Doiciméid - Think Tank - Parlaimint na hEorpa

Briefing - EU-Greenland relations in fisheries - 12-03-2025

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 23:00:00 GMT

Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has a significant fishing industry, with seafood exports accounting for over 90 % of total exports. The EU and Greenland have established fisheries relations since Greenland left the European Economic Community in 1985. The relationship allows EU vessels to fish in Greenlandic waters in return for a financial contribution, and allows duty-free access for Greenlandic fishery products to the EU market. In addition, Greenland is by far the largest recipient of EU funds for Overseas Countries and Territories. The EU-Greenland fisheries agreement is implemented through a protocol. A new protocol for 2025-2030 has been negotiated, and was signed on 12 December 2024 (provisionally applicable from that date). The EU's annual financial contribution is €17.30 million, of which €14.10 million is for access to Greenland's fisheries resources and €3.20 million to support the Greenlandic fisheries sector. The EU exchanges a significant proportion of the quotas it receives from Greenland with Norway. The remaining quotas are currently allocated to three Member States: Germany (mainly for halibut, cod and redfish) and Denmark and France (mainly for prawn; subsequent intra-EU quota swaps usually mean that Denmark, Estonia and Lithuania take up these quotas). The conclusion of the protocol requires the consent of the European �Ϸ��վ. The �Ϸ��վ's rapporteur reiterates the importance of EU-Greenland fisheries relations and recommends approval of the new protocol. However, the rapporteur is concerned about the sustainability aspect, as the catch limits for several of the targeted species exceed the scientific advice. On EU funding for Greenlandic fisheries, the rapporteur calls for more support for coastal fishing communities.

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Briefing - European marine fishing areas: The Black Sea - 06-02-2025

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 23:00:00 GMT

The Black Sea's natural characteristics, its isolated position and the high percentage of waters where no life is possible, make it a unique and vulnerable place. Fisheries in the region face a number of challenges, including environmental issues such as pollution, over-exploitation, eutrophication, invasive species and climate change, that are linked directly to the sector's sustainability. The EU fleet comprises Bulgarian and Romanian vessels and is small compared with the other fleets in the region, consisting of Georgian, Russian, Turkish and Ukrainian vessels. The EU's role in the management of Black Sea fisheries is limited, given that only two EU Member States are involved and are bound by EU legislation. Moreover, the EU's membership in the regional sea convention is blocked. Cooperation between the countries around the Black Sea on transboundary issues is essential, but this has been rendered more difficult than ever by Russia's ongoing war on Ukraine. �Ϸ��վ has repeatedly drawn attention to the fishery sector's challenges in the Black Sea.

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Sracfhéachaint - EU fisheries agreement with Cabo Verde: Conclusion of a new protocol (2024-2029) - 05-02-2025

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 16:03:22 GMT

During the February plenary session, �Ϸ��վ is due to vote on giving its consent to the conclusion of a new protocol implementing the EU fisheries agreement with the Republic of Cabo Verde. The protocol allows EU vessels to fish for tuna in Cabo Verdean waters and provides support to the development of Cabo Verde's fisheries.

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Grinnanailís - Fishing outside the European Union: The external dimension of the common fisheries policy - 23-01-2025

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 13:55:20 GMT

The external dimension of the EU's common fisheries policy provides a framework for the activities of EU vessels fishing beyond European waters and is structured around two types of arrangement: multilateral agreements for fishing on the high seas, and bilateral agreements with third countries for fishing in areas under their jurisdiction. This analysis reviews the main aspects of the external dimension and its evolution over time.

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Briefing - Baltic Sea fishing area: Current challenges - 10-01-2025

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 23:00:00 GMT

The Baltic has several unique features, comprising a mixture of saline and fresh water and a shallow depth, enabling a broad variety of habitats. Its fish species are rather limited in number, with the bulk of fish stocks spread among cod, herring and sprat. The sea's characteristics make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and many habitats and species of the Baltic Sea are not in good condition. The environmental deterioration is caused by several factors, including excessive nutrient input, pollution, climate change, invasive species and over-exploitation. The worrying situation of the Baltic Sea habitats is leading to a dramatic decline in some commercial fish stocks, with fisheries losing economic and cultural importance. A range of promising measures for specific fish species have been taken at EU level, the results of which could however be jeopardised if habitats cannot be restored. �Ϸ��վ has previously expressed concern about the state of the Baltic Sea over many years, and has played an important role in adopting measures to alleviate the situation.

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Staidéar - Research for PECH Committee - Handbook of fish species exploited in the EU - 19-12-2024

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 23:00:00 GMT

This handbook provides an illustrated overview of the main marine and freshwater species relevant to the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector. For each species, the handbook shows its main biological characteristics, whether it is caught, farmed or both, and by which Member States, along with some significant EU conservation measures. In addition, it indicates the name of the species in Danish, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese and Swedish.

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Sracfhéachaint - Research for PECH Committee - The future of the EU fishing fleet − First assessment of Member States’ EMFAF programmes for 2021-27 − Part IV: Case study on the Netherlands - 03-12-2024

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 23:00:00 GMT

This study reviews the implementation of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) in the Netherlands, as regards the first acquisition of a fishing vessel, the replacement or modernisation of a main or ancillary engine and the increase of gross tonnage to improve safety, working conditions or energy efficiency (Articles 17-19 of the EMFAF Regulation). The study also assesses the future needs of the Dutch fishing fleet and makes proposals for the adjustment of EMFAF for the next budget period.

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Sracfhéachaint - Research for PECH Committee - The future of the EU fishing fleet − First assessment of Member States’ EMFAF programmes for 2021-27 - Part I: Synopsis on coastal EU Member States - 03-12-2024

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 23:00:00 GMT

This synopsis is the first out of a series of four studies, commissioned for a PECH Committee Workshop on “The future of the EU fishing fleet − First assessment of the EMFAF programming for 2021-27”. The study focuses on EMFAF Article 17 (First acquisition of a fishing vessel), Article 18 (Replacement or modernisation of a main or ancillary engine) and Article 19 (Increase of gross tonnage to improve safety, working conditions or energy efficiency”). The synopsis deals with the situation for all 22 coastal EU Member States, while at the same time considering results of three additional case studies on Spain, France and the Netherlands.

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Sracfhéachaint - Research for PECH Committee - The future of the EU fishing fleet − First assessment of Member States’ EMFAF programmes for 2021-27 − Part II: Case study on Spain - 29-11-2024

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 23:00:00 GMT

This study is the second contribution to a PECH Committee Workshop on “The future of the EU fishing fleet – First assessment of Member States’ EMFAF programmes for 2021-27”. The general objective of this study is to provide information to Members of PECH Committee on the state of play of the Spanish EMFAF programming and its implementation with regard to Articles 17-19 of the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Regulation.

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Staidéar - Research for PECH Committee - The future of the EU fishing fleet − First assessment of Member States’ EMFAF programmes for 2021-27 - 19-11-2024

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 23:00:00 GMT

This workshop provides a first assessment of the programming of the EMFAF for the period 2021-27. It focuses on Article 17 on “First acquisition of a fishing vessel”, Article 18 on “Engine replacement or modernisation” and Article 19 on “Increase of gross tonnage to improve safety, working conditions or energy efficiency”. While a synopsis study provides a general overview of the implementation of the EMFAF by Member States, three case studies on Spain, France and the Netherlands discuss the national specificities of the fishing fleets and the support provided under the current EMFAF rules.

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Briefing - The Mediterranean fishing area: State of play - 12-11-2024

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 23:00:00 GMT

The Mediterranean Sea boasts a particularly high biological diversity, including more than 500 fish species, many of which are unique to the region. However, several factors have contributed to the disturbance of the sea's habitats, with consequences for the living organisms and, hence, for the fisheries in the region. Pollution from land and sea sources, climate change, invasive species, overexploitation and the growing competition for space are among the main challenges. Traditional small-scale fishing vessels make up the vast majority of the EU fleet in the Mediterranean and account for more than half of employment in the sector. The sector as a whole is at risk of losing its economic and cultural importance, given that vessels, catches, employment and profits have all been decreasing for years. Given the high number of countries bordering the Mediterranean, it is regulated by numerous organisations and agreements in an effort to reconcile the interests of the various countries and sectors involved. The presence of numerous EU- and international-level initiatives indicates a high level of awareness regarding the problems facing the Mediterranean. While efforts to keep the exploitation of fish stocks at a sustainable level have shown results for some species, the European �Ϸ��վ has repeatedly underlined the urgent need for additional action.

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Briefing - EU-Norway relations in fisheries: An overview of the northern fisheries agreements - 07-11-2024

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 16:52:17 GMT

Describing the complex network of fisheries agreements between the EU and Norway, this briefing also offers an overview of the other fisheries agreements concluded by the EU in the North-East Atlantic. The very first EU fisheries regulations were adopted in 1970 in anticipation of the accession of the United Kingdom, Denmark, Ireland and Norway to the European Communities (EC). Ultimately, Norway rejected EC membership, a decision in which fisheries considerations played an important part. The late 1970s saw a shift in fisheries management with the creation of exclusive economic zones (EEZs), which extended national waters up to 200 nautical miles from the coastline. Following the establishment of EEZs, the EC negotiated fisheries agreements with Norway, the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Iceland, each with its own arrangements owing to their unique relationship with the Communities. The 1980 Fisheries Agreement with Norway is particularly important for the joint management of shared stocks and the continuation of long-standing fishing activities. It is implemented through annual arrangements. The UK's departure from the EU has altered fisheries relations in the North-East Atlantic significantly, requiring new agreements and negotiations, including with Norway. The 'northern' fisheries agreements are closely linked to trade relations, as the EU imports most of its seafood, and northern countries (especially Norway) are important seafood suppliers. In its negotiations with third countries, the EU can use its power as a lucrative market for fisheries and aquaculture products.

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Briefing - Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Costas Kadis – Fisheries and Oceans - 15-10-2024

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Costas (Costantinos) Kadis is a scientist with a solid academic profile who has held ministerial portfolios in health, education and agriculture in various Cypriot governments. Kadis is professor of biodiversity conservation at Frederick University, where he also heads the Nature Conservation Unit and has been appointed as deputy president of the University Council. Between 2014 and 2023, Kadis served in two successive Cypriot governments without belonging to a political party. He was minister for education and culture (2014-2018), and minister for agriculture, rural development and environment (2018-2023). In the latter position, he was also responsible for fisheries and marine research. Born in Nicosia in 1967, Kadis graduated and obtained a PhD in biology from the University of Athens. After several research-related positions in Greece and Cyprus, he joined Frederick University in Cyprus in 2005, where he was appointed associate professor, founded the Nature Conservation Unit, and was Dean of the School of Education. He held these positions until 2014, apart from the period from July 2007 to February 2008 when he served as minister of health (as a member of the centre-right Democratic Party (DIKO). Kadis also chaired the Greek Cypriot Environment Committee from 2008 to 2014 as part of the government's (unsuccessful) efforts to reunify Cyprus. This work did lead to important environmental cooperation agreements with the Turkish Cypriot community. This is one of a set of briefings designed to give an overview of issues of interest relating to the portfolios of the Commissioners designate. All these briefings can be found at: https://epthinktank.eu/commissioner_hearings_2024.

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Sracfhéachaint - Fisheries management measures in the Mediterranean: Transposition into EU law - 07-10-2024

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 22:00:00 GMT

All Member States bordering the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, together with the European Union, participate in the management of fisheries in this area, in cooperation with several third countries, in the framework of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM). As a contracting party to the GFCM, the EU is bound to adopt its decisions. The European Commission has therefore proposed to transpose a number of recently adopted GFCM measures into EU law.

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Sracfhéachaint - Research for PECH Committee - The EU oceans and fisheries policy - Latest developments and future challenges - 17-09-2024

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 22:00:00 GMT

This study provides an overview of the Common Fisheries Policy and other EU policies in relation to Fisheries, Aquaculture, the Blue Economy and International Ocean Governance. The current and future challenges facing these are described. Strengths and weaknesses of EU policy in addressing these challenges are assessed, leading to the authors making a range of specific policy recommendations.

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Staidéar - Research for PECH Committee - The EU oceans and fisheries policy - Latest developments and future challenges - 13-09-2024

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Staidéar - Research for PECH Committee - Handbook of fishing gears used by the EU fleet - 22-07-2024

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 22:00:00 GMT

This handbook provides an illustrated overview of the main fishing gears currently used in the EU. For each gear, the handbook outlines the essentials of its design, operation method and target species, and shows the main Member State fishing fleets that use it. In addition, it indicates the name of the gears in Danish, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch and Portuguese.

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Staidéar - Exploring the viability of innovative fishing technologies as an alternative to bottom trawling in European marine protected areas: An environmental and socioeconomic analysis - 26-06-2024

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 14:21:41 GMT

Fisheries in Europe's marine environment use different types of mobile and static fishing gears that come into contact with the seabed, including mobile bottom-contacting gears (MBCGs) towed through the water and across the seabed. This study explores: the innovative gears that could be deployed as an alternative to the exclusion of bottom trawling in EU marine protected areas (MPAs); the efficacy and feasibility of implementing such innovations; and the environmental and socioeconomic effects on maintaining and restoring biodiversity. The study shows that mitigating the impact on the seabed with innovations will likely not suffice to reach the conservation objectives. Given the lack of voluntary uptake, the most promising innovations would have to be made mandatory. It recommends that MBCGs be excluded from the designated MPAs deemed vulnerable to bottom fishing. So far, innovations for lighter-impacting gears or solutions not affecting catch rates are lacking. This induces a net increase in impact when fishers increase effort to compensate for loss in catch efficiency. Excluding MBCGs likely comes with only a limited displacement effect, which might be larger if future MPA designation were to better match sensitive features needing protection. For now, discontinuing the use of other fishing techniques such as passive gears is not required, as they do not impact MPAs where vulnerable seabeds are found. However, some MPAs will be sensitive to passive gears, and these techniques should be limited there if innovations do not reduce the bycatch of vulnerable species to levels deemed acceptable under the EU common fisheries policy and Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

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Briefing - EU aquaculture: State of play - 14-06-2024

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Aquaculture is an important sector of the EU's blue economy and has the potential to play a more vital role as a sustainable food supplier under the European Green Deal. However, while fish farming is one of the fastest growing food production sectors in the world, the EU, with its 1.1 million tonnes of farmed fish produced in 2022, accounts for less than 1 % of global production. For comparison, Norway's aquaculture output in the same year alone exceeded that of the EU as a whole. The EU's self-sufficiency rate for fishery and aquaculture products is rather low, making the EU dependent on imports of these products. Within the EU, aquaculture production is concentrated mainly in four countries, which for their part are specialised on the farming of particular species. Despite the European Commission's efforts to promote the development of aquaculture within the EU, the production rate is stagnating. The constraints and barriers hampering the sector's growth range from high administrative burdens, to limited access to space and water, to trade-related aspects and governance issues. Over the past 20 years, the European �Ϸ��վ has recurrently highlighted the EU's strong dependency on imports of fisheries and aquaculture products, and called for remedies to strengthen the position of EU fish farmers. Possible future developments could include a change in policy, with a view to improving the sector's position as a major food supplier, and a change in production towards less cost-intensive and more sustainable methods.

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Briefing - Addressing the critical state of European eel stocks - 13-05-2024

Sun, 12 May 2024 22:00:00 GMT

The European eel population has suffered a dramatic decline since the 1980s. Several factors, both fisheries- and non-fisheries-related, are considered responsible for the high mortality rate among the fish species. The eel has a very complex life cycle covering several metamorphoses as well as long-distance migration, and many details of the species' life are still unknown. The shrinking eel population has gone hand in hand with decline in traditional eel fisheries. In 2007, the EU adopted Council Regulation (EC) No 1100/2007 (the 'Eel Regulation') to aid the recovery of the European eel stock. The regulation's main target is the escapement to the sea of at least 40 % of the adult silver eel population. EU Members States are obliged to have an eel management plan in place. Since 2010, all trade in eel with countries outside the EU has been banned, following the listing of the species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in 2009. In 2018, the Council adopted the first in a series of temporary eel fishing closures, banning eel fishing for several months. However, the European Commission concludes in a 2020 report that the status of the European eel remains critical and that the regulation's main target has not been reached. The report also questions the efficiency of some of the measures implemented at Member State level. Other reports raise similar concerns. In its resolution of 21 November 2023 on the implementation of the Eel Regulation, the European �Ϸ��վ highlighted that more work needed to be done on the non-fisheries factors having an impact on eel mortality. It called on Member States to continue the practice of restocking as a necessary temporary measure. �Ϸ��վ also suggested establishing an eel-specific expert group representing all relevant stakeholders.

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Sracfhéachaint - Research for PECH Committee - Policy options for strengthening the competitiveness of the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector - 15-03-2024

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 23:00:00 GMT

The EU fisheries and aquaculture products (FAPs) market is largely dependent on external producers. Some of the imports entering the EU market come from countries with lenient regulations. This study gives an overview on existing competitiveness indicators. It shows main trends in the EU’s FAPs supply through extra-EU imports and identifies the main internal and external factors affecting the sector’s competitiveness. The research presents four case studies and an assessment of options for adaptations to the internal and external policy framework. Finally, it provides a series of recommendations for strengthening the competitiveness of the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector in the future.

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Sracfhéachaint - Policy Departments’ Monthly Highlights March 2024 - 07-03-2024

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 23:00:00 GMT

Staidéar - Research for PECH Committee - Policy options for strengthening the competitiveness of the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector - 06-03-2024

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 23:00:00 GMT

The EU fisheries and aquaculture products (FAPs) market is largely dependent on external producers. Some of the imports entering the EU market come from countries with lenient regulations. This study gives an overview on existing competitiveness measures. It shows main trends in the EU’s FAPs supply through extra-EU imports and identifies the main internal and external factors affecting the sector’s competitiveness. The research presents four case studies and an assessment of options for adaptations to the internal and external policy framework. Finally, it provides a series of recommendations for strengthening the competitiveness of the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector in the future.

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Sracfhéachaint - EU-Seychelles Agreement: Access for Seychelles fishing vessels to the waters of Mayotte - 21-02-2024

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 23:00:00 GMT

During its February II part-session, the European �Ϸ��վ is due to vote on giving its consent to the conclusion of a fisheries agreement granting Seychelles vessels access to the waters of the French overseas department of Mayotte. The new 6-year agreement continues the existing reciprocal fisheries arrangements between the EU and Seychelles.

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Sracfhéachaint - Research for PECH Committee - Increasing selectivity in EU fisheries - State of play and best practices - 15-02-2024

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 23:00:00 GMT

This At a glance note summarises the study 'Increasing selectivity in EU fisheries – State of play and best practices'. The note highlights the main findings of the study, in particular as regards the existing technical and tactical selectivity measures to reduce unwanted catches, the best practices identified from projects that have successfully improved selectivity, and the analysis of the use of EU funding for promoting selectivity developments. The note also provides policy recommendations on potential actions to improve the selectivity of EU fisheries.

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