The NSAC urges a balanced approach in the EU Oceans Pact, advocating for fisheries sustainability, innovation, and climate resilience
A Holistic Approach to Ocean Governance
The North Sea Advisory Council (NSAC) has issued a comprehensive statement on the European Oceans Pact, urging policymakers to take an integrated, science-driven approach to managing ocean resources. The advisory body, representing fisheries stakeholders, emphasised the need for coherence across EU policies, improved climate resilience, and greater inclusion of the fishing sector in decision-making.
The NSAC highlighted that the European Oceans Pact, as proposed by the European Commission, seeks to establish a unified framework for sustainable ocean governance. However, it warned that fragmented policies and inconsistent implementation could undermine its effectiveness.
“Oceans and seas are critical for both the environment and European coastal communities. We need a tool that unifies all ocean-related policies for efficient and effective implementation, safeguarding both marine ecosystems and those who depend on them,” the NSAC statement read.
Challenges in Fisheries Management and Marine Governance
The North Sea is under significant environmental and economic pressures, with climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and habitat degradation all contributing to uncertainty for fisheries. The NSAC stressed that:
- Aquatic foods play a key role in achieving sustainability targets under the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Fisheries must be integrated into climate policy, recognising that fish stocks are shifting due to changing ocean conditions.
- Regulatory inconsistencies between the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) make it difficult to align fisheries management with broader conservation goals.
- Land-based pollution, such as agricultural runoff and plastics, must be tackled alongside ocean-specific challenges to ensure marine health.
Barriers to Innovation and the Future of Fishing
The NSAC also criticised excessive regulatory barriers that prevent the industry from adopting innovative, selective, and sustainable fishing gear. It warned that the Technical Measures Regulation is too rigid, discouraging fishers from implementing modern, lower-impact technologies.
“Innovative gear that is scientifically proven to reduce environmental impact should not be blocked by regulatory constraints,” the NSAC statement argued.
The advisory body called for a shift in the perception of monitoring technologies, such as Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), which are often viewed as enforcement tools rather than mechanisms for data-driven, sustainable fishing practices.
Climate Change and Post-Brexit Fisheries Challenges
Climate change is disrupting fish stocks in the North Sea, with species such as cod moving northward and some stocks experiencing reduced productivity. The NSAC stressed that fisheries management must evolve to address these changes, advocating for:
- Flexible marine spatial planning that accounts for stock migration.
- Better mapping of fishing grounds to prevent displacement by offshore wind and other marine industries.
- Stronger collaboration with the UK and Norway to ensure a level playing field in fisheries management post-Brexit.
The NSAC noted that while the Specialised Committee for Fisheries and the Brexit Inter-AC Forum provide dialogue mechanisms, engagement between the EU and Norway remains inadequate, calling for more systematic cooperation.
Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management and Marine Protected Areas
The advisory body reiterated its support for ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM), stressing that conservation must balance ecological protection with socio-economic viability. It also called for:
- Stakeholder engagement in the planning of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to ensure that restrictions do not disproportionately harm fishing communities.
- Greater cross-border collaboration on the impact of offshore wind farms on migratory species.
- A science-led approach to marine conservation, with fisheries experts included in environmental decision-making processes.
A Call for Social and Economic Safeguards in the Fishing Industry
The NSAC warned that the EU’s focus on environmental and economic objectives has neglected the social dimension of fisheries policy. It highlighted major concerns, including:
- Labour shortages and an aging workforce, which threaten the long-term viability of the industry.
- Poor working conditions on fishing vessels, which discourage younger generations from entering the sector.
- The need for investment in modern, energy-efficient vessels that improve safety and working conditions.
“The CFP must include clearly identified social objectives alongside environmental ones to ensure the fishing sector remains attractive to future generations,” the NSAC urged.
The advisory body also called for greater public investment in sustainable fishing technologies, citing the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) as a key mechanism to decarbonise the fleet and drive innovation.
Next Steps for the EU Oceans Pact
The NSAC concluded that the European Oceans Pact is an opportunity to integrate sustainability, governance, and economic growth into a single vision. However, it cautioned that without better coordination, clearer regulatory pathways, and meaningful industry participation, the Pact risks becoming another layer of bureaucracy rather than a functional tool for ocean governance.
As the European Commission prepares to finalise the Oceans Pact, the NSAC will continue to push for a balanced, inclusive approach, ensuring that fishing communities, scientists, and policymakers work together to shape the future of Europe’s seas.