The declaration rightly underscores the role of sustainable fisheries not only in preserving marine ecosystems but also in addressing poverty, hunger and malnutrition. More than 800 million people worldwide depend on blue food systems for their livelihoods—fisheries are fundamental to both people and planet.

This global commitment is echoed at the European level through the recent launch of the EU Ocean Pact. The Pact acknowledges the essential role of fisheries in Europe’s economy, food systems, and maritime heritage, calling for stronger policies to ensure a fair and sustainable future for fishers.

As European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated during UNOC3: Our fishermen and fisherwomen work tirelessly to feed us, day and night, in all conditions. Yet factors such as unfair competition are pushing too many of them out of business.

Europêche echoes this call for stronger EU and international action to support fishers, reverse harmful trends, and ensure the long-term viability of the fishing sector as a key pillar of ocean governance and coastal livelihoods.

At the conference, FAO unveiled its Review of the State of World Marine Fishery Resources 2025, bringing positive news. According to the report, in the Northeast Atlantic, 75.8% of assessed fish stocks are considered biologically sustainable—a figure that rises to 86.6% when weighted by catch volume (landings). For tuna, the results are particularly impressive, with 99.3% of global landings coming from sustainable sources, thanks to the successful implementation of robust management plans by Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs).

Europêche at UNOC3: Driving sustainable fisheries through dialogue and innovation

At the United Nations Ocean Conference, Europêche played an active role in shaping the global conversation on the future of sustainable fisheries and ocean governance. As a committed partner, Europêche co-organised and participated in several high-level events that underscore the sector’s contributions to food security, technological advancement and climate action.

In collaboration with international partners such as Better Food Future, Satlink and EBCD, Europêche highlighted how digital traceability, blue technologies and advanced management approaches can support resilient marine ecosystems and sustainable seafood systems. These events also explored how data reported by the sector and innovation can significantly boost fisheries and ocean science, as increasingly demonstrated in the EU, helping achieve global sustainability goals like SDG14.

Political dialogue: building stronger EU supply chains

Alongside key representatives from the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector—including FEAP, EAPO, EBFA, and AIPCE-CEP—, stakeholders exchanged views with key Members of the European Parliament on UNOC3 Declaration and the newly launched EU Ocean Pact.

During the meeting, the sector underscored the need for a comprehensive strategy that supports economic growth, innovation and long-term sustainability in seafood production. In response to rising global food demands and the need to revitalize seafood consumption within the EU, industry representatives called for the creation of a dedicated EU Action Plan for Blue Foods. This plan would aim to increase the supply and consumption of sustainable, high-quality seafood across Europe.

Press Contact: 

Daniel Voces, Managing Director of Europêche | Email: daniel.voces@europeche.org Phone: +32 489268107

Anne-France Mattlet, Deputy Director of Europêche | Email: anne-france.mattlet@europeche.org +33 678 11 63 01 

EP Press Release – UNOC

The Tribunal concluded that the approach taken by the UK with regard to sandeel fishing in English waters of the North Sea did not align with the principle of proportionality embedded in the TCA. This interpretation reinforces the importance of balanced and evidence-based conservation measures, as well as the need for consistent access arrangements for both parties under the agreement.

According to Kenn Skau, board member of Europêche: ‘This ruling highlights the value of proportionate, science-led fisheries management, and underscores the importance of upholding international commitments. We now hope this will pave the way for EU fishers to regain access to UK waters and to continue sustainably harvesting the vital sandeel quota.’ He continued: ‘The fishery is strictly managed in accordance with scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), which is globally recognised for its robust and evidence-based stock assessments.’

Europêche extend its sincere appreciation to the European Commission and Members of the European Parliament for its dedication and hard work in defending EU interests in this case.

Mr Skau concluded: ‘This outcome underscores the value of international dispute resolution and cooperation. We now look forward to engaging constructively with the UK to restore access and ensure the effective, sustainable management of our shared marine resources.’

Press Contact: 

Daniel Voces, Managing Director of Europêche | Email: daniel.voces@europeche.org +32 489 26 81 07 

EP Press Release – Sandeel EU UK

During the conference, high-level authorities from EU and China, showed a strong spirit of commitment to enhance coordination and cooperation in global fora, such as the FAO and international fisheries management bodies (RFMOs) with the goal to promote better governance, science, compliance and science-based fisheries management. China particularly expressed its wish to work with the EU to tackle climate change and illegal (IUU) fishing.

Daniel Voces, managing director of Europêche, declared: “Achieving sustainable fisheries requires a holistic approach that combines science, policy, enforcement and stakeholder engagement. All these elements are integrated in the current international conventions (UNCLOS, PSMA, C188, WTO fish subsidies, CTA, CBD, BBNJ, STCW-F), which are the common denominator of what should be considered by all countries in the world as the accepted level of sustainability. The international community needs to ratify and implement those rules at once. China, as the most prominent fishing nation in the world, must take responsibility and be instrumental in its region and in global arena to drive change. We need a global race to the top, not to the bottom”.

All participants agreed that international cooperation is fundamental to create momentum as well as to boost innovation, knowledge and capacity building in developing countries. 

Mr Voces concluded: “The European market demands nothing less than high standards and expects fleets from all countries to operate with the same level of sustainability as European fleets. This is crucial to ensure fair competition within the EU market. The EU cannot allow a situation where it opens its doors to products of questionable origin and practices, while burdening its own industry with rigorous sustainability requirements and controls”.

In this context, Mr Voces reminded that, as long as the situation does not change, it is imperative for the EU to continue using its internal market and fisheries policies to combat illegal fishing and labour abuse as well as to drive global change. This approach not only preserves the sustainability of European waters but also fosters equitable competition.

Press contact:

Rosalie Tukker, Senior Policy Officer of Europêche: +32 2230 48 48 rosalie.tukker@europeche.org

EP Press Release – EU China Blue Forum Shenzhen

The Commission conducted an impact assessment which does not accurately represent the actual impact on the primary producers in Europe, and instead focused on the benefits it will have for society. The Commission expects all restoration to come from the CAP or EMFAF, when these budgets are already over-stretched; and refuses to propose a concrete Restoration Fund for the benefit of all actors in this transition. As a result, in an unprecedented move, the European Parliament’s Committees on Agriculture (AGRI) and Fisheries (PECH) have rejected the proposal. On 15 June, the European Parliament’s Committee on Environment (ENVI) will take a final decision on the file. Copa-Cogeca and Europêche call on this Committee to hear and respect the concerns of the farmer and fisher communities and request the Commission to restart the process from the scratch.

The European Commission proposed last year a Nature Restoration Law, introducing new legally binding targets and obligations for Member States, and indirectly on our European primary production sectors. All Members of the European Parliament who supported rejection said yes to nature restoration but no to an ill-thought out, unrealistic, and unimplementable legislation that endangers farmers and fishers’ livelihoods and food production in the EU. These sectors have been facing not only global challenges (e.g., Covid, energy crisis, war), but also radical environmental EU policies that are deeply affecting EU food production and food sovereignty.

Niels Peter Nørring, Chairman of the Working Party on Environment for Copa-Cogeca, declared: “A good Nature Restoration Law cannot be designed without the clear commitment of farmers and fishermen. So, instead of threats and backdoor deals, the European Commission should go back to the drawing board. EU authorities must respect and acknowledge that those who will be implementing this law do not see it as feasible, workable, nor implementable.”

Javier Garat, President of Europêche, commented: “The Commission has created a polarised debate around the EU Nature Restoration Law. Likewise, NGOs have politicized and simplified the debate by listing MEPs in favour or against nature. But the problem is that we have reached a point where protection is synonymous with exclusion. We must try to make environmental protection compatible with human activity and in particular with the much-needed production of food. We are already importing 70% of the seafood we are consuming in Europe. The new Law will certainly contribute to increase the food security gap.”

According to the sector, the troubled debate about the new environmental law made one thing clear. In order to meet the needs of its people, the EU must give a straight answer to fundamental question: How much food should the EU produce/import and is it wise to entrust our food security to third countries?

Copa and Cogeca are the united voice of farmers and agri-cooperatives in the EU. Together, we ensure that EU agriculture is sustainable, innovative and competitive, while guaranteeing food security for 500 million people throughout Europe. More information www.copa-cogeca.eu.

Press contacts:

Niall Curley, Senior Policy Advisor: niall.curley@copa-cogeca.eu

Jean-Baptiste Boucher, Communication Director: +32 474 84 08 36 | jean-baptiste.boucher@copa-cogeca.eu

Daniel Voces De Onaíndi, Managing Director: +32 2 230 48 48 | daniel.voces@europeche.org

EP, COPA and COGECA Press Release – United call for rejection of unrealistic nature legislation that endangers farmers and fishers livelihoods and food production in the EU

The European fishing industry represented by Europêche urges the EU not to co-sign a Panama’s proposal to include blue shark in Appendix II of CITES. This country is seeking support from the international community to adopt trade restrictions for this and other shark species at the 19^th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (Panama City, 14-25 November 2022). Furthermore, according to the sector, the proposal lacks both the necessary scientific and legal basis. Blue sharks are sufficiently protected and regulated to ensure its sustainable exploitation and legal trade, rendering unnecessary additional CITES measures.

The fishing sector recognises the work of CITES to ensure that the international trade does not threaten the survival of marine species. However, the sector notes with concern that some countries like Panama consider the need to heavily restrict the commercialization of blue sharks, just because there is a “visual resemblance” with other shark species which are protected.

Daniel Voces, managing director of Europêche, declared: “Regardless of the fact that this approach completely disregards the good state, control and management of the stock, we are shocked to learn that a government is seriously considering restricting trade just because it looks like other sharks for the untrained eye. First, blue sharks, including their fins, have clearly distinguishable biological characteristics that can be verified by fisheries inspectors and DNA tests. Second, in the EU and many other parts of the world, the fins must remain attached to the body up until the place of landing. Once landed and then exported, governments issue a catch certificate that accompanies the fish up until it reaches the consumer.”

Europêche reminds that before taken a decision with an impact on commercial fish stocks, the EU is bound by the Common Fisheries Policy. This Regulation requires the EU to take decisions based on scientific advice, including a socio-economic impact assessment, and following consultation with the stakeholders. Regrettably, none of these steps have been taken so far.

Daniel Voces concluded: “The listing of blue shark in Appendix II of CITES, would bring about unnecessary red tape and adverse socio-economic effects to the fleet. The EU should instead put a stop to irrational and disproportionate proposals of dubious credibility. It should be reminded that the initiative comes from a country against which the European Commission has reissued for the second time a yellow card, warning that it is not doing enough to fight illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.“

The EU sector has been working on a Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP BLUES) since 2019, covering 90% of the EU blue shark catches. This project is the first of its kind in the world that includes the blue shark and monitors the status of the stocks, currently meeting high sustainability levels.

Abstract about blue sharks’ biology (BSH)

The biological characteristics of the species are not at all comparable to those of other species of the family or genera/species specifically named in the Panama proposal. The available scientific literature identifies BSH as the most abundant, most widely distributed, most fertile and fastest growing species of elasmobranchs, this species being one of the most tolerant to exploitation compared to other shark species, including to other species of its own family. Its reproductive strategy with average litters of about 30 individuals (but with levels of up to 60 individuals or more per litter) explains the success and high abundance of this species in different oceans, with a very wide geographic distribution.

The fin of the blue shark (Prionace glauca) is easily distinguishable, even separated from the body, due to its characteristic metallic blue coloration, because it lacks spines at the base of the fin and presents a typical indentation (keel) in the peduncle.

CITES, as any other responsible fisheries decision-making body, should analyse each species on a case-by-case basis, and not families. RFMOs such as ICCAT or IOTC, are better suited in this case to closely monitor the state and progress of blue shark stocks and to regulate the species accordingly.

Press contacts:

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

EP Press Release – Blue Shark CITES

Despite the numerous calls from the EU on all countries to take proportional effort and responsibility towards the good management and full recovery of bigeye tuna, some countries[1] have been increasing catches of tropical tuna stocks in the last decade, in stark contrast with the catch reductions for the EU fleet. After long debates, ICCAT parties decided to set a TAC of 62,000 tonnes for bigeye tuna, a roll-over of the TAC of 110,000 tonnes for yellowfin, as well as a period of closure of fishing on FADs[2] being reduced from 3 months to 72 days over the entire area of ​​the Atlantic.

Mr Javier Garat, President of Europêche, declared: “An increase in the bigeye tuna TAC to 75,000 tonnes was possible and within the limits set by scientific recommendations. This would have particularly benefited some developing coastal countries and, as such, it was a missed opportunity. Europêche also regrets the continuation of the FAD closure, although slightly reduced, given its excessive socio-economic impact. Nevertheless, European tuna fishing vessels will continue to follow and respect ICCAT’s recommendations”.

Concerning the North Atlantic albacore stock, the sector criticises the unjustified introduction of a precautionary approach much stricter than usual for a stock that is in healthy conditions. In addition, the stock will remain underexploited given the absence of a revision of the management objectives which will be addressed next year by the ICCAT’s scientific committee. “Regrettably, our fishermen have not stopped tightening their belts on their national quota since 2016 due to a lack of timely legislative action” indicates Javier Garat.

Finally, the shortfin mako shark has been the subject of long debates leading to a retention ban for the year 2022 and 2023, pending an assessment by the scientific committee on the possible retention of already dead specimens. The retention on board of mako sharks that arrive dead to the vessel was defended by the European Union and the sector. “The president of ICCAT’s scientific committee already specified in 2019 that discarding dead fish does not bring any conservation value to the rebuilding of the stock. Besides, it’s a waste of food, prevents the collection of scientific data and does not recognise the efforts made by EU fishermen who have reduced their catches by almost 40% in the last few years” denounces Javier Garat.

Europêche once again criticises the opposition and veto of certain Asian countries to introduce the obligation to provide more data to scientists and to land the fins naturally attached to the bodies, an obligation already applied in the EU. Javier Garat concluded: “ICCAT should be categorical on this point, “no data, no fishing”.

[1] For instance, Senegal, China, Korea and Brazil.

[2] Fishing Aggregated devices used in the purse-seine fishery.

Press contacts:

Daniel Voces, Managing Director of Europêche: +32 2 230 48 48  daniel.voces@europeche.org

EP Press Release – ICCAT 2021

As an analogy, let us imagine a driver that systematically ignores a red light, every day, for around thirty years. This traffic light was set by an authority to address an issue at a crossroads, including a video-camera to monitor compliance. While the driver is identified, no ticket is handed out. This authority believes that penalties do not help to bring change and simply calls the driver from time to time, to tap on the shoulder and encourage to do better next time. To no avail. At the same time, hundreds of cars crash to avoid hitting the non-compliant driver. To add injury to insult, the reckless driver is rewarded with a car insurance fee discount every year. One would think such a situation cannot happen in reality.

Nonetheless in the world of fishing, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a Resolution in 1991 calling upon all members of the international community to implement before 31 December 1992 a global moratorium on all large-scale pelagic drift net fishing on the world’s oceans and seas.[1] Despite the UN ban, in 2012, the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) expressed concern that these gears were still widely used in both high seas and coastal waters of the Indian Ocean. As a consequence, the IOTC adopted a Resolution[2] that year, reinforced by another in 2017[3], setting the prohibition to use large-scale driftnets in the whole IOTC Area.  

In other words, long time ago the UN and the IOTC (a.k.a. the authorities) adopted a rule, setting a red light on the use of large pelagic drift nets. Regrettably, according to Europêche, in the Indian Ocean many of the countries that were supposed to stop by the red light, as our driver, never did, and even increased the use of drift nets or its size to over 30 km in length and more than 20 m in depth[4]. This happened because these countries were never penalized, as IOTC Member countries, and international authorities, preferred to use the tap on the shoulder approach rather than sanctioning such behavior. Furthermore, the IOTC rewarded some drift net fisheries with catch limits of yellowfin tuna since 2017 (discount on the car insurance fee), despite the existing gear ban and the fact those fisheries are poorly monitored, not even complying with the minimal IOTC requirements for observer programs or sampling in port.

Javier Garat, President of Europêche, declared: “One would expect things to go differently in 2021. Well, this is not the case. The IOTC will hold a Special Session between 7 and 12 March, with the focus put on the rebuilding of the stock of yellowfin tuna. The EU and Maldives have formally tabled proposals to the meeting. Despite the European Commission’s zero-tolerance approach towards IUU fishing, those proposals are still rewarding large pelagic drift net fisheries with catches of yellowfin tuna and solely tapping them on the shoulder through recommendations to improve gear configuration. Hence, after almost thirty years of non-compliance with international regulations, our reckless driver will continue business as usual, whereas all other fisheries are penalized with higher cuts, crashing their cars to compensate for that.” Mr Garat concluded: “We are talking about a gear banned by the EU since 2002 for migratory fisheries such as albacore, Bluefin tuna or swordfish. The EU must ensure coherence between the internal and external dimension of the CFP”.

Tuna-RFMOs have been criticized for not being able to enforce what they adopt. Unfortunately, in this case, Europêche must agree with that statement. The European fishing sector strongly believes it is high time for IOTC and other tuna-RFMOs to make drift net fisheries accountable for their actions, rather than rewarding them after thirty years of trespassing red lights. The next IOTC Special Session might represent a good opportunity for this body to start using the stick rather than the carrot. The EU should also consider to take market measures against IOTC countries not compliant with international rules. Otherwise, it may be too late for the yellowfin tuna stock to recover and for the protection of sensitive species, despite the efforts and cuts imposed on the European tuna fishing fleet.

[1] Resolution A/RES/46/215, Large-scale pelagic drift-net fishing and its impact on the living marine resources of the world’s oceans and seas

[2] Resolution 12/12

[3] Resolution 17/07

[4] Cetacean bycatch in Indian Ocean tuna gillnet fisheries (page 41)

Press contacts:

Daniel Voces, Managing Director of Europêche: +32.2.230.48.48 europeche@europeche.org

EP Press Release – IOTC Driftnets

According to the report, in 2018, total global capture fisheries production reached the highest level ever recorded at 96.4 million tonnes – an increase of 5.4% from the average of the previous three years. Catches of anchoveta by Peru and Chile accounted for most of the increase in catches. China’s catch rates have soared from almost 4 million tonnes in the 80’s to more than 15 million tonnes in 2018, representing 15% of global catches, being by far the major fish producer nowadays. The EU has had a stable fish production over the last two decades with an average of 5 million tonnes per year, representing 6% of the global catches.

In 2018, an estimated 39 million people were engaged in the primary sector of fisheries globally. Overall, the highest numbers of fishers are in Asia (85% of the world total), compared to a couple of hundred thousand fishermen in the European sector which has been suffering a significant employment reduction of 28% since 1995. Concerning the total number of fishing vessels, it was estimated to be 4.5 million, a 2.8% decrease from 2016. Asia continues to have the largest fleet with 3.1 million vessels, 68% of the global total, while the EU fishing fleet continues to shrink, numbering 83.000 vessels at present.

The majority of global fish stocks – 65.8% in 2017 – continue to be within biologically sustainable levels, almost 80% in the case of the North East Atlantic. In other words, and thanks to the good health of major species, almost 80% of the current global landings come from sustainable stocks.

Globally, 59.6% of the stocks are in fact maximally sustainably fished, an increase since 1989 due in part to what FAO highlights as improved implementation of management measures. However, the FAO warns that the fraction of fish stocks biologically unsustainable is increasing, particularly in fisheries with less-developed management mainly located in Southern Oceans. Daniel Voces, managing director of Europêche, commented: “We cannot agree more with the FAO that the perfect recipe for ocean conservation is more and better fisheries management. The uneven progress in different parts of the world calls for an urgent need to replicate and export successful EU policies to these areas. All governments need to step up efforts to ensure healthy and sustainable seafood systems that respect nature and biodiversity, such as in the EU”.

Global fish consumption rose from 9.0 kg per capita in 1961 to 20.3 kg in 2017, providing about 3.3 billion people with almost 20% of their average per capita intake of animal protein. This is mostly due to an increased availability across regions and countries, contributing to the food security and nutrition of the world population. In the EU, although a little bit higher than the global rate (24.35 kg per capita), EU citizens in 2017 ate half a kilo less compared to the previous year.

Daniel Voces, concluded: “We welcome the expansion of fish consumption worldwide. Our recommendation to EU citizens is to keep eating wild-caught fish since as highlighted by the FAO Director General, it is by far the healthiest and most environmentally friendly source of protein on earth. We more than ever need the support of EU and national authorities to promote the consumption of European seafood to help our fishermen overcome the Covid-19 crisis that has hit hard our sector”.

Press contacts:

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

EP Press Release – FAO SOFIA Report