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

Javier Garat, president of Europêche, declared: ‘This Pact presents an opportunity to align fisheries policies with a modern ocean governance model. Europêche stands ready to work hand-in-hand with EU institutions, Member States and all maritime stakeholders to turn the vision of the Ocean Pact into a more positive future for our fishers.’

The strategy introduces an ‘Ocean Act’ that builds on the existing Maritime Spatial Planning Directive and aims to harness the ocean’s vast potential to enhance Europe’s resilience, food security, energy supply and competitiveness. The sector sees this as a valuable opportunity to safeguard access to traditional fishing grounds and address the growing spatial squeeze in EU waters.

Europeche particularly welcomes the following measures, which align with the priorities of the European fishing sector:

• Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture which together with the strategic review of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) should help to secure a competitive and resilient sector, contributing to food security and sovereignty.
• An EU-wide campaign on the benefits and the value added of EU-produced and sustainable “Aquatic food”, partially reflecting the sector’s long-standing call for an EU action plan for blue foods. This is a vital step in promoting sustainable seafood and reconnecting consumers with healthy marine products.
• A Maritime Industrial Strategy, fostering synergies between blue economy actors and boosting innovation, investment and sustainable growth.
• A dedicated strategy for Coastal Communities Development and Resilience Strategy in 2026, reinforcing the critical social and economic role of fisheries in maintaining vibrant coastal areas.
• Strengthening the EU’s external action in fisheries, including a new generation of sustainable fisheries partnership agreements (SFPAs), dedicating further efforts toward creating a fairer international playing field that boosts EU competitiveness and global sustainability.
• The introduction of a Blue Generational Renewal Strategy to attract and empower the next generation of maritime professionals, ensuring the long-term viability of the blue economy.
• The revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive to accelerate progress towards achievement of the environmental objectives, simplify implementation and reduce administrative burden in alignment with the CFP.
• Determining, on a case-by-case basis, which fishing techniques are compatible with the conservation of the targeted species and habitats within the relevant Marine Protected Areas.
• Ocean Research & Innovation strategy to develop a robust EU ocean knowledge framework.

However, Europêche is concerned about the absence of additional public funding to support the ambitious objectives set out in the Ocean Pact specific to the EU fishing industry. The high level of investment needed for research, innovation, the renewal of the fleet and the broader implementation of the Pact’s goals highlights the urgent need to strengthen and expand the EMFAF in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034.

Moreover, while the main text refers to a ‘possible revision of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP),’ the annex rely on outdated targets from 2020. A similar issue arises with environmental policies, where there is a return to narratives depicting the fishing fleet—particularly bottom fishing—as the most damaging activity to the seabed. This raises concerns about the reintroduction of widely criticised strategies from the previous legislative term, which the new Commission has committed to move away from. Such inconsistencies generate confusion and frustration within the sector.

Mr Garat concluded: ‘The EU Ocean Pact sets out a new framework designed to streamline coordination, simplify reporting obligations, better implement existing legislation and achieving cross-sector policy goals. However, ambition must be matched by adequate resources and a move away from the negative rhetoric about the fishing sector. We hope that the implementation of the proposed actions will be guided by the aim of strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of the fishing sector, ensuring a stable supply for the EU market.’

Press Contact: 

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

EP Press Release – Ocean Pact

Positive mandate, persistent challenges

Opening the meeting, Europêche Vice-President Tim Heddema welcomed the renewed political momentum for the fisheries sector. ‘The sector is encouraged by the direction set by the new Commission. We must now remain actively engaged in advancing key dossiers, as we need swift, decisive action to enhance competitiveness and cut through red tape’.

Ocean Pact & UNOC: Supportive but cautious

Europêche expressed broad support for the Council’s approach to the proposed EU Ocean Pact, respecting the division of competences between the EU and its Member States. While the Pact is listed under the Commission work programme as a non-legislative initiative aimed at boosting competitiveness, concerns were voiced over its potential transformation into an ‘Ocean Act’ without proper public consultation—particularly if it risks sidelining fisheries. Europêche strongly advocated for fisheries to remain a standalone, robust pillar within any future maritime framework.

Control Regulation: Risk of overregulation

The implementation of the revised Fisheries Control Regulation was identified as a key concern. Europêche warned that recent drafts of the implementing acts may exceed the original legal mandate, creating disproportionate burdens for the industry. ‘We call for streamlined rules that truly support fishers at sea—not unnecessary red tape. It’s imperative to ensure the urgent application of existing derogations provided in the law, such as the margin of tolerance and flexibility in the stowage of demersal catches’, said Heddema.

Norway: time for a new balanced partnership

Following the high-level dialogues and the recent visit of Commissioner Kadis to Norway, Europêche called for clarification on the commitments made by both parties on quota acknowledgements and access rights. Europêche expressed strong support for the Commission’s efforts, backed by key Member States, to address unsustainable practices in the Northeast Atlantic by Norway. The organisation urged a reset in EU-Norway relations, stressing the need for a fairer, more balanced partnership that fully respects the fishing rights of the EU fleet.

Financial framework and competitiveness

In discussions on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), Europêche strongly advocated for increased funding, fairer access criteria and a fleet renewal plan. The call was clear: fisheries is an exclusive EU competence and must be supported accordingly.

The sector welcomed the Commission’s Competitiveness Compass and its ambition to cut administrative burdens by at least 25%—and 35% for SMEs. However, Europêche emphasized that achieving tangible results requires more than internal reflections within the Commission. It called for a structured and inclusive consultation process that actively involves co-legislators and fisheries stakeholders. Crucially, this process must go beyond the narrow remit of the current evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) Regulation to address the broader structural and operational challenges facing the sector.

Revision of fisheries policies

Europêche acknowledge ongoing policy consultations such as the Ocean Pact and the evaluation of the CFP. However certain issues require urgent action such as the revision of multiannual plans, particularly the Western Mediterranean, the unjustified closure of 87 areas in the Atlantic, the landing obligation or the implementation of control derogations such as the margin of tolerance. Heddema concluded, ‘A legislative standstill is costing jobs and threatening the viability of our industry. It’s time for Brussels to deliver fresh air—and real change—for European fishers’.

Press Contact: 

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

EP Press Release – Meeting Perm Reps