This study evaluates opportunities for reducing the carbon footprint of the marine wild capture sector managed under the current Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), while maintaining the viability, sustainability and resilience of this sector in face of climate change as a stress factor acting on the European Union (EU) fishing system.
Community framework for the taxation of energy products and electricity
This analysis on the impact of COVID-19 on the performance of the EU-27 fishing fleet has been prepared based on the outcomes of the 2020 Annual Economic Report (AER) on the EU Fishing Fleet (STECF, 2020).
On the Energy Transition of the EU Fisheries and Aquaculture sector
This Communication presents an enabling framework for the energy transition in the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector by identifying and addressing barriers and setting up the structures for long-term cooperation in this area.
Establishing the minimum and extended Community programmes for the collection of data in the fisheries sector and laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation
Establishing the minimum and extended Community programmes for the collection of data in the fisheries sector and laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1543/2000
Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), 2021.
Sustainable food production, food security, wider value chain, consumption and human health, waste, transparency, research and innovation, knowledge sharing, animal welfare.
Unlock the potential of blue economy in the Atlantic area while preserving marine ecosystems and contributing to climate change adaptation and mitigation.
This directive requires EU member states to develop plans that coordinate the spatial use of marine waters to ensure they are used sustainably. The directive promotes the sustainable use of marine resources, including space for renewable energy projects like offshore wind farms. This can create synergies with the aquaculture and fisheries sectors, enabling the integration of renewable energy sources into their operations and supporting the broader energy transition.
Part of the European Green Deal, this plan aims to transition the EU towards a more sustainable and circular economy. In aquaculture and fisheries, the circular economy principles encourage the reduction of waste and the reuse of materials, which can lead to energy savings. For example, by recycling fish waste into biofuels or using by-products in other industries, the sector can contribute to energy efficiency and the broader energy transition.
While fisheries are not directly covered by the ETS, the directive influences the energy sector, indirectly impacting energy prices and the cost-effectiveness of adopting low-carbon technologies in aquaculture and fisheries. Additionally, the ETS drives innovation in carbon-efficient practices and technologies, which can be adapted by the sector.
This directive sets out measures to improve energy efficiency across the EU, aiming to reduce energy consumption by 32.5% by 2030. In the aquaculture and fisheries sector, improving energy efficiency can involve adopting energy-saving technologies in processing facilities, optimizing logistics, and reducing energy use in refrigeration and preservation. The directive provides a framework that incentivizes these improvements, which contribute to lower operational costs and reduced environmental impact.
The Renewable Energy Directive sets binding targets for the share of renewable energy in the EU's energy mix. It encourages the use of renewable energy sources in various sectors, including aquaculture and fisheries.
EU Action Plan: Protecting and restoring marine ecosystems for sustainable and resilient fisheries
This action plan addresses the impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss and human-induced pressures on the marine environment, as well as fishers and the fisheries sector, with a particular attention on food security and ecosystem services provided to fishers and coastal communities.
Conservation and protecting/restoring nature, Integration of nature and agriculture, Marine ecosystems, freshwater availability and quality, pollution, non-native species.
Best practices with regards to International law (Diversity, animal health, trade, diversity, labour, chemical use etc..), Codes of conduct and guidelines, Certification schemes, Legal frameworks (Land and water use, planning, management, production and management, disease control, value chain, enforcement.
Database of National policies and legislation relating to aquaculture, environment, sea use, water use, wild species and ecosystems, energy use, food and nutrition.
Global Plan of Action for the Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
This toolkit provides guidance on integrating ecosystem-based approaches into fisheries and aquaculture management. It offers practical tools and methodologies for improving sustainability, including energy-efficient practices.
European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet)
Provides access to marine data relevant to fisheries, including environmental and energy-related metrics that support the transition to more sustainable and energy-efficient practices.
A resource providing data on the sustainability of fish stocks, including environmental impacts and energy efficiency in harvesting practices, helping stakeholders make informed decisions towards energy-efficient operations.
MARPOL Convention (International Maritime Organization)
The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) includes regulations on energy efficiency for ships, which directly impacts fishing vessels by pushing for the adoption of energy-efficient technologies.
Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) Database
This database offers access to various certification schemes, many of which include criteria for energy efficiency and reduced environmental impacts, guiding companies toward more sustainable practices.
The seventh edition of the EU Blue Economy Report, presented in a fresh format, persists in thoroughly examining the scale and breadth of the Blue Economy within the European Union (EU). Its primary aim remains to offer guidance to policymakers and stakeholders in fostering the sustainable advancement of oceans and coastal resources, aligning closely with the principles of the European Green Deal (EGD).
This publication includes a structural and economic overview of the EU fishing fleet in 2022, trend analyses for the years 2013-2022, and where possible nowcasts for 2023 and 2024; a regional analysis of the EU fishing fleet by major sea basin, as well as, fleets operating in the EU Outermost Regions and in Other Fishing Regions; a detailed structural and economic overview of each Member State’s fishing fleet, including qualitative economic performance assessments for 2022 and nowcasts for 2023 and 2024.
Commission Staff Working Document: Implementing the Strategic Guidelines on EU Aquaculture Energy transition in the EU aquaculture sector
This staff working document covers energy efficiency and the use of renewable sources of energy to reduce the carbon footprint in primary aquaculture production. In addition to EU Member States, this document’s development has also drawn on practices and tools from the United Kingdom (UK) and Norway due to their proximity to the EU and the importance of their aquaculture production, research and innovation.
