The eighth edition of Slow Fish inaugurated today in Genoa

“The Mediterranean shouts for help: it’s time for collective action”

The eighth edition of Slow Fish—the international event dedicated to the world of fish and marine ecosystems organized by Slow Food and the Region of Liguria — is under way in Genoa’s Porto Antico (Italy) until May 21, 2017.

To officially open the event, there is a convention on the state of the Mediterranean Sea and the European marine strategy.

Silvio Greco, marine biologist, advisor to the Ministry of the Environment and Protection of Land and Sea, and Chair of the Slow Fish Scientific Committee, affirms: “There are 22 different states on the Mediterranean, seven of them are members of the European Union. The risk is that the sea is going to be reduced to a res nullius and that no one will take responsibility for this ‘tragedy of the commons’.  The alarm stems from overfishing, global warming, water contamination partly caused by marine littering: a central theme on the agenda at the upcoming G7 Environment Ministers Meeting in Bologna, planned for June 11 and 12.”

It is necessary to intervene and coordinate on a broader, international level. The EU Directive on Marine Strategy aims to ensure the sustainability and the protection of the Mediterranean ecosystem. It envisages a set of environmental policies designed to monitor the vitality of the seas and sets Member States the target of achieving ‘good environmental status’ (GES) for their waters by 2020.

Karmenu Vella, European Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries: “In recent months we have witnessed two important innovations: the signing of the MedFish4Ever Declaration for Sustainable Fisheries by ministers from 13 countries in the Mediterranean basin and the 10-country agreement on the Initiative for the Western Mediterranean. These are steps that go beyond the boundaries of the Union, set clear objectives on the sustainability and defense of marine and coastal ecosystems, and will help to create a new and collaborative system for fisheries management. The great heritage of our sea, both in terms of both biological and economic resources, is at risk. We have the precise and collective responsibility to implement these tools in the years to come. Mare Nostrum shouts for help, and it’s time to act.”

The speech by European Commissioner Karmenu Vella can be seen here.

For further information, please contact:

Slow Food International Press Office

[email protected] – Twitter: @SlowFoodPress

Region of Liguria: Jessica Nicolini – 340 3964399 – [email protected]

Slow Food is a global grassroots organization that envisions a world in which all people can access and enjoy food that is good for them, good for those who grow it and good for the planet. Slow Food involves over a million activists, chefs, experts, youth, farmers, fishers and academics in over 160 countries. Among them, a network of around 100,000 Slow Food members are linked to 1,500 local chapters worldwide, contributing through their membership fee, as well as the events and campaigns they organize. As part of the network, more than 2,400 Terra Madre food communities practice small-scale and sustainable production of quality food around the world.

Slow Fish. During Slow Fish, held biennially in Genoa (Italy), academics, researchers, small-scale fishers, representatives of public bodies and enthusiasts meet to discuss sustainable fishing and production, responsible fish consumption and the health of marine and freshwater ecosystems. A large market, conferences, meetings, workshops and tasting sessions make Slow Fish a unique event entirely dedicated to the world of fish.