Fishing, the poor health of Europe’s seas and fish and the measures to be implemented: the analysis of the EU Environment Agency

Brussels – European seas are not doing well, nor are the ecosystems within them, with the result that 40 percent (2022 figures) of fish and shellfish are not healthy or fished unsustainably. The snapshot of the European Environment Agency (EEA) with a briefing entitled Healthy Seas, Thriving Fisheries: Transitioning to an Environmentally Sustainable Sector, in addition to providing an overview of the environmental state of European fisheries, identifies options to help achieve a competitive and sustainable fishing industry in the long-term.

“Fisheries rely on healthy marine ecosystems, but Europe’s seas are generally in poor condition due to increasing pressures from human activities and climate change, according to the briefing. Approximately 40 percent of fish and shellfish in European seas are not in good conditions or fished sustainably, and balancing the demand for marine space and resources between fishing and other activities of the Blue Economy, such as offshore wind farms, will be increasingly important,” the paper explains. Fisheries can also negatively impact marine ecosystems, including through bycatch, catch discards, habitat degradation, abandoned or lost fishing gear, pollution, and releasing carbon from the seafloor. “Despite success in some European waters in reducing overfishing, harmful practices and unsustainable fishing levels persist,” the EEA briefing points out.

“Europe’s regional seas are generally in poor condition, which threatens the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the European fishing industry. Overfishing, bycatch, and habitat degradation drive the decline of marine biodiversity in Europe’s seas, together with pressures from eutrophication, pollution, and climate change,” the EEA said. But at the same time, “there are proven, beneficial measures that can improve the situation if successfully implemented.”

In this context, crucial actions include: “keeping all harvesting at sustainable levels, phasing out harmful practices, and promoting low-impact harvesting techniques.”  Moreover, “expanding and better managing the network of marine protected areas would be critical.” Currently, “protected areas cover about 12 percent of the EU seas, but only a fraction of these have management plans, and less than 1% offer strict protection, including banned fishing.” In addition, “The EU has committed to protect 30 percent of its seas by 2030, with 10 percent being strictly protected.”

Finally, on the regulatory side, the agency recalled that the European Green Deal addressed the need to achieve sustainability in EU fisheries and ensure a fair and equitable transition. An action plan to protect and restore marine ecosystems for sustainable and resilient fisheries was published as part of a comprehensive package for fisheries and oceans in 2023, linked to the 2030 Biodiversity Strategy. “The recent political guidelines for the next European Commission, presented by president-elect, Ursula von der Leyen, refers to ensuring the fisheries sector ‘remains sustainable, competitive and resilient and with upholding a level playing field for the European fisheries chain,’ and that ‘a European Oceans Pact will focus on boosting the blue economy and ensuring the good governance and sustainability of our oceans in all of their dimensions’.”

However, action is needed to translate regulations into reality. “Addressing these challenges and transitioning to sustainable fisheries requires the full implementation and enforcement of existing management tools, especially those targeted at reducing the negative impacts of these pressures on marine resources,” the agency noted. “This is vital for improving the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of fisheries.”