Despite the repeated criticism of commercial fishing, fisheries in the European Union are showing clear signs of improving sustainability, as the European Commission’s Sustainable fishing in the EU: state of play and orientations for 2025 report sets out.
‘EU fishing is heading towards increased sustainability – but challenges remain,’ said Mathias Ivarsson, chairman of the Swedish Fishermen’s PO.
‘It is emphasises that a competitive and long-term sustainable fishing requires healthy stocks and a living sea. And development is heading in the right direction: more fish stocks are managed today at sustainable levels than ever before – a trend that has been ongoing for a long time.’
But he commented that the picture is not entirely clear, as the Baltic continues to be threatened by increasing environmental pressures such as overfertilisation, climate change and environmental taxes.
‘The EU Commission stresses the need for broader efforts to protect the marine environment,’ he commented.
‘An important part of the report is the Commission’s ongoing review of the common fishing policy. The Swedish demersal fleet needs a new model to ensure balance between capacity and fishing opportunities. The Maritime and Water Authority has submitted sound proposals for a system with permissible fishing rights. Now it is up to politics to act,’ he said.
‘The Commission also highlights the cultural and social importance of fishing. For generations fishing has been a basis of livelihood and identity in Europe’s coastal communities. Fishing becoming increasingly sustainable is the result of the hard work by professional fishermen, administrations and political institutions at all levels.’
He said that EU fishing policy is now at an important crossroads.
‘The coming vision for the fisheries and aquaculture sectors by 2040 must build on what works – but must also tackle new challenges with courage and determination.’
