Maritime Affairs and Fisheries,update

06 March 2024   Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Newsletter

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In this issue Foreword   News   OCEAN by Euronews   Stories of the month   Map of the month   Events Foreword

Dear readers, I am happy to announce that the UN Environmental Assembly adopted a resolution to strengthen action for the ocean. This resolution emphasises the urgent need for collective efforts to address climate change, marine biodiversity loss, and pollution affecting our ocean. Sponsored by the European Union, its Member States, and Costa Rica, it calls for decisive measures to ensure the health and resilience of our ocean. Sadly, on the same day, we witnessed a setback in global fisheries subsidies negotiations at the 13th ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization in Abu Dhabi. Despite continued efforts, a comprehensive agreement was not reached, hindering progress in addressing overcapacity and overfishing. The EU regrets this outcome but remains committed to tackling these issues through the common fisheries policy and sustainable fisheries partnership agreements. This highlights both the progress and the challenges that we encounter in ocean conservation. But, rest assured, that we will continue to do our utmost to ensure a sustainable future for our ocean. Warm regards, Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General  Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries @vitcheva_eu News

UN Environmental Assembly adopts a resolution to strengthen action for the ocean The United Nations Environmental Assembly has adopted a resolution on “Strengthening Ocean efforts to tackle climate change, marine biodiversity loss and pollution” which was proposed by the European Union, its Member States and Costa Rica.    more     EU secures results at WTO Ministerial but important work remains to reform global trade rulebook The European Commission was instrumental in brokering important outcomes at the 13th ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization (MC13) that ended Friday in Abu Dhabi.   more     More than 20 algae species can now be sold as food or food supplements in the EU Great news for the European algae industry!  More than 20 algae species have been added to the EU Novel Food Status Catalogue. Thanks to collaborative efforts of the European Commission and EU Member States’ competent authorities, they can now be sold on the market as food or food supplements.     more     The EU invests €2,2 million to develop the fishing vessel of the future The European Commission has launched a call for proposals to develop a demonstrator marine fishing vessel equipped with alternative propulsion technologies and innovative energy solutions.   more     European Commission calls for evidence on a potential ban on sales and trade of loose shark fins The European Commission has published a call for evidence seeking views and expertise on the environmental, social and economic consequences of a potential ban on EU sales and international trade of loose shark fins and collecting feedback on potential policy options to better protect sharks and related marine ecosystems.   more     EU Leads on sustainable fisheries at South Pacific Fisheries meeting The 12th annual meeting of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) has concluded last Friday 2 February. Under the EU lead, the meeting has seen significant strides towards sustainable fisheries management.   more     Commission welcomes provisional agreement modernising maritime accident investigations The Commission welcomes the political agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council on the investigation of maritime accidents, modernising a 2009 Directive. The Directive applies only to maritime transport vessels to which the international conventions apply or to fishing vessels.   more     Commission welcomes provisional agreement on tackling ship-source pollution to help make European seas cleaner The Commission welcomes the political agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council on the amendment of Directive 2005/35/EC on ship-source pollution and on the introduction of penalties for pollution offences.   more     OCEAN by Euronews

Euronews OCEAN Season 6, Episode 2 – Net gains: how Pacific Island states are securing the future of tuna - and their own   The largest tuna fishery in the world is also one of the most sustainable. How do the small island states of the Pacific prevent overfishing, develop their economies, and prepare for the imminent effects of climate change?   more   Stories of the month

From bluefins to BlueInvest: Next Tuna's sustainable solution Tuna is the most appreciated aquatic food item in the EU. Worldwide, the consumption of tuna species amounts to 7.5 million tonnes per year, equalling to a global tuna market value of € 36 billion per year.   more     Holzinger: blending tradition and innovation in Austrian fish processing Holzinger a family-owned fish processing company in Upper Austria, is a cornerstone of Austria's regional economy and Central European market. Despite traditional roots, the company adapts to evolving markets by continuously refining both fish farming and processing techniques, with a commitment to environmental responsibility.   more   Map of the month

Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (highly-migratory species) Check out our Map of the Month to learn more about Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) which manage highly migratory fish stocks by geographical area as well as the Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Program (AIDCP). Events

European Ocean Days date 04/03/2024 - 08/03/2024   more   Fishers of the Future date 19/03/2024 venue L42 Business Center, Brussels Registration Registration   more   EU Arctic Forum and Indigenous Peoples’ Dialogue date 14/05/2024 - 15/05/2024 venue Brussels, Belgium   more   European Maritime Day date 30/05/2024 - 31/05/2024 venue SIMAC Academy- Svendborg International Maritime Academy, Denmark   more

This newsletter is published by the European Commission's Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. Visit our websites: Oceans and Fisheries Commissioner Sinkevičius