EU Ocean Pact welcomed by Europêche for fisheries recognition, but concerns raised over funding, policy inconsistencies, and sector portrayal
The European Commission has launched its EU Ocean Pact, setting out a new strategy to align fisheries and maritime industries with a broader ocean governance framework.
While industry representatives welcomed the recognition of fisheries within the Pact, concerns remain over funding shortfalls and mixed policy signals.
Europêche, the leading fishing industry representative body in Brussels, issued a cautiously optimistic response to the announcement. Javier Garat, President of Europêche, said: “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 Pact includes the proposal of an “Ocean Act”, aimed at reinforcing existing legislation such as the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive, while leveraging the ocean’s economic potential in resilience, food security, energy supply, and industrial competitiveness. For the fishing industry, the most immediate concern remains the growing spatial squeeze in EU waters due to the expansion of offshore wind and other marine activities.
Europêche welcomed several key components of the Pact, including:
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Vision 2040 for Fisheries and Aquaculture, linked with a strategic review of the Common Fisheries Policy, to support sectoral competitiveness and food sovereignty.
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An EU-wide campaign on aquatic food, reflecting the industry’s calls for an action plan on blue foods, and aimed at improving consumer awareness of EU-caught seafood.
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A Maritime Industrial Strategy, focused on innovation, investment, and industrial collaboration in the blue economy.
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A Coastal Communities Development and Resilience Strategy, expected in 2026, to reinforce the socioeconomic importance of fisheries to coastal areas.
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Renewed efforts in external fisheries policy, including next-generation Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements (SFPAs) and fairer competition in international seafood markets.
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A Blue Generational Renewal Strategy, designed to attract young professionals into maritime careers.
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A revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, intended to simplify implementation and reduce the administrative burden.
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Case-by-case assessments of fishing gear compatibility with marine conservation goals in protected areas.
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An Ocean Research & Innovation Strategy, to bolster EU marine science and data frameworks.
However, Europêche also expressed serious reservations. The Pact fails to propose additional public funding to support the high investment demands it sets—particularly for innovation, fleet renewal, and implementation. Garat called for an expansion of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034) to match the Pact’s ambition with financial reality.
There were also policy inconsistencies. While the Pact’s main text references a “possible revision” of the CFP, its annexes still cite outdated 2020 targets. Likewise, environmental language in the document revives past narratives portraying bottom fishing as the most destructive activity at sea, an approach long criticised by the sector.
“These inconsistencies generate confusion and frustration,” said Garat. “We were promised a move away from the negative rhetoric of the previous legislative term, yet some elements in the Pact suggest the opposite.”
In conclusion, Europêche said the EU Ocean Pact has the potential to strengthen cross-sector coordination and improve implementation of existing laws, but warned that without funding and a balanced narrative, it risks repeating past mistakes.
“The implementation of the proposed actions must strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of the fishing sector while ensuring a stable seafood supply for the EU market,” Garat said.
Source: Press Release