Greece

Case Study 6 focuses on Greece, where the small-scale fisheries (SSF) sector, while not a key national economic driver, plays a crucial role in maintaining the social fabric and economic activity of coastal communities. Fishers take pride in their work, yet the sector faces several structural and environmental challenges. These include an ageing fleet with outdated equipment, difficulties in generational renewal due to low profitability, and a steady decline in active fishers and vessels. Additionally, climate change has facilitated the spread of invasive non-indigenous species (NIS), such as the toxic silver-cheeked toadfish, which threatens both marine ecosystems and the viability of the SSF sector, particularly in regions like the Dodecanese and Crete.

The case study aims to address these multifaceted challenges through a series of targeted actions. These include co-mapping hotspots of invasive NIS and testing digital tools, such as a mobile app for catch registration that adapts to shifting species distributions. The seafood supply chain will be analysed for inefficiencies, while alternative seafood networks will be explored to promote the consumption of edible NIS. For species not suitable for human consumption, circular economy-based scenarios will be investigated. Technical innovations such as selective gear adaptations and a pilot incineration supply chain for the silver-cheeked toadfish will also be described. Finally, the case will identify and support emerging business opportunities, such as fishing tourism and waste valorisation, to build sectoral resilience and contribute to climate change mitigation.