EUROPEAN COMMISSION:Maritime Affairs and Fisheries

 

13 January 2025   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   Funding opportunities   Publications and studies

Foreword

Dear readers, Happy new year! A new year means a new chapter. I wish the whole Ocean community lots of health and strength protecting our oceans. I hope 2025 will be a remarkable part of our journey together.   This week we meet for the Fishers of the Future conference, closing off the foresight study exploring different scenarios for the EU fishing sector towards 2050. Fancy a little more reading? Our 2024 EU Fish Market report is out! See also the newest EU legislation on selective gear to help rebuild cod stocks in the Baltic.  Should you prefer watching to reading, check out the latest episode of our OCEAN TV series, as we head to Sweden to follow the remarkable success story of the efforts made to save the wild salmon.   Last but not least, I would like to invite you to join us from 3 to 7 March for the European Ocean Days in Brussels. A full week of events dedicated to the ocean and to the blue economy. A great opportunity to harvest your ideas on the European Oceans Pact and to share our best ocean experiences and endeavours.   Warm regards,  Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General  Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries @vitcheva_eu

News

Commission presents ‘Fishers of the Future’, a study that explores different scenarios for the EU fishing sector towards 2050 In 2024, Tetra Tech and partners, a consortium contracted by the European Commission, engaged in a consultation process with EU fishers, their representatives from EU advisory councils, and social partners. The goal was to explore potential future scenarios for the fishing sector by 2050.   more     Register for the European Ocean Days in March 2025! The Commission will host a week-long event to address the pressing issues facing the world's ocean. From 3 to 7 March 2025, the European Ocean Days will bring together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from various fields to discuss sustainable blue economy, fisheries science, and innovative solutions to ocean-related challenges.   more     European Union and Greenland renew their sustainable fisheries partnership Today marks a milestone in the enduring partnership between the European Union and Greenland as they officially signed the renewed protocol implementing the sustainable fisheries partnership agreement (SFPA).   more     New selective gears in the Baltic to help rebuild cod stocks The EU adopted legislation to make the flatfish fisheries in the Baltic Sea more selective by reducing incidental catches of cod, a heavily depleted stock, with the use of more selective gears.   more     EU Fish Market report 2024 reveals trends and insights The Commission has released the EU Fish Market report 2024, which focuses on the fishery and aquaculture market’s performance in 2022-2023.    more     The Commission improves shark trade monitoring, as part of the follow-up on European Citizens' Initiative The European Commission is actively following up to the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) 'Stop finning – Stop the trade,' which asked the Commission for action to end international trade of loose shark fins.   more     Commission releases recommendations and good practices for sustainable aquaculture The European Commission has published three new staff working documents to promote sustainable aquaculture in the European Union. These documents focus on three crucial topics: access to space and water for freshwater and land-based aquaculture, climate-change adaptation, and energy transition.   more

OCEAN by Euronews

Euronews OCEAN Season 6, Episode 12 – Hooked on salmon: EU-backed efforts to protect Sweden's threatened wild species   In the 1980s, Sweden's wild salmon population was on the brink of extinction. Today, it's a remarkable success story both for the nature and the local economy, showcasing the power of environmental restoration and sustainable management.   more

Stories of the month

Can you grow seaweed on land? Yes you can! Pure Algae, a small innovative Danish business, has developed a sustainable land-based algae and seaweed cultivation system. Even better, this system can be installed alongside land-based aquaculture activities, using the nutrients produced to grow algae.   more     Bringing innovation in Latvian aquaculture A new aquaculture hub is revolutionising Latvia's aquaculture sector by promoting innovation and sustainable practices. Supported by EU funding, the TOME Aquaculture Centre provides expert training, skill development, and advisory services to entrepreneurs, encouraging knowledge transfer and cross-sectoral collaboration.   more     Navigating the choppy seas of maritime spatial planning The Belgian fishing industry faces numerous challenges, including regulatory changes, limited resources, and intense competition. GeoVis offers a solution, integrating scientific, industry, and regulatory data into a single, streamlined online platform for Belgian fishing areas.   more

Map of the month

Rivers and lakes Healthy rivers are important for salmon. Salmon begin their lives in rivers before going to sea to grow and mature, then returning to their native river to spawn. They are affected by changes in water quality, habitat, climate, and barriers during migration. Protecting and restoring habitats is essential for salmon. Explore the map of the month to view the main European rivers and lakes.   more

Events

Fishers of the Future: Charting a Course for 2050 date 14/01/2025   more   European Ocean Days 2025 date 03/03/2025 - 07/03/2025   more   European Maritime Day 2025 date 21/05/2025 - 23/05/2025   more

Funding opportunities

Maritime regional cooperation fostering Smart Specialisation and Innovation in the Sustainable Blue Economy (Topic 1) Deadline 18/02/2025   more   Demonstrating feasibility and environmental benefits of regenerative ocean farming and boosting algae innovation (Topic 2) Deadline 18/02/2025   more   Improving scientific knowledge to strengthen the science-basis of management decisions under the CFP Deadline 20/02/2025   more

Publications and studies

Scientific and technical knowledge of the EU-fisheries, exploited stocks and sensitive marine habitats in the high seas and third countries waters not subject to SFPA and/or RFMOs jurisdiction   more     Scientific and technical knowledge of the EU-fisheries, exploited stocks and sensitive marine habitats in the high seas and third countries waters not subject to SFPA and/or RFMOs jurisdiction - Annexes   more

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