EAPO outlines sustainability efforts under the EU Code of Conduct, including energy transition, bycatch mitigation, and market transparency
EAPO Highlights Sector Initiatives in Annual Sustainability Report
The European Association of Fish Producers Organisations (EAPO) has detailed its ongoing commitment to sustainability under the EU Code of Conduct on Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices, according to its 2025 annual report.
The Code, which sets aspirational targets across the food chain, requires EU associations to submit yearly updates outlining their activities in support of the initiative.
In its report, EAPO said it had promoted the Code within its membership and encouraged voluntary alignment with its sustainability objectives. According to the association, “EAPO-members are encouraged to circulate the information regarding the objectives of the Code amongst their individual fishing companies,” adding that this would equip them with tools to “align their sustainability actions to the aspirational objectives.”
EAPO represents 30 producer organisations from 12 EU Member States, encompassing around 3,700 vessels and €2.1 billion in first sale value. As part of its contribution to sector-specific tools, the group has taken on a leading role in the EU’s Energy Transition Partnership for fisheries. It coordinates the working group on Large-Scale Fisheries and is expected to deliver recommendations for a dedicated EU roadmap by 2026.
The association also referenced its participation in an EU-funded research project aimed at mitigating bycatch of protected and undersized species. “This project is directly corresponding to the objective n° 2 of the Code,” EAPO stated, referring to food loss and waste reduction.
Other actions noted include collaboration with the European Ocean Pact, engagement in the Market Advisory Council (MAC), and support for a long-term Vision 2040 strategy for fisheries and aquaculture. As part of this work, EAPO has called for a new EU Action Plan for Blue Foods. A corresponding event is scheduled for September 2025 at the European Parliament, titled “Blue Foods for a Sustainable Future.”
The association said its contributions through MAC included providing advice on issues related to marketing and pricing transparency in fisheries and aquaculture, in line with the Code’s objectives. It also contributes annually to the work programme of the European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products (EUMOFA).
EAPO maintains that its role as a representative body within the seafood value chain, combined with scientific and policy engagement, allows it to influence the sector’s sustainability in a meaningful way. The group reiterated its support for “a climate neutral food chain in Europe by 2050” and a resilient fishing industry built on transparent, responsible, and market-aligned practices.