The AGRIFISH Council is set to meet on 24 June to discuss discuss the current direction of sustainable fishing and fishing plans for 2025. Photo: European Union
The Agriculture and Fisheries Council will meet in Luxembourg on Monday, 24 June 2024, to discuss amongst matters, the current state and future directions of sustainable fishing within the European Union.
The meeting will be chaired by Belgian Deputy Prime Minister David Clarinval and Flemish Minister Hilde Crevits, with participation from key European Commissioners: Janusz Wojciechowski (Agriculture), Virginijus Sinkevičius (Environment, Oceans and Fisheries), and Stella Kyriakides (Health and Food Safety).
Sustainable Fishing in the EU: Current Status and Future Plans
In a public session, the Council will review the European Commission’s communication on the common fisheries policy’s status and the primary orientations for the 2025 fishing opportunities. This communication will provide an overview of the progress towards sustainable fishing in the EU, balancing fleet capacity with fishing opportunities, and the socioeconomic performance of the EU fishing fleets. It will also discuss the implementation of the landing obligation and announce a full evaluation of the common fisheries policy.
The Commission will note that fishing sustainability in the EU has continued to improve in 2023, except in the Baltic Sea, where pressures other than fishing will persist. Additionally, it will highlight the need for increased efforts in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, where many stocks will still be overfished.
Key challenges identified will include climate change and environmental factors, which the Commission will suggest addressing through innovation and the energy transition. For shared stocks managed with the UK, Norway, and other coastal states, the EU’s position will be informed by the best available scientific advice, aiming for sustainable, balanced, and comprehensive sharing arrangements.
Feedback and Future Proposals
The Commission will invite member states, advisory councils, stakeholders, and the public to provide feedback on the communication by August 31, 2024. It plans to publish its proposal for fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea at the end of August, with proposals for the Mediterranean and Black Seas expected by mid-September. The proposal for the Atlantic and North Sea will follow at the end of October.
The Council will aim to reach a political agreement on the Baltic Sea fishing opportunities at the October Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting. Agreements for the Mediterranean, Black Sea, Atlantic, and North Sea proposals are expected during the December meeting.
This comprehensive approach will underscore the EU’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices, ensuring the long-term health of marine ecosystems and the fishing industry’s socioeconomic viability.
EU Fisheries Progress Outlined by Commission in Communication to the European Parliament and the Council
The European Commission has released a comprehensive communication outlining the current state and future orientations for sustainable fishing within the EU. The document, titled “Sustainable fishing in the EU: state of play and orientations for 2025,” provides a detailed analysis of the progress made in European fisheries, particularly highlighting the significant reduction in overfished stocks since 20031.
Key Achievements and Challenges
Sustainable Fishing Levels: The communication celebrates the achievement of sustainable fishing levels for many fish stocks, attributing this success to the collective efforts of fishers, national administrations, and EU institutions.
Socio-Economic Gains: It notes socio-economic gains from stocks managed at healthier levels, despite energy costs remaining a major challenge for the EU fishing fleet2.
Policy Evaluation: The document announces a full evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy Regulation, aiming to assess its impact over the past decade and prepare for future challenges, including the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
Future Orientations
2025 Proposals: The Commission outlines its approach for the 2025 fishing opportunities, emphasising the importance of scientific advice, international negotiations, and socio-economic analysis in their formulation.
Mediterranean and Black Seas Focus: Special attention is given to the Mediterranean and Black Seas, where fishing pressure remains high, and further action is needed to reach sustainable levels.