Pontos x UNCTAD: A Shared Vision
The study examines the energy transition challenges and opportunities for fishing fleets in developing countries, highlighting their critical role in food security, employment, and livelihoods. Key points include:
Emissions & Climate Impact: Fishing fleets rely heavily on fossil fuels (e.g., marine diesel, heavy fuel oil), contributing significantly to GHG emissions. Onboard fuel use for propulsion and fish processing exacerbates pollution.
Policy Analysis: Reviews ocean/fisheries commitments in NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement), IMO (International Maritime Organization) regulations on emissions/fuels, and WTO discussions on fisheries subsidies.
Technological Solutions: Assesses commercially available or emerging technologies (e.g., energy-efficient engines, alternative fuels) to decarbonize fleets, while noting cost and infrastructure barriers.
Key Themes and Insights
Urgency of Action
About 90% of the global fisheries workforce is composed of small-scale and subsistence fishers who are heavily dependent on fossil fuels.
The report warns that without targeted interventions, the sector will not be able to align with global decarbonization goals. It calls for urgent policy and financial support to prevent the deepening of social and economic inequalities during the transition.
“About 90 per cent of fishers are small-scale and subsistence fishers.”
“A transition that fails to consider these social aspects can exacerbate inequality.”
— Section 6.4 Social, page 52
Call for Innovation
UNCTAD highlights the importance of adopting new technologies to drive decarbonization. This includes the use of digital tools, automation, and sustainable fuels from circular practices such as converting fish waste or seaweed into biogas. The report stresses collaboration between research institutions, the private sector, and governments to accelerate innovation and deployment.
“Explore and adopt sustainable fuel options from circular economy practices, such as transforming fish waste and seaweed into biofuel or biogas.”
“Support R&D efforts… through collaboration among research institutions, technology providers and fishing industry stakeholders.”
— Section 6, page 46
Focus on Equity
A just and equitable transition must center on protecting the livelihoods, rights, and agency of small-scale fishers and vulnerable communities. UNCTAD advocates for inclusive policy frameworks that ensure access to training, finance, and clean technologies—especially for women and marginalized groups. It stresses the need for these communities to be actively involved in decision-making and benefit-sharing.
“A just energy transition in the fisheries sector is one that avoids increasing inequalities and prioritizes the well-being, livelihoods and rights of fishers and all stakeholders in the fisheries value chain.”
“Support to small-scale fishers must be comprehensive… with particular attention to gender equity.”
— Section 6.4 Social, page 52
How Pontos Responds
At Pontos, we believe that real transformation starts by empowering those closest to the ocean. That’s why we’ve built Prisma—our onboard digital assistant—to support artisanal fishers with the tools they need to navigate a changing world. From optimizing fuel use to reducing emissions and improving safety at sea, Prisma helps fishers make smarter, faster, and more sustainable decisions—every day.
By digitizing the catch, forecasting weather, and harnessing satellite intelligence, we help unlock efficiency and traceability across the entire fishing process—making low-impact operations not just possible, but practical.
We also embrace circular economy thinking. From exploring pathways to convert fish waste into bioenergy to advocating for resource-smart systems, we are actively aligning with UNCTAD’s call for innovation and equity in the blue economy.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The UNCTAD report echoes what drives us at Pontos :
That the future of fisheries will be shaped by the intersection of technology, equity, and ocean stewardship.
We’re not just building tools—we’re building resilience. By placing advanced solutions in the hands of local fishers, we aim to make the energy transition inclusive, just, and achievable. One that uplifts communities, safeguards marine ecosystems, and redefines what sustainable fishing can be.
The latest UNCTAD report, “Decarbonizing Fishing Fleets: A Just and Equitable Transition”, brings global attention to the pressing need for low-carbon solutions in fisheries—especially among small-scale fishers in developing countries. This study serves as a foundational roadmap to balance environmental goals with socioeconomic needs in developing nations’ fisheries sectors.
The report lays out also key obstacles to a just transition, including lack of portside infrastructure, limited financing for green innovation, and risks to fisher livelihoods during the shift to cleaner technologies. National/regional efforts in energy efficiency and decarbonization are emerging but fragmented.
Because no fisher should be left behind—and every boat can be a vessel for change.
To read more, access the full UNCTAD’s report.