The GFCM is launching a university devoted to small-scale fisheries. The SSF University will offer workshops and training courses to small-scale fishers and fish workers across the Mediterranean and the Black Sea region.

Small-scale fishers represent 84 percent of the total regional fishing fleet and 60% of total onboard jobs. Yet despite the important role of SSF in the region, small-scale fishers often fail to be engaged in the decision-making processes. The governments of the region recognized the need to promote their access to financial resources and facilitate education and training opportunities.