24-05-2023 14:30
The future of fishing - Promotion of income diversification and access to EU funding

SPAAK 5B1
Fishing seiner surrounded by seagulls returning after the catch at sunrise
Return of the fishing boat after the catch © Image used under license from Adobe Stock

The Commission recently proposed a controversial "action plan" to conserve fisheries resources and protect marine ecosystems, along with other initiatives implementing the European Green Deal. Considering its potential impact on fishing activities and the many challenges the fisheries sector is facing right now, notably the rise in fuel price, we need to think in a more focused way about the future of EU fisheries.

What transformations are needed to ensure economically and environmentally viable fisheries in the future? Important goals would be to diversify the fishers' income basis and to facilitate their access to EU funding, in particular for the small-scale segment of the fleet.