PHAROS launches its first Fisher Guardian Program awareness activities in Gran Canaria

• September 16, 2026

The PHAROS project is set to launch the first of a series of awareness activities with professional fishers under the Fisher Guardian Program. The inaugural activity will take place on 23 September 2026 at the Port of San Cristóbal, within the Gran Canaria Living Lab.

Marine litter is a global problem with direct consequences for the fishing sector. As people who know the sea and encounter this problem in their daily work, fishers play a key role in tackling marine litter and possess the knowledge and experience needed to identify effective solutions.

The Fisher Guardian Program’s awareness activities will be delivered through participatory workshops, creating a space where professional fishers can share their experiences, discuss the challenges they face and jointly explore practical measures to tackle marine litter, improve litter management and reduce the loss of fishing gear, among other challenges.

The first workshop will bring together artisanal fishers from across Gran Canaria. It is organised by CIIMAR, PLOCAN and PESCATOBAL, with the collaboration of the Grupo de Acción Costera de Gran Canaria.

By adopting an inclusive and participatory approach, these activities aim to place fishers’ knowledge at the centre of the discussion and strengthen their essential role as Guardians of the Ocean, contributing to a cleaner and healthier ocean.