A new Policy Brief from the European Marine Board, produced under the EU-funded EcoScope project, sheds light on how Europeans view sustainable fisheries management.

Led by Marie Briguglio of the University of Malta, the survey gathered insights from over 1,500 citizens in the UK, Bulgaria, and Malta. While most respondents had never heard of Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM), they strongly supported its goals: protecting marine life, improving regulations, and promoting sustainable seafood.

Highlights include:

• Most people eat fish weekly and are willing to pay more for sustainably sourced products.

• There is broad backing for regulations funded by public money or private donations.

• Citizens want fisheries management that safeguards food security and ecosystem services.

The brief recommends raising awareness, integrating public values into policy, and examining social impacts to ensure long-term success.

Read more on the European Marine Board website.