Europêche has welcomed a new peer-reviewed scientific study challenging the widely held assumption that small-scale fisheries are inherently more sustainable than larger fishing operations.
The research, which reviewed three decades of scientific literature, concludes there is no evidence to support broad claims that one fleet segment is more sustainable than another based solely on vessel size.
Instead, the study, ‘Large and small can be beautiful in fisheries and aquaculture’, published in the ICES Journal of Marine Science, finds that both small and large-scale fisheries can deliver strong environmental and socio-economic outcomes when supported by effective management, while poor governance can undermine sustainability regardless of fleet size.
“This paper confirms what the fishing sector has consistently argued: sustainability is determined by how fisheries are managed, not by the size of the vessel,” said Javier Garat, president of Europêche.
The authors argue that fisheries policy should be based on sound scientific evidence rather than preconceived preferences for particular fleet segments, warning that policies favouring one type of operation over another could create unintended consequences.
“Policymakers should therefore avoid simplistic narratives that favour one type of fishing over another without scientific justification,” said Garat, noting that European fisheries operate under some of the world’s strictest management regimes, with scientific advice, catch limits, technical measures and control systems applying across all fleet segments.
The study comes as the European Union considers the future of the Common Fisheries Policy, the Ocean Act and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Europêche believes the research demonstrates the need for future policies to remain fleet-neutral, focusing on measurable environmental performance, compliance with scientific advice and socio-economic outcomes rather than vessel size.
The organisation also highlighted the complementary roles played by different fleet segments, with larger vessels supporting food security and offshore harvesting, while smaller fleets contribute to coastal employment, cultural heritage and local seafood markets.
“Europe needs fisheries policies based on science rather than perceptions,” Garat added. “This study is an important reminder that sustainability cannot be reduced to vessel size.”
