On March 24th, 2025, we hosted the Make Fishing Fair (MFF) Workshop bringing together small-scale fishers (SSFs) from across Europe to strengthen their role in fisheries policy and advocacy and feed into the MFF campaign strategy. This event provided a platform for small-scale fishers to share challenges, shape campaign strategies, and contribute to policy discussions.

We welcomed fishers from seven European countries, using simultaneous interpretation of 4 languages for the event to ensure inclusivity. The workshop enables four key outcomes: 

• Fostering Unity & Representation: We gathered a representative group of SSFs to ensure their voices remain central to the Make Fishing Fair campaign.
• Shaping Fisheries Policy: Discussions centered around key policy developments, including the CFP reform, Article 17 implementation, and fisheries subsidies, outlining how SSFs can have a say in upcoming legislative decisions
• Strengthening Campaign Actions: Participants refined the Make Fishing Fair strategy and identified three key advocacy actions to drive change in 2025-2026.
• Bridging Policy & Action: The workshop set the stage for SSFs to engage in upcoming advocacy opportunities, including the CFP consultation, the UN Ocean Conference, and key parliamentary events.

The workshop reinforced the importance of a fisher-led movement to push for fairer policies and greater transparency in fisheries management. With strengthened strategies and clear next steps, we are committed to ensuring small-scale fishers to remain at the forefront of this campaign and decision-making.