Plenary session #5 – Imagine SSF-centric Governance

Ocean governance stands high on the political and public policy agendas of European states. Yet, ocean governance is a complex process and faces many challenges within and beyond states, reflecting the multi-dimensional and interconnected role the ocean plays in environmental sustainability, economic prosperity and human well-being. Ocean governance requires the effective and inclusive participation of multiple stakeholders within and across sectors and scales. It requires governance arrangements, which address inequalities, secure the rights of local coastal communities, providing fair equitable access to coastal space, fishing grounds, aquatic resources and seafood markets, while respecting the traditional livelihoods of people that have depended on coastal areas for centuries. Imagine a European ocean governance system with small-scale fisheries at center stage, with structures, institutions and processes improving collaborative, inclusive, equitable and fair governance at local, national and European scales. How can the inclusion of small-scale fishers and fish workers be facilitated within fisheries sector governance structures? How can the positive opportunities available through scientific findings, sustainable trade and policy documents be better leveraged to advance the participation of small-scale fisheries in ocean governance? How would centering on small-scale fisheries affect sustainability of ocean governance?

Organizers:
• Cristina Pita, University of Aveiro, Portugal
• Jerneja Penca, Euro-Mediterranean University, Slovenia

Speakers:
• Marta Cavalle, LIFE, Belgium
• Lena Westland, FAO, Sweden
• Sebastian Linke, University of Gothenburg, Sweden