The NWWAC and PelAC, fisheries advisory councils, have critiqued the “Ecological Sensitivity Analysis of the Celtic Sea” report
Advisory Councils Raise Concerns Over Analysis and Stakeholder Inclusion
The North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) and the Pelagic Advisory Council (PelAC) have expressed significant concerns about the recently published “Ecological Sensitivity Analysis of the Celtic Sea” report.
The document was intended to guide the identification of future Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and inform planning decisions for Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) infrastructure. However, the Councils claim the report falls short of safeguarding sensitive areas and lacks robust stakeholder engagement.
Key Concerns Highlighted
The Councils outlined several key issues with the report, including:
- Overlap with SC-DMAP Areas: The analysis failed to exclude highly sensitive areas from potential ORE development. Areas identified for SC-DMAP overlap significantly with sensitive zones like the Celtic Sea front, contradicting the stated aim of protecting environmentally vulnerable regions.
- Biased Analysis: The inclusion of predefined SC-DMAP areas as “hard constraints” skewed the conservation prioritisation process, limiting the analysis’s objectivity.
- Stakeholder Engagement Deficiency: The process was criticised for insufficient consultation. A single webinar and minimal opportunities for stakeholder feedback were deemed inadequate for such a significant initiative.
- Data Gaps: The Councils highlighted a lack of comprehensive inshore fisheries data and the exclusion of key species listed under EU conservation directives.
Economic and Environmental Stakes
Fossil fuel subsidies in the form of tax exemptions, particularly in France, account for a significant portion of harmful fisheries subsidies, totalling €206 million in 2021. “These subsidies disproportionately benefit large, polluting fleets, leaving small-scale, low-impact fishers struggling for resources,” the NGOs argued.
Low-impact fisheries, which create more jobs and generate greater economic value per litre of fuel while causing less environmental harm, have been underfunded for decades. “Eliminating fossil fuel subsidies and ensuring fair fishing opportunities is critical to building resilience in coastal communities and achieving sustainable fisheries,” the letter emphasised.
A Just and Fair Transition
The NGOs called on Commissioner Hoekstra to adopt a stronger stance in the stalled negotiations over the revision of the Energy Taxation Directive (ETD). “We urge you to challenge Member States defending the status quo and maintain the Commission’s commitment to phasing out fossil fuel subsidies by 2035,” they wrote.
Addressing Commissioner Kadis, the organisations underscored the need for a long-term vision for the fisheries sector. “Your 2040 strategy must align with energy transition goals and promote fairness by supporting small-scale, low-impact fishers,” the letter urged. “Accelerating the roadmap for the energy transition in fisheries is essential to ending support for destructive practices and ensuring a sustainable future.”
Shared Responsibility for Change
The NGOs highlighted the critical role of the ocean in combating climate change, noting its ability to absorb one-third of global CO₂ emissions. However, industrial fishing practices, particularly bottom trawling, release significant amounts of carbon into the marine environment. “The ocean is a vital ally, but its resilience is being undermined,” the letter warned.
The letter concluded with a call for collaboration between the Commissioners: “By working together to oppose regressive positions and champion sustainable policies, you can secure a just, fair, and resilient future for Europe’s fisheries and coastal communities.”
A Crossroads for EU Fisheries Policy
With growing climate crises and mounting evidence of the environmental and economic costs of inaction, the NGOs’ appeal signals a pivotal moment for EU fisheries policy. As negotiations continue in Brussels, the onus is on policymakers to chart a sustainable course for the industry, ensuring the long-term health of marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of those who depend on them.