Building sustainable markets for small-scale coastal fishers

Small-scale fishers along Cádiz’s coast in southern Spain often struggle for representation in national and EU discussions dominated by larger fleets, while many local species are "data-limited stocks" hindering sustainable management. Established in 2010, the producer organisation OPP72, representing around 70 producers and 59 vessels from Conil, La Atunara, and Rota ports, combines local expertise with scientific research on fish stocks and ecosystems to support livelihoods and marine resources.

With EU support via production and marketing plans, OPP72 launched the "Pescado de Conil" certification with QR-coded tags for full traceability, a digital auction platform, an online shop, and an innovative laser traceability system for clams. The organisation also runs educational campaigns with schools and restaurants, plus coral restoration projects, inspiring the next generation, proving fishers as environmental stewards, and boosting market access, trust, and sustainability.