NGOs BLOOM, ClientEarth, Oceana and Seas At Risk are pressure new EU Commissioners on sustainable fisheries and fossil fuel subsidies
Leading environmental NGOs, including BLOOM, ClientEarth, Oceana, and Seas At Risk, have urged newly appointed European Commissioners Wopke Hoekstra and Kyriacos Kadis to prioritise fisheries sustainability and eliminate harmful fossil fuel subsidies.
In an open letter, the organisations outlined critical steps needed to address the twin challenges of climate change and ocean resilience, calling for immediate action to transition the fisheries sector towards sustainability.
A Call for Urgency
“Climate change is accelerating, and the signs are clearer than ever. Business as usual in fisheries is no longer an option,” the NGOs wrote. Highlighting the devastating impacts of destructive fishing practices, including bottom trawling, and the growing reliance on fossil fuel subsidies, the letter stressed the urgent need for systemic change in fisheries management and taxation policies.
The NGOs pointed to the EU fisheries sector’s significant carbon footprint, noting that over 7 million tons of CO₂ are emitted annually from fuel burned at sea, excluding emissions from processing and transportation. “These subsidies hinder progress toward sustainable energy alternatives, perpetuating dependence on imported fossil fuels,” the letter stated.
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.
Source: Press Release