2024 has been a big year for NAPA! It saw us shaking up the programme – extending our innovative Fisheries Improvement Projects for two years and unveiling a bold new look to kick off this renewed push for sustainable pelagic fisheries. Throughout, we have never lost sight of what we’re here to achieve: the sustainable management of Atlanto-Scandian herring and North East Atlantic blue whiting and mackerel. It’s the season for looking back and seeing just how much we’ve achieved, so here are some of our key moments.
Sticking closely to our evidence-based approach, we commissioned research to underscore the continued and alarming decline of the Atlanto-Scandian herring population.
We got out and about – attending international conferences to continue our engagement throughout the seafood supply chain and bring more market voices into NAPA. We also joined official Coastal States Negotiations and North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) meetings to put forward our position in person to decision makers.
In fact, we never let up on our direct advocacy to the Coastal States. Ultimately this is a political problem that must be solved through equitable catch-sharing agreements.
That said, we know how important our role is as the voice of the marketplace – and this was a year to push harder than ever for the change we need to see. 2024 saw the start of the final 2-year countdown before NAPA Partners take stock of whether sustainable management has been achieved and make some serious sourcing decisions. We re-energised our campaign for responsible management of pelagic fisheries and were delighted to welcome Dr Rob Blyth-Skyrme as our new Technical Lead. Rob brings a wealth of experience in how to develop sustainable approaches to fisheries management.
In December, we wrapped up this momentous year with an in-person meeting between NAPA Partners, the catching sector and Coastal States representatives. Discussions were open and constructive – and we did not shy away from once again reminding the Coastal States what we are here to achieve: a robust and credible management regime that can deliver stock sustainability.
This has been a year of fresh perspectives and reinvigorated determination. As we move forward, one thing is clear: breaking this impasse requires everyone to understand the gravity of what’s at stake, to come together, and to commit wholeheartedly to a sustainable future for North East Atlantic pelagic fisheries. This time next year, we hope our 2025 recap celebrates a brighter, more certain future for these species.
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Date of issue: 5 December 2022 The North Atlantic Pelagic Advocacy Group (NAPA) has announced...
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Date of issue: 10 May 2022 Since February of this year, Northeast Atlantic Coastal States...
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