Two scientific publications co-authored by Cristina Pita, a researcher from CESAM and the Department of Environment and Planning at the University of Aveiro, are included in the list of scientific references supporting the European Parliament Resolution approved in 2023, titled “The Situation of Small-Scale Fishing in the EU and Future Perspectives.”
In early 2023, after a process of parliamentary debates and votes, the European Parliament (EP) approved a resolution on the situation of small-scale fishing in the European Union (EU) and its future prospects. With an extensive set of recommendations, this resolution considers it necessary to “strengthen small-scale fishing along the value chain, promote increased fishing income, and offer income diversification opportunities.” It also highlights the strategic value for the European Union of “improving operational conditions and ensuring the future of small-scale, artisanal, and coastal fishing.”
In the introductory part of the document, the EP presents a set of indicators that support its final recommendations. Among these indicators, two works co-authored by Cristina Pita appear: the article “Small-scale fisheries access to fishing opportunities in the European Union: Is the Common Fisheries Policy the right step to SDG14b?” and the book “Small-Scale Fisheries in Europe: Status, Resilience and Governance.”
The first, published in 2020 in the journal Marine Policy, demonstrates how artisanal fishing still does not derive real benefits from the European Common Fisheries Policy due to legal gaps in this legislative framework and the perpetuation of distributive injustice at the local level. The second is a book, also published in 2020 and co-edited by José J. Pascual-Fernández, Cristina Pita, and Maarten Bavinck. This book provides a detailed description of small-scale fishing in 25 European countries, which Ratana Chuenpagdee refers to in the book’s preface as “providing a vivid description of small-scale fishing, fully representing fishing communities and their cultural heritage.”
According to Cristina Pita, “this resolution shows that the EP, like the United Nations, is paying more attention to small-scale fishing” and that “this resolution is an excellent way to conclude the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture, IYAFA 2022.” The researcher also emphasizes that “we are very proud to see our work recognized and used for decision-making.”
The Resolution concludes with the EP instructing its President to transmit the document to the other European institutions (European Council and European Commission) and to the governments and parliaments of all EU Member States.
The European Parliament is an important forum for political debate and decision-making at the EU level. The Parliament acts as a co-legislator, sharing with the Council the power to approve and amend legislative proposals and to decide on the EU budget. It also oversees the work of the Commission and other EU bodies and cooperates with the national parliaments of EU countries to obtain their viewpoints.
Text by: CESAM in collaboration with Cristina Pita