International Symposium on “Small Pelagic Fish: New Frontiers in Science for Sustainable Management” in Lisbon

2022.7.27

The most important fish species used for production of fishmeal and fish oil in Europe are “Small Pelagic Fish” e.g. capelin, sandeel, blue whiting, sprat and Norway pout. All fisheries are strictly regulated and catch limitations are always based on scientific advice from ICES

From 7 to 11 November 2022 an international symposium on “Small Pelagic Fish: New Frontiers in Science for Sustainable Management” will take place in Lisbon, Portugal. It will highlight the state-of-the-art in topics related to the ecology and sustainable management of SPF. The symposium complements collaborative research conducted by the joint ICES/PICES Working Group on Small Pelagic Fish and is relevant to the goals of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, particularly “to bolster scientific research for a sustainably harvested ocean ensuring the provision of food supply.”​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Small pelagic fish (SPF) account for more than 30% by weight of the total landings of marine capture fisheries around the world. SPF populations of both marine and inland ecosystems are crucial for ensuring global food security.​ SPF also play an important role in the transfer of energy in food ​webs through mid-trophic levels, so understanding processes affecting the dynamics of their populations, their role in marine ecosystems and how these shape robust management practices continue to be a high priority.

During the last four decades, coordinated, global research efforts have targeted these and other topics, yielding important comparative analyses and highlighting key gaps in our knowledge. For example, global analyses revealed oscillations in the productivity of SPF populations linked to climate variability on various (seasonal to multi-decadal) scales that have resulted in dramatic consequences for ecological and human communities. The exchange of information and ideas drawn from comparing populations across the globe can be particularly insightful as we seek to improve management strategies.

For more information and registration to the Symposium click here.

UN Ocean Conference – Lisbon 2022

2022.7.25

The 2nd UN Ocean Conference (UNOC), co-organized by Portugal and Kenya, took place in Lisbon, Portugal between the 27th of June  and the 1st of July. The aim of the Conference was to support the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 14) “Life Below Water” – to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. The 2nd UNOC focused on scaling up ocean action based on science and innovation for the implementation of SDG 14: stocktaking, partnership and solutions.

More than 6000 people from all around the world participated in the Conference including 24 Heads of States and 2000 representatives of civil society. Alexandra Philippe (Chair of the FG Climate Change) and Tamara Talevska (Executive Secretary) represented the NSAC at the Conference.

Here are some of the main take-aways:

  • The conference called for the expansion of Marine Protected Areas.  The commitment to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 was pledged by more than 100 States, with some going even further.
  • A commitment to increase funding in ocean research and strengthen scientific and systematic observation and data collection.
  • “Blue transformation” – transforming aquatic food systems for a sustainable future to achieve food security and climate objectives through: (1) aquaculture expansion, (2) effectively managed fisheries (marine and inland), and (3) upgraded value chain.
  • Moving away from fossil fuels and decarbonizing the blue economy sectors were presented as the main solutions to tackle climate change and its consequences on the oceans.

EFFOP welcomes this strong focus on the oceans’ conservation and the recognition of the importance of the oceans to sustain a healthy and sustainable living.

You can learn more about the conference and its outcomes here.