Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Newsletter

 

16 April 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   Call for applications   Have your say   Funding opportunities   Publications and studies

Foreword

Dear readers, All eyes on aquaculture! I am very proud to announce the launch of our new campaign “EU Aquaculture we work for you with passion” to raise awareness, understanding and support for the development of aquaculture - the farming of fish, shellfish and algae - in the EU. Meet some of the inspiring producers featured in the campaign. This week we participate and host the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) in La Réunion, where Commissioner Kadis is reiterating the EU’s unwavering commitment to sustainable fisheries management.  On 24 April 2025, I will join the celebration marking the 20-year anniversary of the European Fisheries Control Agency in Vigo. Next stop: Cork, Ireland for the European Maritime Day! From 21 to 23 May, join us for three days packed with talks and workshops on all the areas of the blue economy in the EU. Finally, registration is now open for the 2025 EU Arctic Forum in Kittilä, Finland, on 26-27 June.  Two days dedicated to the Arctic, Indigenous People, and Youth! You are most welcome to come and participate in fascinating discussions.   Warm regards,  Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General  Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries @vitcheva_eu

News

Commissioner Kadis in La Réunion to open the 29th Indian Ocean Tuna Commission meeting On 13 April, Commissioner Kadis will officially open the 29th annual meeting of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), which plays a crucial role in overseeing the conservation of tuna and tuna-like species.   more     The European Commission is consulting the public on the sustainability of the EU tariff reduction regime for import of fisheries products The European Commission has published a questionnaire seeking feedback from the public on the sustainability of the EU’s autonomous tariff quotas (ATQs) for import of fisheries products.   more     Commission launches EU-wide aquaculture campaign On 25 March Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis hosted an event to launch an EU-wide aquaculture campaign.   more     Young Voices for the Ocean: The first Youth Policy Dialogue with Commissioner Costas Kadis What do young people want for the future of our ocean? That’s what we asked 15 young people from across Europe as part of the first Youth Policy Dialogue of Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis.   more     Commission welcomes provisional agreement to reduce microplastic pollution The Commission welcomes the provisional agreement reached last night between the European Parliament and the Council on the Commission's proposal to regulate and prevent microplastic pollution from plastic pellets, across the value chain, including during transport, notably at sea.   more     Landmark agreement towards achieving net-zero emissions from global shipping by 2050 The European Commission welcomes agreement at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), as a meaningful step towards achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from global shipping by 2050.   more

OCEAN by Euronews

Euronews OCEAN Season 7, Episode 3 - Turning the tide for young offenders   Young offenders often lack opportunities to develop skills, increasing their risk of reoffending. The Turning Blue project aims to change that by providing education and training in the blue economy - jobs linked to the ocean.   more

Stories of the month

Blue Bio Techpreneurs - Unlocking Transversal and Entrepreneurial Skills for the Blue Bioeconomy Tackling the skills and labour gaps to improve people’s careers and economic competitiveness is one of the top priorities of the European Union.   more     Preserving heritage, boosting sustainability: Biharugra’s fishpond in Hungary Biharugrai Halgazdaság, located in Hungary’s Southern Great Plains, has revitalised its historic fishpond system with European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) investments. As Hungary’s second-largest fishpond system operator, the company combines ecological sustainability with economic growth.   more     Inobiostar: pioneering sustainable solutions for oil spills with BlueInvest support Oil spills pose a severe threat to marine ecosystems and industries that depend on clean water. Inobiostar, a Lithuanian spin-off from Klaipeda University, is addressing this challenge through innovative biotechnological solutions.   more

Map of the month

Shellfish farms The map features European shellfish farms. Shellfish, especially mussels, oysters and clams, make up more than 50% of the EU’s total aquaculture production. Aquaculture worlwide is quickly expanding, contributing to global food supply and economic growth. In the EU, it’s vital to develop skills and careers in this field among the younger generation.   more

Events

European Maritime Day 2025 date 21/05/2025 - 23/05/2025 Registration Register by 10 May   more   EU Arctic Forum, Indigenous Peoples’ Dialogue and Arctic Youth Dialogue date 26/06/2025 - 27/06/2025   more

Call for applications

BlueInvest Africa 2025 Call for Applications for Pitchers at BlueInvest Africa 2025, Togo – Deadline 30/04/25 Deadline 30/04/2025   more

Have your say

Common fisheries policy – evaluation Deadline 21/04/2025   more   Sustainable imports of fishery products under the EU Autonomous Tariff Quota Regulation Deadline 03/07/2025   more

Funding opportunities

Assessment study for data and metadata availability and adequacy for MSFD Article 19(3) obligations Deadline 07/05/2025   more   Enhancing coordination and synergies in the field of ocean observation in the EU Deadline 02/06/2025   more

Publications and studies

Mapping of marine protected areas and their associated fishing activities (MAPAFISH)   more     Mapping of marine protected areas and their associated fishing activities (MAPAFISH) - Annex   more

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