CFP, ERDF, EUSAIR) to play an important role in
the pursuit of Blue Growth.
Focusing on the Programme area, SSF sector represents the 50% of the Italian and 90%
of the Croatian fleets operating in the FAO Geographic Subarea (GSA)17 (Northern
Adriatic). The common challenge it faces, proven also through previous CB projects
(e.g. ArtFishMed) is a lack of competitiveness in comparison with other fleets (e.g
trawling and/or dredges), difficult access to market, low prices, decreasing stocks and
biodiversity in the catches, decreasing market values and increasing running costs.
Due to the common characteristics of SSF throughout the Area, and to the fact that it
exploits natural resources shared and freely moving between the waters of the two
Countries, it is a challenge that calls for a cross-border cooperation approach.
The general objective of the Project is to strengthen the Small-Scale Fishery role in the
GSA 17 in the near future, by fostering its potential for innovation within the Blue
Growth context. In a sector like the SSF, which has evolved in strong connection with
local tradition and in balance with the ecosystem, the elements of innovation most
likely to bring the greatest benefits won’t be found in processes and technologies, but
rather in the approach to management and in the valorisation of the products, in an
effort to boost its resilience and sustainability, and market value. Exploiting the great
adaptability of SSF, the Project will promote its assumption as a paradigm for the
implementation of integrated management strategies, through an Ecosystem-Based
Approach.
The project will involve all the actors responsible for the management of the coastal
area with a bottom-up approach; strategies to mitigate risk and exploit opportunities
will be identified in cooperation with stakeholders, and will serve to strengthen the
scientific advice, to improve medium term planning and the policy making process.