The North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) provides its feedback on EU’s Energy Transition Plans for Fisheries to the Commission
In response to the European Commission’s recent Communication on the Energy Transition of the EU Fisheries and Aquaculture sector, the North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) has offered its insights and recommendations.
The Communication, released on 21 February 2023, is part of a comprehensive fisheries policies package aimed at enhancing sustainability and resilience in the EU’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.
The NWWAC, through its Focus Group Climate Change & Environment, meticulously reviewed the Communication, emphasising the importance of aligning energy transition efforts with the unique challenges faced by the fishing industry. To provide context, the NWWAC recalled previous contributions, including workshops and advice related to the impact of climate change on fisheries in the North Western Waters.
Here are key points highlighted by the NWWAC:
- General Appreciation and Specific Concerns:
– Welcomes the Commission’s commitment to energy transition and the establishment of the Energy Transition Partnership.
– Seeks further clarification on the Energy Transition Partnership’s workings and membership, emphasising the need for NWWAC involvement.
– Stresses the importance of the fishing sector in providing sustainable, low-carbon footprint food, urging the promotion of seafood in climate-neutral diets.
– Acknowledges technological constraints but emphasises existing efforts to improve energy efficiency in fishing vessels.
- Regulatory Clarity and Regionalisation:
– Highlights regulatory and technological constraints in the energy transition, advocating for stable economic conditions and regulatory visibility.
– Calls for regionalised, fleet-specific strategies with local stakeholder participation.
– Encourages the Commission to incorporate previous recommendations and ensures regulatory measures respect regional considerations.
- Funding and Financial Instruments:
– Emphasises the need for clear funding mechanisms and significant financial resources for a just transition.
– Points out the lack of clarity on funding possibilities, urging the Commission to address this gap.
– Stresses the importance of the European Investment Bank (EIB) in facilitating access to finance for fishing companies.
- Technology, Knowledge, and Research & Innovation:
– Advocates for a comprehensive analysis of fuel and food production efficiency across different fishing fleets.
– Urges a review of regulatory frameworks to accommodate new energy technologies.
– Calls for increased attention and funding for the development of new technologies in the 2021-2027 program.
- Skills Development and Workforce Transition:
– Agrees with the need for new skills and qualifications, linking it to generational renewal in the fisheries sector.
– References previous recommendations on social aspects in fisheries, seeking updates on their implementation.
- Business Environment and Financing Opportunities:
– Supports Commission’s steps on financing opportunities and calls on Member States for strategic investments in energy efficiency.
– Raises concerns about the practicality of the Commission’s call to reallocate capacity under current fishing-capacity ceilings.
- International Context and Fair Competition:
– Stresses the need for fair competition with third countries in energy transition efforts.
– Advocates for a holistic international strategy, considering environmental, social, and labor standards.
The NWWAC’s comprehensive feedback provides a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the EU’s energy transition plans for the fisheries and aquaculture sector. As the European Commission moves forward with its initiatives, it is expected to consider these valuable insights to ensure a sustainable and effective transition.
