As part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has been given the mandate to regulate and discipline global fisheries subsidies. The main goal is to eliminate IUU subsidies and prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing. The EU has one of the most advanced, innovative and transparent funding systems that contribute to the sustainable exploitation and management of marine resources. Yet, EU fuel tax relief schemes are in the spotlight as certain WTO parties consider these as harmful subsidies.

According to Europêche, fuel supplied for the purpose of navigation, fishing and aviation have been historically exempted from taxation to ensure an international level playing field and cannot be considered as subsidies.

Furthermore, in an attempt to justify the elimination of fuel tax breaks, certain countries and civil society groups claim that these schemes have contributed to overcapacity and overfishing. However, the sector argues that this is far from the truth, particularly in the case of the EU. Daniel Voces, managing director of Europêche declared: “Opposite to other countries in the world that have exponentially grown their fishing fleets, the EU fleet has been reduced by 22.000 fishing vessels over the last 20 years[1]. In addition, despite tax exemptions, fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions from fishing are down by 18% in only 10 years. As for the overfishing claims, fish stocks have been increasing significantly reaching in the North East Atlantic levels 50% higher than in 2010. Besides, 99% of the landings from EU-regulated stocks come from sustainable fish populations”.

Europêche recalls that fuel costs may exceed 40% of the total operational costs for fishing companies and therefore its taxation would put the EU industry at a competitive disadvantage with other countries with lower fuel prices and taxes. It would also cause a huge increase in fish prices rendering seafood unaffordable to many final consumers. Furthermore, at this moment, it is almost impossible in WTO context to control or enforce unfair subsidies to foreign fishing companies given the lack of data and transparency in many countries. Besides, developing countries may be exempted from fuel taxation.

Daniel Voces, stated: “The taxation of fuel for fishing would bring about little ecological benefits while resulting in an unprecedented large-scale bankruptcy for many fishing companies condemned to disappear. Family businesses would not be able to meet the expenses caused by the increase in fuel costs which, in some cases, could double the current fuel price for fishing vessels”.

The fishing industry calls on the EU to defend fuel tax relief schemes for all European vessels, regardless of their size, flag or fishing area where they operate. “No one should be discriminated or left behind”, Mr Voces concluded.

[1] The number of EU vessels in 2019 was 81 253 compared to 103 834 in 1996.

Press contacts:

Rosalie Tukker, Policy Advisor of Europêche: +32 2 230 48 48  rosalie.tukker@europeche.org

EP Press Release – WTO Negotiations Fishery Subsidies

There is an apparent disconnect between perceptions and reality regarding ocean health. Reasons may include the fact that bad news spreads faster than good news, or the success of misleading campaigns about the state of the oceans which many describe as to be on the verge of collapse.

However, nothing could be further from the truth. According to Europêche, after years of good management and reduction of fishing pressure, fish stocks, particularly in the North East Atlantic, have been increasing significantly reaching in only 10 years, levels 50% higher than in 2010. Besides, 99% of the landings from EU-regulated stocks, 79% at global level, come from sustainable fish stocks. This appears to indicate that the European catch sector has achieved a good balance between food security and biodiversity. Furthermore, thanks to the decreasing low carbon footprint of the sector, 40% down if compared to 1990’s levels, seafood is one of the best food choices to ensure climate protection. 

According to Europêche, EU fishers understand themselves as part of the marine environment, the sea is their workplace, and as such they depend directly on the good health of marine ecosystems. Daniel Voces, managing director of Europêche, pointed out that: “As guardians of the sea, our fishermen are the first and most interested in taking care of the oceans. For many years they have shown their commitment to responsible fishing, nature, science and seafood supply now and for future generations. Fishing is their way of life. Mr Voces reminded that: “It is fundamental to bring the focus of EU policies on the human side of a sector that cares about its people and the planet. Hundreds of family-run fishing companies are working hard to feed the world’s population with the healthiest animal protein there is, even during the Covid-19 pandemic, creating wealth and employment throughout the entire value chain with the least possible environmental impact.”

The fishing industry represented by Europêche has developed a common vision for the upcoming five years for fishers to be seen, by EU institutions as well as civil society, as part of the solution rather than the problem to face global environmental threats. As part of this new narrative, Europêche aims to communicate the success of good fisheries management and its contribution to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Particular focus will be placed on a balanced approach to the three pillars of sustainability, uphold a zero tolerance against IUU fishing, maintain an international level playing field, debunk myths, prioritise access to traditional fishing grounds, defend the principles of a social economy, support EU fish production, promote EU fisheries agreement, enhance international ocean governance and build trust among EU citizens to generate social license to operate in the seas. 

Press contacts:

Rosalie Tukker, Policy Advisor of Europêche: +32 2 230 48 48  rosalie.tukker@europeche.org

EP Press Release – Mission Statement