Fishery Mediterranean Network
Decades of overfishing have dramatically harmed the Mediterranean fisheries sector. Catches are now diminishing, impacting negatively on revenues and jobs. As a result, fishing appeal to young people is sharply decreasing. Yet, fishing is still a key Mediterranean economic sector with a high - through underexploited - commercial potential including diversification and integration with other sectors such as fishing tourism, environmental marine services, fishery heritage and food-chain innovation. Unfortunately, the industry remains too fragmented, MSMEs are not enough interconnected and the public authorities are not proving capable to provide the needed enabling environment. FISH MED NET addresses these enduring drawbacks. The project will train fisheries MSMEs in increasing their diversification and integration potential and favoring the development of new products and services. New business alliances will fill the integration gap among MSMEs by fostering common business models and marketing activities. Finally, the project will develop public authorities capacities to encourage both a sustainable and successful development of the fishing sector.