The Fish-X project: Supporting EU small-scale fisheries going digital

Abstract

The Fish-X project: Supporting EU small-scale fisheries going digital The implementation of innovative data management and data collection tools will help support the sustainable development of EU fisheries; learn how the Fish-X project will support this digital transition of small-scale fisheries. The Farm-to-Fork Strategy and the Common Fisheries Policy, aligned with the European Green Deal, aim to ensure sustainable and healthy fisheries. Within these frameworks, advancing digitalisation can enable more sustainable management. Small-scale fisheries (SSF) play a crucial role in the EU fisheries sector, accounting for approx. 75% of the active fishing vessels and approx. 48% of employment (Lopes, 2022). Implementing digital tools designed for SSF holds the promise of tackling some of the most pressing challenges. Hence, data obtained from SSF vessels through digital tools like electronic logbooks and vessel monitoring systems can enhance safety at sea, improve compliance, promote sustainable and transparent practices, as well as increase visibility and economic returns for fishers.