In welcoming the new member, Daniel Voces, Managing Director of Europêche, stated:

‘We are delighted to welcome the Latvian North Atlantic Fisheries Association into our growing family. Their operational knowledge of the Baltic Sea, along with their active engagement in the Atlantic and international fishing areas, will bring valuable insight and perspective to our collective work. This membership marks a new chapter in our mission to represent the interests of European fishers with a unified and stronger voice.’

On behalf of the Latvian North Atlantic Fisheries Association, Jānis Leja, Member of the Management Board, added:

‘We are honoured to join Europêche and become part of a strong and respected alliance of fisheries organisations. Our association is committed to promoting sustainable and science-based fisheries management. We bring extensive experience from both regional and international fisheries, and we look forward to contributing actively to Europêche’s advocacy and policy development work.’

Europêche looks forward to a productive partnership with the Latvian North Atlantic Fisheries Association and to working together toward a sustainable, competitive and resilient future for European fisheries.

Press Contact: 

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

Latvian North Atlantic Fisheries Association: info@batterfisha.lv

EP Press Release – Latvian North Atlantic Fisheries Association joins Europeche

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Europêche welcomed Commissioner Kadis’ commitment to a long-term vision for a resilient, competitive and sustainable EU fisheries sector. The association emphasized the urgency of immediate action to reverse the declining fleet size and job losses caused by imbalanced EU policies, costs pressures, increasing area closures, access restrictions and maritime spatial squeeze. Europêche called for fairer competition in the marketplace by aligning sustainability standards for imported seafood with those required of EU fishers, ensuring a level playing field.

Javier Garat, President of Europêche, stated: “We are very pleased with the Commission’s active engagement today. Commissioner Kadis has shown a strong commitment to maintaining an open dialogue and developing practical policies and regulations for the sector.” He continued: “This is just the first of many meetings needed to tackle the significant challenges facing our industry. Our discussion with Commissioner Kadis represents an important step towards shaping a competitive and sustainable future for the EU fisheries sector. We look forward to a shift in policy direction and the CFP evaluation presents a crucial window of opportunity. Europêche remains fully committed to working closely with the Commissioner and his team.”

While the EU Common Fisheries Policy has driven significant environmental progress, Europêche underscored the need for a more balanced approach that equally prioritizes environmental, socio-economic and food security goals. The association proposed revising unworkable policies, such as the landing obligation and upgrade policies to address challenges like climate change, Brexit and the energy transition. Europêche strongly advocated for reducing the administrative burden and simplifying the thousands of rules fishers have to comply with on a daily basis.

Europêche highlighted the need for a science-driven approach to marine protection and maritime spatial planning, emphasizing the importance of respecting traditional fishing grounds. With increasing spatial constraints from marine protected areas and offshore renewable energy developments, Europêche urged the Commission to secure access to squeezing fishing grounds.

Europêche advocated for greater flexibility in multiannual management plans, with a particular focus on the Baltic and the Mediterranean. Europêche requested an urgent revision of the Western Mediterranean Regulation in line with the demands of Spain, France and Italy and the majority of political groups in the European Parliament. It also called for a revision of policies that have unfairly led to the closure of traditional fishing grounds to bottom fishing gears. Similarly, Europêche urged the implementation of fisheries control rules within a workable timeline, respecting the principles established in the main regulation and developed in close consultation with the sector.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to achieving full decarbonization of the sector but stressed the need for adequate EU funding, fleet modernization and innovation. Europêche called for more sectoral support for the next funding programme and the implementation of an EU fleet renewal plan to support the transition to zero-emission fisheries.

Europêche expressed concerns over the growing dependence on seafood imports, which account for over 70% of EU consumption. The association urged the EU to implement mirror clauses for imported seafood, requiring adherence to the same sustainability standards as EU products. This would promote fair competition and support domestic fishers.

With critical post-Brexit negotiations on the horizon, Europêche called for clear political directives and early agreements to ensure stability and legal certainty for the sector. Achieving a fisheries agreement before the end of 2025 is essential to maintain resource management and safeguard EU interests in shared waters. Additionally, Europêche emphasized the need to link market access to fisheries access and compliance, advocating to take tariff and trade measures to counter unsustainable practices by neighbouring countries like Norway.

Regarding the Oceans Pact, Europêche stressed the need to keep fisheries at the core of the EU’s vision for the oceans. It underscored the sector’s vital contributions to EU food sovereignty, healthy diets, coastal community livelihoods and marine ecosystem stewardship.

Press Contact: 

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

EP Press Release – Meeting Commissioner Kadis

As one of Estonia’s largest fisheries organizations, the Estonian LDFA represents a diverse range of fishing interests and companies. Its primary operations span multiple fisheries, focusing on species such as northern shrimp, Atlantic cod and Greenland halibut. The association’s main fishing grounds lie in international waters governed by the North Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) and the Northeast Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC), including areas in the Barents Sea and near Greenland. The association is dedicated to advancing sustainable fishing practices through innovation, enhancing safety at sea, improving traceability, and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Mati Sarevet, Director of the Estonian Long Distance Fisheries Association, expressed enthusiasm about joining Europêche: “We are excited to work alongside our European counterparts to promote sustainable fishing and secure the resilience of our industry. Europêche membership strengthens our ability to advocate for Estonian fishers and supports sustainable development across Europe. In the face of common challenges, cooperation is essential to protect EU fishing rights and ensure fair, balanced resource management in the international waters of the North-East Atlantic.”

Daniel Voces, Managing Director of Europêche, welcomed the association: “The Estonian Long Distance Fisheries Association is a dynamic and valuable part of Estonia’s fishing sector. We are delighted to have them join the Europêche family. Their expertise, particularly in long-distance fisheries in North Atlantic waters, will be a significant asset as we continue to champion the interests of European fisheries at both the EU and international levels.”

Press Contact: 

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

Estonian LDFA email: reyktal@reyktal.ee Phone: (+372) 5138366

EP Press Release – Estonian LDF joins Europêche

Fishing is a traditional occupation embedded in the DNA, culture and identity of many EU coastal communities. DFPO, known for its dedication to fishing practices, innovation and the welfare of fishers, represents a significant portion of the Danish fishing industry. DFPO advocates for a diverse range of fishers, including inshore, industrial, bottom net, Norway lobster and mussel fishers, encompassing both small and large vessels. 

Kenn Skau Fischer, Managing Director of DFPO, stated: ‘We are excited to become a member of Europêche. These are difficult times for our fishers and this membership will provide us with a stronger platform to voice the concerns and aspirations of Danish fishers at the European level. Our expertise and experience will be invaluable in Europêche’s ongoing initiatives to advocate for policies that support the fishing sector while ensuring the long-term health of marine ecosystems. We look forward to contributing to and benefiting from the collective knowledge and experience of Europêche’s members.’

Daniel Voces, Managing Director of Europêche, declared: ‘We are thrilled to welcome DFPO into the Europêche family. DFPO’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices and its proactive approach in representing Danish fishers worldwide align perfectly with our mission. This partnership will undoubtedly enhance our collective efforts in promoting a balanced and sustainable approach to fisheries management in Europe.’

Press contact:      

Rosalie Tukker, senior policy advisor rosalie.tukker@europeche.org | +32 497 67 03 92

DFPO Communications Office email: info@dfpo.dk | Phone: +45 33 93 15 15 | https://fiskeriforening.dk/

EP Press Release – DFPO joins Europêche

Through this alliance, they seek to amplify their impact by forging common ground and promoting collaborative initiatives to reach out to a wider audience. “We need society to be aware that fishery and aquaculture products represent a low-carbon source of animal protein that offers significant advantages for human health, climate impact and sustainability. Seafood consumption is good for the people’s and planet’s health.” 

By uniting efforts, the alliance intends to bring these topics to the forefront of EU and global policy discussions. “We believe that by aligning our efforts, we can achieve meaningful progress in advancing the positive message of seafood consumption,” said the representatives from the five associations. “Together, we can effectively communicate the value of our products, advocate for supportive policies and drive positive change.”

During the gathering there was a unanimous call to return to a model within the EU institutions where primary food production, including fisheries and aquaculture, is prioritized alongside agriculture to ensure food security in our market.

The repositioning of the fisheries and aquaculture mandate high in the European Commission’s agenda is crucial and should be implemented during the upcoming political mandate period (2024-2029). This adjustment aligns with the structural framework outlined in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which considers agriculture and fisheries as separate but equally significant EU policies.Final del formulario

The alliance also aims to raise consumer awareness regarding how seafood is produced, their nutritional benefits and the people behind the products they buy. 

This collaborative effort marks a significant step forward in advancing the EU fisheries and aquaculture aspirations and underscores the commitment of AIPCE CEP, EAPO, EUROPECHE, and FEAP to drive positive change through coordinated action.

AIPCE CEP, EAPO, EUROPECHE, and FEAP are leading associations representing the EU fisheries and aquaculture industry. They work tirelessly to promote the interests and sustainable development of their sectors at EU level and beyond, advocating for policies that support industry sustainable growth and responsible practices.

Press contact:

Contact AIPCE CEP: Katarina Sipic (Secretary General) – Email: ksipic@kellencompany.com | Mobile: +32 470 86 55 43

Contact EAPO: Paul Thomas (EAPO Policy Officer) – Email: paul.thomas@eapo.com | Mobile: +32 470 41 78 38

Contact Europêche: Daniel Voces (Managing Director of Europêche) – Email: daniel.voces@europeche.org | Mobile: +32 489 26 81 07

Contact FEAP: Javier Ojeda (General Secretary) – Email: javier@feap.info | Mobile: +34 659 09 48 94

ESSA Press Release – Launched at Seafood Expo

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Grant Agreement Project 101051878
External contractor: Development of a training programme for the medical examination of fishers

Background
Sea fishing is a remote and challenging professional activity. The International Maritime Organization Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel, 1995 (IMO STCW-F) and the International Labour Organization Convention Work in Fishing (ILO C188) are the most relevant instruments in regard to working conditions and occupational health of fishers. According to article 10 of the ILO C188, no fisherman shall work on board a fishing vessel without a valid medical certificate. However, in contrast with merchant seafarers who are covered by the joint ILO/IMO guidelines on medical examination, no specific guidelines for the medical examination of fishers existed.

Therefore, in the previous project ‘Pillars of the Sea 2: Project implementing part of the SSDC Work Programme’ (VS/2019/0013), the Social Partners for Sea Fisheries have together with the International Maritime Health Association (IMHA) developed appropriate criteria for the medical fitness for fishers within the EU to harmonise the existing systems of medical examinations of fishers within the Member States.

These Guidelines, published in 20211 , also suggest additional requirements in the competences of the medical practitioners to contribute towards the harmonisation of standards for the medical examinations of fishers and to improve the quality and effectiveness of the health care provided for fishers. There is evidence that fishers often operate under stressful working conditions, long workhours, lack of good sleep, unhealthy diet, and lack of physical exercises, that contributes to fatigue, impaired well-being, mental ill-health, stress, and chronic diseases. As the medical practitioners may not be trained in health and safety prevention in fishing, it is recommended that the competent authorities develop a training programme to comply with the requirements, as evidently the competency of authorised medical practitioners is of crucial importance to the fishing industry.

Such requirements include initial training when first authorised and continuing training in the specific occupational health risk for fishers and the notification of diseases and injuries that may be identified as part of the medical examination to ensure ongoing knowledge and competency.

As a continuation of the guidelines on examination, the Social Partners aim to develop this training programme for authorised medical practitioners performing the medical examination of fishers and issuing medical certificates. It is essential that training can be given via guidance which fit the specificities of sea fishers. The medical practitioners should be experienced in general and occupational medicine, and in the fisher’s occupational health risks and prevention. Additionally, they should have knowledge of the living and working conditions on board fishing vessels, the job demands on board and in the harbour, such as unloading the catch and work in port in so far they relate to the effects of health. Their competency is of crucial importance to the fishing industry as authorised medical practitioners who perform medical examinations of fishers may also perform occupational health examinations.

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Grant Agreement Project 101051878
External contractor: Upgrade of the mobile application Fishery Speak

Background
Sea fishing is a remote and challenging professional activity. Considering the hazardous nature of the
work environment, it is paramount for the crew on board (often multinational) to be able to
communicate fast and understandably for the safest outcome of dangerous situations leading to
casualties and incidents. Half of the accidents for all types of fishing vessels take place during fishing
operations in territorial and open sea such as engine rooms on fire while on passage, capsizing or
grounding of the vessel, flooding, sinking, collision, and general loss of control. For instance, when
abandoning ship, actions like an emergency call, pick-up of the radio beacon, access the life raft, gather
at the meeting point and so on, require vast knowledge of the safety procedures and cannot permit
any faults in the communication between each crew member.
The Social Partners for Sea Fisheries therefore created the ‘Fishery Speak’ app as part of the project
‘Towards a true socially sustainable EU Fishery: The contribution of EU social partners’ (VS/2015/0042).
It is an interactive glossary, aimed at improving on board safety as well as navigation security. It
provides an overview of the main phrases used on board in relation to safety procedures. Since
releasing the app, the Social Partners observed that certain upgrades in functionality and speech
recognition were needed. Hence, in the latest project ‘Pillars of the Sea 2: project implementing part
of the SSDC Work Programme’ (VS/2019/0013), the application has been improved accordingly and
languages were added (the app currently entails English, French, Dutch, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Russian
and Italian).
Since the release of the upgraded application, positive feedback and requests for additional languages
and updates have been received. Hence, the aim is to further upgrade the mobile application with the
additional languages and necessary uploads and technical updates to be identified as essential by the
Social Partners.
The action aims at improving fishers’ knowledge and skills, as well as crew communication, which
ultimately improves safety on board and is therefore of special interest of the project.

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