At a time when the European Commission is developing its Future Clean Industrial Deal and Ocean Pact, the event provided key insights into how satellite data, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced maritime equipment are transforming the management of our oceans and the fisheries sector. It also demonstrated that European fisheries drive innovation and strengthen Europe’s technological leadership, positioning fisheries as a key pillar of this Oceans Pact.

Beyond the Fleet: employment, innovation and Europe’s competitive edge

Discussions highlighted that the EU’s distant water fleet accounts for 20% of the seafood landed by the EU fleet. Yet, its impact goes far beyond just the fleet—it drives industrial innovation, fosters technological advancement and supports employment across the EU and globally.

“Operating mainly in the distant waters, far from Europe, the EU long-distance fleet invests and relies on Blue Tech for efficiency, monitoring and sustainability. The companies present at this event embody the core values of the Ocean Pact“ said Anne-France Mattlet, Deputy Managing Director of Europêche. “The EU fleet is not only a provider of seafood but also a catalyst for innovation and technological progress. By supporting the EU fleet, we ensure that these companies, with their cutting-edge technology and high European standards, continue to lead ocean global governance, preventing lower-standard competitors from gaining ground.“

Insights from Blue Tech experts

The first panel, led by Europêche, featured key industry experts who provided real-world examples of how Blue Tech is shaping the future of sustainable high seas fisheries. Representatives from AZTI, CLS, EUSPA, and Satlink (also representing Marine Instruments and Zunibal) discussed how satellite data and AI enhance sustainability and competitiveness in the sector.

Fishing vessels rely on and are major users of the EU Space data, including Galileo and Copernicus, for navigation, security and monitoring; KSAT’s Sentinel-1 imagery to detect icebergs is an example of security tool. CLS’s CATSAT project transforms satellite data into AI-powered oceanographic maps, enabling precise tuna stock predictions and smarter, more sustainable fishing.

Echo sounder buoys from Satlink, Marine Instruments, and Zunibal act as floating data hubs, transmitting real-time GPS and biomass estimates. Data is also transmitted to regulators and scientists. The tuna research institute AZTI uses them to refine tuna stock assessments. The buoy also allows to reduce carbon footprint per ton landed while improving fleet efficiency. Contrary to misconceptions, technological advancements in Europe’s highly regulated fisheries help reduce bycatch, enhance selectivity, and promote crew well-being.

Another panel, led by SEA Europe, highlighted how distant-water fisheries drive industrial innovation. APINA’s air-freezing system ensures top-quality tuna while meeting stringent EU sanitary standards. Pontos AI optimizes vessel efficiency and lowers carbon footprints, while Thalos’ OceanBox boosts satellite connectivity for crews. Shipyards in the Basque Maritime Cluster build fishing vessels with EU design, equipment, steel work and engineering, using more than 50 suppliers, all Europeans.

A call to strengthen Europe’s leadership in fisheries innovation

The discussions reaffirmed that Europe’s high-tech, high-standard fleet is a pillar of industrial innovation, competitiveness and economic strength. Without it, the technological ecosystem that relies on the fleet and drives employment, innovation and competitiveness in the global Blue Economy would be at risk, weakening the EU’s global leadership in sustainable fisheries.

As Eliofotou was affirmative that “EU has the chance to be able to find its own way and shall be proud of its blue tech companies”, SEA Europe called for a dedicated Blue Alliance to finance these advancements, emphasizing that regulatory coherence is crucial. As Europêche stressed: “Financing must align with practical, competitive, and sustainable policies and regulations driven by collaboration between Commission’s different DGs—this should be the spirit of the European Oceans Pact.”

Press contact:

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

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

EP Press Release – Blue Tech

Javier Garat, President of Europêche, declared: ‘It is our hope that Mr. Kadis will restore the balance between biodiversity conservation, the sustainable use of natural resources, and food security – an equilibrium that was regrettably lacking in the previous legislative term. With his extensive experience in nature, agriculture, and fisheries, we believe he is well-equipped to address the realities faced by our sector and coastal communities.’ 

Europêche also welcomes the mandate given to the Executive Vice-President-Designate for Cohesion and Reforms. He will be tasked with helping to ensure that fisheries becomes more resilient, sustainable and competitive in the global market. It represents a significant step toward elevating fisheries and food production on the Commission’s agenda, as advocated by the sector, with a dedicated focus at the Vice-Presidency level.

In this context, as outlined in the mandate for the Commissioner-Designate for Agriculture and Food, we need a Fisheries Commissioner who will work closely with fellow College Members to develop a cohesive ‘vision for food’, promote trade reciprocity and advance a strategy for generational renewal within the sector.

The sector looks forward to a fruitful and constructive partnership with the new European Commission that ensures both the sector competitiveness and environmental sustainability.

Europêche welcomes meeting with Executive Vice-President Šefčovič amid crucial political transition

Europêche is pleased to announce the confirmation of a meeting with Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič that will take place on 25 September. Both parties will address urgent fisheries matters during a crucial political transition period, as the EU prepares for the next European Commission.

Europêche welcomes Vice-President Šefčovič’s availability to meet during such busy and transitional political times, recognizing his continued leadership in the sustainability, competitiveness and resilience of Europe’s fisheries sector.

As the industry faces a variety of critical challenges, Europêche is eager to discuss the following high-priority issues: 

1. High-level dialogue on fisheries management and ocean-related cooperation with Norway: establishing a sustainable partnership and trade arrangements to protect shared resources and the interests of the EU fleet.
2. EU position for the ICCAT (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas) Annual Meeting 2024: creating a level playing field for the European fleet, fighting IUU fishing to protect EU consumers and ensuring decisions are based upon best available science. 
3. Fishing opportunities for 2025: securing sustainable and fair quota allocations in the Atlantic, Baltic and Mediterranean seas to safeguard both natural resources and the future of the European fishing sector.

Daniel Voces, managing director of Europêche, declared “While the new College of Commissioners is expected to take office by December 1, this meeting will ensure that pressing fisheries issues continue to receive the political attention they deserve. Europêche remains committed to fostering constructive dialogue and close collaboration with the EU executive to safeguard the future of the fishing sector.”

On the same day, Europêche will also meet Member States to address these pressing fisheries matters and to prepare for the next legislative term. 

Press contacts:

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

EP Press Release – Commission Designate Costas Kadis