Maritime Affairs and Fisheries,newsletter

 

18 February 2026   Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Newsletter

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In this issue Foreword   News   Stories of the month   Map of the month   Events   Call for applications   Have your say   Funding opportunities

Foreword

Dear readers, This month's newsletter highlights the key initiatives under the European Ocean Pact, our comprehensive strategy to better protect the ocean, promote a thriving blue economy and support the well-being of people living in coastal areas. I look forward to your contributions as we advance through 2026. The more you get involved, the more we can achieve together - because we want all views and voices to be heard. In addition, I had the great opportunity to participate in a high-level conference to discuss the future Energy Transition Roadmap for the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector. The energy transition of the EU is vital for the profitability of our fisheries and aquaculture and for ocean sustainability. We invite you to provide your feedback to help shape the European Ocean Observation Initiative, aiming to improve access to marine knowledge and position Europe as a leader in ocean observation. Please share your insights by 27 February. We also have upcoming calls for evidence on coastal communities and island strategies, so stay tuned for more opportunities to contribute. We are also creating a European Ocean Board, a high-level expert group to guide the effective implementation of the Ocean Pact. If you are a professional eager to influence ocean governance, we invite you to apply by 10 March. Our European Ocean Pact also addresses maritime security and defence. The Commission recently launched an action plan to counter drone threats. One of its objectives is to enhance maritime surveillance and to protect critical infrastructure. Finally, I invite you to explore our success stories of the month featuring inspiring EMFAF-funded projects. From Denmark's shift to cleaner energy at the Port of Skagen to preserving fishing through Arctic tourism in Finland, or reducing CO2 concentrations in the ocean, there is much to draw inspiration from. Warm regards,  Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General  Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries @vitcheva_eu

News

Commission seeks feedback on the Ocean Observation Initiative The European Commission has launched a call for evidence to shape the European Ocean Observation Initiative, one of the cornerstones of the European Ocean Pact. The initiative will improve access to actionable marine knowledge for everyone who relies on the ocean   more     The Commission sets up the European Ocean Board and calls for experts to advise on ocean policy The European Commission is calling for applications for the High-Level European Ocean Board, a new expert group established under the European Ocean Pact.   more     Commission increases submarine cable security with €347 million investment and new toolbox Submarine data cables, carrying 99% of intercontinental internet traffic, are essential for modern life and the European economy.   more     Commission presents action plan to counter drone threats The European Commission has presented its Action Plan to counter the increasing threats posed by drones to EU security. In recent years, the EU has faced growing and multi-faceted challenges relating to drones and meteorological balloons, including hostile overflights, airspace violations,   more     High Seas Treaty enters into force: A milestone for ocean conservation The High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), entered into force on 17 January 2026.   more     Progress made on biodiversity, but faster action needed to protect Europe’s food, water, economy and nature, says report The new biodiversity review finds that the EU is on track to achieve 16 of its 45 targets, despite a need to pick up the pace.   more

Stories of the month

Danish pelagic fleet goes green At the northern tip of Denmark, the Port of Skagen, the nation’s largest fishing port, is shifting to cleaner energy. With EU support, the port is moving away from diesel-powered generators and installing fully electric power coming from shore for the energy-intensive unloading process   more     Travel with a fisher: Preserving traditional lake fishing through Arctic tourism On frozen Lake Inari in northern Finland, small-scale fishers are sustaining a generations-old way of life. As climate change is making their livelihood increasingly uncertain, the Sámi Education Institute is helping them adapt.   more     Building a sustainable future for small-scale coastal fishers in southern Spain Along the coast of Cádiz in southern Spain, producer organisation OPP72 is helping small-scale fishers secure fair markets and protect their future. Established in 2010, this organisation brings together around 70 producers and 59 vessels from the ports of Conil, La Atunara, and Rota.   more     SeaO₂: Turning the ocean into a carbon-removal engine thanks to BlueInvest SeaO₂ is a Dutch company pioneering a new method to remove carbon dioxide (CO₂) - by treating seawater and returning 'decarbonised' water to the ocean. This innovative process allows the ocean to absorb CO₂ from the air again, and can help counter ocean acidification at a local level.   more     ecoRoute: turning underwater heritage into sustainable tourism growth in EU outermost regions Europe’s outermost regions are known for their natural and cultural richness, yet they face important challenges linked to seasonality, accessibility and environmental vulnerability being exposed to the impact of climate change.   more

Map of the month

Ocean energy Many ocean energy test sites and pilot projects are located along the coasts of the Atlantic, North Sea, Baltic, and Mediterranean. These sites serve as testing grounds for emerging technologies under real marine conditions, harnessing the ocean's immense potential to generate electricity for homes, transportation, and industry.   more

Events

European Ocean Days date 02/03/2026 - 06/03/2026   more   European Maritime Day date 21/05/2026 - 22/05/2026   more

Call for applications

Apply to have a European Maritime Day in My Country event Deadline 10/03/2026   more

Have your say

A European Ocean Observation Initiative Deadline 27/02/2026   more   Marine environment protection – revision of EU rules Deadline 09/03/2026   more   EU Arctic policy – Update Deadline 16/03/2026   more   Rules on single-use plastics and fishing gear (evaluation) Deadline 17/03/2026   more

Funding opportunities

Regional Maritime cooperation ‘Assistance mechanism for the European Sea basins strategies in the Atlantic, Western Mediterranean, Black and North Seas’ Deadline 20/03/2026   more

This newsletter is published by the European Commission's Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. Visit our website: Oceans and Fisheries The European Commission is committed to personal data protection. Any personal data is processed in line with the Regulation (EU) 2018/1725. Please read the privacy statement. ISSN: 2315-084X | Catalogue Number: KL-01-26-013-EN-Q