The challenge
The Cycladic islands and their marine waters are unique ecosystems that require special support in order to sustain and protect them. However, economic development, population growth, overfishing, uncontrolled construction, pollution and climate change significantly increase risks for marine and coastal habitats, assets and ecosystems.
The solution
Providing capacity building opportunities to local fishers is essential for enhancing their skills, knowledge, and resilience in the face of challenges such as environmental degradation, changing regulations, and market dynamics. CPF supports the capacity building of local fishermen while creating opportunities for knowledge and experience sharing, regarding small-scale sustainable fisheries.
Project’s deliverables
To this end, we covered the travel costs for a field visit to the UK for a number of representatives of Santorini (small-scale local fishery associations and the organisation “Theraic Sea Association”). During the visit, the participants, among other activities, took part in a workshop aiming at the establishment an effective operation of an MPA in the waters surrounding the island. This workshop was organized and hosted by one of our strategic partners, the Blue Marine Foundation and sponsored by the Adessium Foundation.
The workshop took place in Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve where collaboration between fishermen, conservationists, scientists and regulators achieved a “win-win” model for fishing and conservation. The fishermen involved have experienced increased catches, improved landing infrastructure and a higher catch per unit of effort and are enjoying higher prices for their catch from a market that is prepared to pay more for traceable, sustainable and high-quality fish and shellfish. Research has shown that this has led to higher levels of job and income satisfaction and a desire by younger generations to enter the industry. These benefits for fishermen have gone hand in hand with a measurable revival of marine habitats, rare species and some commercially important stocks.
The CPF signed an MoU with the “Theraic Sea Association” to support their efforts for the establishment of an MPA in the area.
Watch here how a team of divers, scientists, conservationists, engineers and ocean-lovers unites to help protect the sea in Santorini, with the support of Pierre-Yves Cousteau.
Read also the great blog by Rory Moore (from Blue Marine Foundation) about the visit of the Mediterranean fishermen in Lyme Bay and learn more!
You may be also interested in learning more about the “Cycladorama” program here