On the 9th June, in Nice harbour, the UK Young Fishermen Network (YFN) partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to deliver a ground breaking event onboard the Norwegian tall ship, Statsraad Lehmkuhl titled “From Legacy to Leadership: Youth-led Action for Ocean Sustainability.”
The event bought together the next generation of seafood producers, scientists and NGOs to discuss the future needs for youth within fisheries & aquaculture and to set the agenda for building capacity, effective management and science & research.
“We are so proud to represent Cornwall here at the UN Ocean Conference, championing our role as food producers and an important part of coastal communities are something we have always been proud of.” Will Greenhalgh, young fisherman & YFN Rep for Port Isaac.
The Young Fishermen Network was joined on stage with youth leaders from Indonesia, Sierre Leone, Solomon Islands and Sudan to deliver a compelling and passionate message for the next generation of fishermen, scientists and fisheries managers. The outcomes statement will set out to achieve healthy and sustainably managed seafood systems and vibrant coastal communities. Organised by the World Food Forum & FAO, the session tackled critical and challenging barriers facing the next generation of ocean stewards.
Matilda Phillips, YFN Coordinator co-led a powerful discussion on capacity building “It was incredible to work with youth who are actively shaping the future of the industry, we loud and clearly ask to be supported if we’re to build a continuously resilient and sustainable seafood sector together.”
“Youth are not just the future of fishing—they are the present. We’re already shaping what will define our industry for decades to come,” said James Roberts, young fisherman & YFN Rep for Newlyn. “It’s vital that youth is supported at home and on the global agenda.”
YFN continues to amplify the voices of young commercial fishers through community events, online content, and policy engagement. Their presence at the UN Ocean Conference marks a pivotal moment in their mission to increase recruitment and retention of young talent into the fishing & seafood industry.
The Young Fishermen Network is hosted by Cornish Fish Producers Organisation & CRCC, and is funded by the MMO’s Fisheries and Seafood Scheme, Ocean Fish, The Fishmongers Company and the ROCC project by the University of Exeter.
