From June 9–13, the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) brought together global leaders, ocean advocates, and coastal communities under the theme: “Accelerating action and mobilising all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.” Among them was the Make Fishing Fair campaign, alongside a delegation of European small-scale fishers (SSFs) determined to ensure their voices were not only heard—but centred—in high-level conversations shaping the future of our oceans.

The Make Fishing Fair campaign is driven by one core principle: “Nothing about us, without us.” Our goal at UNOC was clear—to ensure the perspectives of small-scale fishers from Europe were fully integrated into the global push for sustainable ocean governance.

Our delegation focused on three urgent policy priorities:

• Promoting sustainable fisheries management that includes specific support for SSFs
• Advancing equitable ocean economies that protect coastal communities
• Strengthening cooperation to ensure inclusive, transparent implementation of ocean policy

These goals reflect our ongoing advocacy across Europe for fair quota allocation, the redirection of harmful subsidies, and the full implementation of Article 17 of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

Spotlight Events: Taking the Stage

🎬 Make Fishing Fair – Film Screening & Conversation with Small-Scale Fishers

We hosted two sold-out official UNOC side events in the Green Zone: a film screening and live panel discussion that brought SSF stories directly to attendees. Our featured documentary, Sea Change: The Future of Fishing (by ZED Productions), showcased powerful testimonials from fishers across Europe and West Africa.

Panel Speakers included:

• Gwen Pennarun – President of LIFE & Brittany Handliners Association
• Sandrine Thomas – SSF from Brittany
• Séamus Bonner – Director of LIFE & Secretary of IIMRO
• Karim Abdu Sall – Fisher from Joal, Senegal
• Sibylle d’Orgeval & Chloé Henry-Biabaud – Film Directors (ZED)
•  Moderated by: Marta Cavallé, Executive Secretary of LIFE

Beyond the Screen: Fisher Voices Across UNOC

Our delegation also participated in key discussions and press engagements throughout the week:

• Official SSF Press Conference: Gwen Pennarun joined SSFs from Latin America, West Africa, and Asia to call for greater access to global policy spaces.
• Data for Impact (Abaolbi Event): Séamus Bonner and Marta Cavallé highlighted the need for fisher-led, inclusive data systems to advance the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines.
• Ocean Action Panel (Blue Zone): Sandrine Thomas brought a frontline perspective to a high-level discussion on sustainable ocean governance.
• Global SSF Event (Blue Zone): Gwen and Sandrine participated in the only Blue Zone session fully dedicated to small-scale fishers—uniting voices from every continent in a collective call for fairness, food security, and recognition.

Building Alliances for Change

We also used our time in Nice to strengthen connections and deepen collaboration:

• Bilateral Meetings: Gwen and campaign coordinator Ken met with MEP Emma Forreau and Deputy Gabriel Amard to raise urgent SSF issues in France.
• Fisher–Funder Exchange: At the Collaborative Currents event, fishers met directly with funders to explore future partnerships through a dynamic speed-networking format.
• 30×30 Bloomberg Event: Our team engaged with marine protection advocates and policymakers on how to ensure small-scale fishers are part of the ocean protection conversation.
• Daily SSF Breakfasts: These informal gatherings allowed SSFs from across the globe to exchange strategies, build solidarity, and align on shared goals.