France backs fair fishing quotas

The findings coincide with Les Assises de la pêche et des produits de la mer, a national forum currently underway in Boulogne-sur-Mer, bringing together policymakers and industry leaders.

The poll highlights growing public dissatisfaction with France’s current quota system, which largely favours industrial vessels based on past catch history. Critics say this approach contradicts the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy, which requires the consideration of social and environmental criteria.

“This shows clear public support for a shift in how we manage our seas,” said Vera Coelho, deputy vice president at Oceana in Europe.

“France’s pilot project is a step forward, but it must go further. A full transition that rewards low-impact practices and job creation is long overdue.”

Currently, a pilot project by the Ministry of Fisheries is applying new criteria to less than 2% of national quotas, a move welcomed by NGOs, but seen as too limited.

Small-scale fishers, who make up 70% of France’s fleet and provide half the industry’s employment, catch only one-fifth of the total fish. “This is about survival,” said Gwen Pennarun, president of the Low Impact Fishers of Europe. “The government must create a fair system that sustains communities and the ocean.”

The poll also found that 83% of French citizens want more transparency in how quotas are allocated and a greater say for small-scale fishers in the decision-making process.

With public sentiment and EU policy aligned, pressure is mounting on France to reform its fisheries quota system in favour of sustainability and fairness.