Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Newsletter

 

15 October 2026   Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Newsletter

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

Foreword

Dear readers, Let me begin with some very encouraging news for ocean observation. At this year's United Nations General Assembly, the EU, together with Canada, secured €220 million in pledges for Global Ocean Observation – a major milestone for our collective efforts to better understand and protect the ocean. I am also delighted that more than 30 countries have joined the OceanEye International Alliance, marking another important step forward in advancing our shared ocean observation ambitions.  Ocean observation matters more than ever. That is why it is the focus of this month’s map. It is crucial to deepen our understanding of the profound impacts of climate change of the Arctic, as well as the increasing frequency and intensity of record-breaking marine heatwaves. For those working in the fisheries sector, your input is essential. I encourage you to share your views on common European training standards for fishers and on the implementation of the Technical Measures Regulation. We are also seeking the feedback from fisheries and aquaculture professionals on simplification. The survey aims to identify requirements that may be unnecessary, duplicative or overly burdensome, so that we can make the framework clearer and more effective.  Looking ahead, the Commission will also adopt its Vision 2040 for Fisheries and Aquaculture by the end of October, setting out a longer-term perspective for a resilient, sustainable and competitive fisheries sector in the European Union. The initiative will be accompanied by an energy transition roadmap and a communication for EU fisheries external action. Warm regards, Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries @vitcheva_eu

News

EU and Canada secure at least €211 million in pledges for Global Ocean Observation On 23 September, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney launched the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System at a high‑level pledging event in New York.   more   Commission report finds devastating shifts in the Arctic and record-breaking marine heatwaves The ocean is changing at an alarming pace with direct consequences for marine life, coastlines and communities all across the world. That is the main conclusion of the tenth report on the state of the ocean, published by the Marine Environment Monitoring Service of Copernicus, the EU Earth observation programme.   more   Commission seeks views on common European training standards for fishers The European Commission has published a call for evidence on the introduction of possible EU standards for the training and certification of fishers working on EU vessels. The aim is to improve safety on board and make it easier for fishers to work in other Member States.   more   Help shape the future Atlantic Maritime and Macro-regional Strategy The European Commission has launched a call for evidence on a future Atlantic Maritime and Macro-regional Strategy to help shape stronger cooperation, resilience, sustainability and territorial cohesion across the Atlantic area. Participate in the call for evidence by 26 November 2026   more   Commission seeks views on the implementation of the Technical Measures Regulation The Commission has launched a public consultation on the implementation of the Technical Measures Regulation. The results of the consultation will feed into the Commission’s third report on the implementation of the regulation, due in 2027.   more   EU seeks input from fisheries and aquaculture professionals on simplification by 31 October The European Commission is inviting professionals in the fisheries and aquaculture sector to complete a 15-minute online survey on the administrative, reporting and compliance requirements they face in their daily work.   more   Commission approves €40.5 million French State aid to support agricultural, fishery and transport companies facing increased fuel prices The European Commission has approved two French State aid schemes to support companies affected by increased fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis. €23.3 million will be allocated to support transport companies, and €17.2 million to support agricultural, fishery and aquaculture companies,   more

Stories of the month

Ustka’s living maritime heritage: Reviving Baltic fishing traditions for future generations Along the windswept Pomeranian coast of Poland, Ustka is a town shaped by the sea. For generations, fishing defined daily life here, leaving a legacy that still lives on in the harbour, the streets and the memories of local people.   more   Decameal: turning overabundant shore crabs into valuable food and feed ingredients What to do with an overabundance of crabs disrupting the Danish coastal ecosystem? Danish biologists Leander Hessner and Happylan Natkunarajah had the idea to turn this underused resource into a new source of marine protein.   more   EM4SSF: improving data collection in small-scale fisheries for more sustainable fishing Small-scale fisheries make up around 85% of the EU fishing fleet and provide jobs for about 100,000 people. They are also an important part of the economy, culture and daily life of many coastal communities.   more

Map of the month

Ocean observation Explore the map to see some of the oceanographic instruments used to collect ocean data. The map has three layers: Argo floats, Underwater gliders and Ferrybox systems. Read each layer description to learn what these instruments do. Click the symbols on the map to see details about each instrument and what it measures, for example water temperature, salinity, currents, nutrients, dissolved oxygen.   more

Events

BlueInvest Africa Date 02/11/2026 - 03/11/2026 Venue Cape Town, South Africa Registration Registration open until 1 November 2026   more   European Ocean Days - Save the date! Date 01/03/2027 - 05/03/2027

Have your say

EU fishers – training and certification standards Deadline 29/10/2026   more   Input from fisheries and aquaculture professionals on simplification Deadline 31/10/2026   more   Atlantic maritime and macro-regional strategy Deadline 26/11/2026   more   Targeted stakeholder consultation on the Technical Measures Regulation (2019/1241) for the third report implementation report Deadline 27/11/2026   more

Funding opportunities

EMODnet Lot 1 - Biology and Lot 2 - Seabed Habitats Deadline 23/10/2026   more   European Union Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products Deadline 04/11/2026   more

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