A recent study carried out by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has highlighted the reduction in the the EU fishing fleet’s total GHG emissions of 52% between 1990 and 2021, a drop of 8.9 to 4.3 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
European fishing industry body Europêche has welcomed the positive trend and has stressed the fishing sector’s positive role in fighting climate change while producing low carbon seafood.
The UNCTAD study provides a first global mapping of the main challenges and opportunities of the energy transition of fishing vessels, particularly for developing countries. It explores the interface between climate change, CO2 emissions and fishing fleets by analysing emissions data and ocean and fisheries commitments under the Paris Agreement.
According to the study, fishing vessels contribute between 0.1 and 0.5% of global CO2 emissions and represent approximately 4% of the carbon emissions generated by global food production. The study is also a reminder that fish production generates less carbon emissions per calorie than raising cattle or pork, and it is the only animal protein considered to have a low carbon footprint.
‘The fishing industry’s environmental footprint is almost negligible if compared with other sources of GHG emission,’ said Daniel Voces, managing director of Europêche.
‘This becomes even more evident considering that, based on figures declared by the European Commission, fisheries emissions from the EU constitute merely 3% of the reported 0.1-0.5% of global fisheries emissions. Yet, as an industry, we remain steadfast in our commitment to consistently reduce our footprint and actively contribute to minimising our environmental impact.’
The UNCTAD study also highlights that EU fisheries emissions decreased as a result of a 28% reduction in the fleet size of the EU between 2000 and 2020, and investments in energy efficiency, including diesel-electric propulsion and efficient refrigeration. These elements have enabled this 52% reduction in the EU’s fleet emissions.
‘It is impressive to witness the substantial progress achieved by European fishers, bringing the EU fleet remarkably close to the ambitious target outlined in the EU Green Deal: a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared to 1990 levels,’ Daniel Voces said.
‘The fishing sector is therefore reaching environmental goals nearly six years ahead of the stipulated deadline, an achievement worthy of admiration. This accomplishment becomes even more noteworthy when contrasting it with neighbouring countries such as Norway, Iceland, or the UK, which are currently not aligning with this positive trend. Notably, despite Norway’s fleet size reduction, they report higher emissions than those recorded in the 1990s.’
According to Europêche, this positive evolution in the EU, unmatched by any other sector, must go on and trigger further changes and it states that to achieve climate-neutrality by 2050, the EU must set the course towards a holistic strategy incorporating zero-emission energy sources, upgrading vessels and enhancing gear design. This will no doubt require more space on board for vessels to install new technologies along with increased financial support.
Europêche’s position is that the European Commission should move swiftly to eliminate regulatory barriers, particularly fishing capacity constraints, and to allocate sufficient financial resources.
‘This decisive action is essential to empower companies to meet the challenge of energy transition effectively. EU authorities cannot afford losing more valuable time,’ Europêche states.
