Moderne Flotte und Klimaschutz: Neue Strategie: EU-Kommission will Kurswechsel bei Fischfang

The European Commission is planning a new strategy by 2040 to make the fishing industry more resilient and sustainable. This plan includes modern, climate-friendly fleets, reducing unwanted catches, supporting small fisheries, protecting against unfair global competition, and increasing demand for EU fish and seafood, according to the commission.

The fishing sector faces challenges such as fluctuating energy costs, climate change, declining fish stocks, competition for maritime space, and an aging workforce, stated EU Fisheries Commissioner Costas Kadis during the strategy's introduction in Strasbourg. Specific legislative proposals are not yet forthcoming. To address these issues, investments in more efficient ships are to be encouraged in the fishing industry.

The commission aims to promote digital traceability for all products along the supply chain by 2029 to encourage consumers to purchase EU fish and seafood. Additionally, the commission will work with the industry to find new solutions to avoid unwanted fish bycatch, as bringing all regulated fish species to shore did not yield the expected results.

The commission plans to present a strategy in the coming year to attract more young people to the industry, noting that interest in this profession remains low. The EU employs more than 200,000 people in the fishing and aquaculture sector, with many more involved in processing, trade, and distribution.