EU fisheries leaders gathered in Hamburg at the EAPO General Assembly which was organised by the German fish producers organisations
The European Association of Fish Producers Organisations (EAPO) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Hamburg, where members engaged in a comprehensive agenda covering critical topics for the European fisheries sector.
Hosted by German Producers Organisations, the event featured a range of expert presentations addressing the pressing challenges facing the industry, particularly through a German perspective.
Focus on Decarbonisation, Market Trends, and Marine Spatial Planning
Key discussions included Germany’s progress in fleet decarbonisation, highlighted by a pilot project on a low-emission brown shrimp vessel from the University of Emden-Leer. The Federal Association of the German Fish Industry provided an overview of the current state and future trends of Germany’s fish market, followed by a briefing on marine spatial planning from the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency. This presentation focused on Germany’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), sparking conversation on the implications of Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) exclusion zones and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
EU Policy Updates and Fisheries Cooperation
The AGM featured a delegation from the European Commission’s DG MARE, who provided updates on upcoming EU policy evaluations and initiatives impacting the sector. Discussions covered the forthcoming survey on the Common Market Organisation (CMO) in Fisheries and Aquaculture, the ongoing evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), and the anticipated bi- and trilateral talks with the UK and Norway on 2025 fishing quotas. The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement’s effects on the fisheries market and pricing were also discussed, alongside the spatial pressures resulting from ORE and MPA designations.
Strategic Direction and EAPO’s Future Initiatives
Members approved the 2023 Annual Report and 2024 budget, as well as the new Executive Committee composition. President Esben Sverdrup Jensen summarised EAPO’s activities over the past year, with updates from working group chairs on their respective initiatives. The AGM reaffirmed EAPO’s role as a key advocate for Producers Organisations (POs) in ensuring the CFP and CMO objectives align with the sector’s long-term goals.
Next year’s AGM is scheduled to take place in Ireland, offering members another valuable opportunity to collaborate on advancing a sustainable European fisheries industry.
Source: Press Release