Europeche hails new EU framework as safeguard for fishing grounds access

The European Commission has presented a strategic initiative that marks the start of a new framework for the future of fisheries and maritime industries in the European Union.

Fishing association Europêche said it is, "encouraged by the recognition of the essential role of fisheries within the broader ocean governance framework."

"This pact presents an opportunity to align fisheries policies with a modern ocean governance model." said Europêche President Javier Garat. "Europêche stands ready to work hand-in-hand with EU institutions, member states and all maritime stakeholders to turn the vision of the ocean pact into a more positive future for our fishers."

Europêche said the strategy introduces an "ocean act" that builds on an existing maritime spatial planning directive and aims to, "harness the ocean’s vast potential to enhance Europe’s resilience, food security, energy supply and competitiveness."

The association sees this as, "a valuable opportunity to safeguard access to traditional fishing grounds and address the growing spatial squeeze in EU waters."

Europêche commented that it is concerned about the absence of additional public funding to support the objectives set out in the ocean pact specific to the EU fishing industry.

Also, while the main text refers to a, "possible revision of the common fisheries policy," the annex relies on what Europêche said are "outdated targets" from 2020.

The association said a similar issue arises with environmental policies, where there is a return to narratives depicting the fishing fleet—particularly bottom fishing—as the most damaging activity to the seabed.

"This raises concerns about the reintroduction of widely criticised strategies from the previous legislative term, which the new commission has committed to move away from," Europêche in a statement following the European Commission's announcement. "Such inconsistencies generate confusion and frustration within the sector."

Mr Garat warned that, "ambition must be matched by adequate resources and a move away from the negative rhetoric about the fishing sector," and that the implementation of the proposed actions must be, "guided by the aim of strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of the fishing sector," to ensure a stable supply for the EU market.