Breaking barriers to a more resilient fishing sector
Portugal’s coastline boasts one of Europe’s richest small-scale fishing traditions. However, Portuguese small-scale fisheries face a complex set of interconnected challenges.
A shrinking workforce and the sector’s limited appeal to younger generations threaten its long-term continuity, while the essential but often invisible contributions of women in processing, sales and community life are undervalued. Many fishers do not see themselves as entrepreneurs, which limits their ability to develop sustainable business strategies or make their collective voice heard. At the same time, the sector must confront growing environmental pressures.
fishers participated
to our information workshops
projects supported
by BlueMove and its partners
application support offices created
for future applications after the end of our project
A project in partnership with
One of the great outcomes of this work is the opening of support offices dedicated to fishworkers, Gabinete de Apoio ao Pescador, in 9 Portuguese ports.
Sustainable projects we supported
Decarbonation
Equipment aimed at reducing fuel consumption and engine performance like new engines and propellers, power steering, autopilot, LED lighting and solar panels.
Value chain
Equipment preserving catch quality linked to value chain improvements like insulated container for octopus.
Safety and hygiene
Life-saving and emergency equipment like vests, buoys and EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons).
About
Our experience in Portugal shows that prefinancing solutions must be redesigned, with reduced costs and lower administrative barriers to access, to better serve small-scale fishers.
Portuguese fishing communities involved
Video testimonials from fishers
The project's generated value
BlueMove spent in technical assistance
BlueMove spent in prefinancing
small-scale fishers’ sustainable projects
of European grants allocated
to fishers after our mission accomplished
The project in photos
