Small-scale fisheries in the Mediterranean and Black Sea face a generational crisis because too few young people are entering or staying in the sector.
New figures from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization show that nearly half of small-scale fishers in the region are over 40, while only 17% are under 25, raising concerns about the long-term future of coastal fishing communities.
The demographic imbalance was highlighted in the latest edition of The State of Mediterranean and Black Sea Fisheries 2025 and formed the focus of discussions at the recent Small-Scale Fishers’ Forum in Athens. The event was organised by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean with support from WWF Greece and WWF Mediterranean.
Participants said young people are increasingly reluctant to pursue fishing careers due to difficult working conditions, rising operational costs, complex regulations and limited access to financing. Many who do enter the profession struggle to remain financially viable, particularly in small-scale operations with narrow profit margins.
Miguel Angèl Mercant Sirer, a fisher from Spain’s Balearic Islands, said the profession requires far more than traditional fishing skills. “We are not only fishers. We run a business with investments, risks and responsibilities,” he said, adding that young people will avoid the sector if it cannot provide a stable livelihood.
Administrative procedures and licensing requirements were also identified as significant barriers for new entrants, often creating financial and bureaucratic burdens that discourage younger fishers.
Despite these challenges, small-scale fleets remain central to regional employment, accounting for around 58% of onboard jobs in Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries.
Experts warn that without targeted policies, such as easier access to finance, improved training and clearer regulations, the sector risks losing not only workers but also traditional knowledge, cultural heritage and the economic backbone of many coastal communities.
