EU fisheries energy transition is at risk claims eNGOs, artisanal fishers and scientists pressurising the European Commission to act now. Photo: Europeche
Scientists, NGOs, artisanal fishers, and a former MEP are urging the European Commission to deliver a roadmap for the energy transition of the EU fisheries sector by the end of 2024.
This call comes amid concerns that a delay in this essential plan could hinder the decarbonisation of the sector, which is key to achieving the EU’s climate neutrality goals by 2050.
The Commission had committed in February 2023 to produce a roadmap outlining the pathway to climate neutrality in fisheries, but its progress has been postponed. This delay follows a decision to create a support group for the Energy Transition Partnership (ETP), a move that has frustrated those pushing for immediate action.
“It is vital that the European Commission honours its commitment to deliver a roadmap for the energy transition of the fisheries sector,” said Vera Coelho, Oceana’s Deputy Vice President in Europe. “Without a clear plan of action by the end of 2024, progress towards climate neutrality will stall, leaving the sector reliant on fossil fuels and destructive fishing practices.”
A ClientEarth report on capacity ceilings, such as gross tonnage (GT) and total power (kW), highlights that many EU member states have not yet reached these limits, offering viable pathways for hybrid or full decarbonisation.
The roadmap is also seen as a critical tool to influence ongoing negotiations on the Energy Taxation Directive (ETD). However, recent developments, including a proposal by the Hungarian Council presidency to extend fossil fuel tax exemptions for the maritime sector by another 20 years, risk undermining decarbonisation efforts.
“Phasing out fossil fuel tax exemptions in fisheries is crucial to driving decarbonisation,” said Laurène Provost, Lead Lawyer at ClientEarth. “The fisheries sector emits 7.3 million tonnes of CO2 annually, and reducing subsidies could drive innovation and reduce emissions.”
Didier Gascuel, a professor at the Institut Agro in France, added that large industrial fleets disproportionately benefit from these subsidies. “Industrial fishing methods, particularly bottom trawling, consume vast amounts of energy and inflict significant damage on marine ecosystems. A shift to low-impact, energy-efficient methods is essential for reducing emissions and protecting biodiversity.”
Despite the EU’s 2024-2029 political guidelines committing to fossil fuel phase-out and achieving a 90% emissions reduction by 2040, the delay in delivering the roadmap threatens to undermine these targets. Caroline Roose, a former MEP, warned that delivering the roadmap on time is crucial to ensuring the fisheries sector embarks on a path to decarbonisation.
The EU’s current approach to allocating fishing quotas and funding also favours high-emission industrial fleets, contradicting the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Brian O’Riordan, Policy Adviser for Low Impact Fishers of Europe, called for low-impact fishing to be central to the transition plan. “Article 17 of the CFP should promote best environmental practices by reallocating quotas and subsidies to those who fish sustainably.”
The energy transition roadmap was promised as part of the Commission’s February 2023 action plan, but its release may now be delayed until 2025 or later, jeopardising both environmental and economic goals.
“The roadmap must be delivered on time to prevent further delays,” added Provost. “By phasing out fossil fuel tax exemptions and supporting sustainable fishing methods, the EU can build a more resilient and environmentally friendly fishing industry.”
Source: Press Release