During the first week of May, the first annual meeting of the European project MeCCAM took place in Rhodes, Greece. All project participants came together, comprising 15 partners in total, with the project covering six sea regions. The aim of the project is to develop mitigation and adaptation measures in response to the impacts of climate change for fishing companies, authorities and other stakeholders in European fisheries.
The meeting lasted three days and covered the status and progress of the project. Participants were briefed on the state of fisheries in Greece and took part in a sightseeing tour of the island. A particular highlight was a barbecue hosted by the local partners, where new and unfamiliar species were on the menu.
One of the challenges facing Greek fisheries due to climate change is the arrival of new species that have no natural predators in the traditional Greek ecosystem and are therefore considered invasive. One possible solution is to offer tourists fishing trips in which these species are caught and cooked. The fourth day was optional, and included just such a fishing trip. Although the catch was not particularly plentiful, participants had an enjoyable time.
We extend our warmest thanks to our hosts in Greece for their warm reception and a most successful meeting.
The project runs for four years and is funded by the Horizon programme of the European Union.