Spain: Journey towards Sustainable Fishing in Galicia

In Galicia, northwest Spain, small-scale fisheries (SSF) are vital to the economy and culture, employing around 10,000 fishers (with half of the fisherwomen in Spain, working in Galicia) and supporting over 16,460 people indirectly. With over 3,827 small boats across 80 coastal towns, SSF accounts for more than 60% of fishing jobs, making Galicia one of Europe’s most fishing-dependent regions.

However, the sector faces challenges like overfishing, climate change, pollution, and competition for maritime space, threatening its sustainability. In response, seven Galician fishing organizations founded Lonxanet Directo in 2001, the EU’s first online retailer for sustainable SSF, aiming to combat overfishing, improve prices, and rebuild consumer trust.

Profits from this venture established the Fundación Lonxanet Para la Pesca Sostenible (FLPS - https://fundacionlonxanet.org/) in 2002, promoting sustainability in fishing communities. Despite setbacks like the Prestige oil spill and the 2008 financial crisis, FLPS persisted, supporting new entrepreneurs and advocating for sustainable fishing practices.

After two decades of impactful work, FLPS is planning a generational leadership transition to address emerging challenges in ocean sustainability. In the next two years, the foundation aims to renew its organizational structure and strategic vision, guided by two women experienced in SSF and ocean sustainability. Supported by the Lighthouse Foundation, this transition will include a comprehensive strategic plan and enhanced stakeholder relationships. By 2027, FLPS aims to fully implement its new leadership model, ensuring continued positive impact on Galicia’s SSF sector.

Community Engagement and Future Goals
FLPS will focus on community involvement and stakeholder engagement through participatory workshops with fishers, policymakers, scientists, and donors. A detailed succession plan will ensure knowledge continuity and effective leadership transition. As it embarks on this new phase, FLPS remains dedicated to supporting small-scale fishers and preserving Galicia’s maritime heritage. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the foundation aims to contribute to a sustainable future for global oceans.

FLPS has led several impactful initiatives:

1. Os Miñarzos Marine Reserve: Established in 2003, this was Spain and Europe’s first co-managed marine reserve. It set a precedent for collaborative marine conservation, influencing policies in Portugal and Catalonia. Plans are underway to expand the reserve to 45,000 hectares by 2026.
2. Mar de Lira: From 2003 to 2011, FLPS supported Spain’s first small-scale fishing tourism project, educating over 17,000 schoolchildren and hosting more than 400 tourists. This initiative raised awareness about the importance of small-scale fishing.
3. RESTAURAMAR: Running from 2012 to 2018, this network promoted sustainable seafood in the hospitality sector, collaborating with organizations like Slow Food and LIFE Platform. It emphasized food sovereignty and sustainable marine resource management.
4. Fresco y del Mar: Launched in 2014, this online fishmonger continued Lonxanet Directo’s legacy, sourcing seafood from environmentally respectful fisheries. The company grew significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. TransforMar.  The TransforMar project has promoted the creation of companies in 2019 within the framework of a sustainable blue economy, with a social impact and positive impact on the sea.
6. SOSCANO. The project developed and applied a governance tool to improve the environmental, economic and social sustainability of the management of fishery resources and the marine environment in the Northwest Cantabrian National Fishing Ground.