Blue Communities

The proposed action “Blue Communities” aims to actively engage small-scale and industrial fishers in the transition towards biodiversity-friendly and sustainable fisheries practices, in line with the objectives of the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030”. The initiative is jointly promoted by Net European Consulting (NetEC) and Federpesca, combining technical expertise in EU project implementation with direct representation of the fishing sector. The action contributes to the Mission’s goals of protecting marine ecosystems, reducing pollution, and fostering a sustainable blue economy , by placing fishers at the centre of awareness, behavioural change, and co-management processes. The core objective is to transform fishers from passive recipients of regulation into active “stewards of the sea”, enhancing their role in biodiversity protection while ensuring economic viability of fisheries. The action will be implemented through three integrated components. First, a structured awareness and training programme targeting fishing communities in key Mediterranean regions, with a particular focus on Italy and potential replication in partner countries. Training modules will address marine biodiversity, ecosystem-based fisheries management, bycatch reduction, marine litter prevention, and climate change impacts. The approach will be highly practical, using real-life case studies and peer-learning among fishers. Second, the project will develop a “Fisher Stewardship Toolkit”, providing simple, operational guidelines for sustainable practices on board and in ports. This includes voluntary protocols on selective gear use, waste management, reporting of sensitive species, and participation in citizen science initiatives. Digital tools will be used to facilitate data collection and knowledge sharing, contributing to broader EU efforts such as the Digital Twin of the Ocean. Third, the action will launch a targeted communication and engagement campaign, aimed both at fishers and the wider public. The campaign will promote positive narratives around fishers as guardians of marine ecosystems, strengthening trust between the sector, institutions, and consumers. Pilot “Blue Harbour Days” will be organised in selected ports, involving schools, local authorities, and civil society. A key element of the action is the creation of a network of “Blue Champions” among fishers, who will act as multipliers within their communities and support the scaling up of good practices. The project will also foster dialogue between fishers and policymakers, contributing to more inclusive and evidence-based fisheries governance. The expected results include increased awareness among fishers on biodiversity issues, measurable adoption of sustainable practices, reduction of marine litter and bycatch, and improved data availability through participatory monitoring. In the medium term, the action aims to strengthen the social acceptance of sustainability measures and to enhance the resilience of fishing communities. By mobilising fishers as key actors of change, “Blue Communities” contributes to the systemic approach promoted by the Mission Ocean & Waters, bridging policy, science, and local communities to achieve tangible impact by 2030.