ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS OF FISHING ENTERPRISES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

Press Releases

Europêche welcomes Danish Fishers PO (DFPO) as new member

Europêche, the leading representative body for the fishing industry in Europe, is delighted to announce the inclusion of the Danish Fishers PO (DFPO) as its newest member. Currently representing over 550 fishing vessels, DFPO significantly contributes to Danish coastal and local communities, supporting 16,000 jobs and generating €1.8 billion in economic activity. During its General Assembly held today in Brussels, Europêche members endorsed and warmly welcomed DFPO as new member, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the voice of European fisheries.

EU Sea Fisheries Social Partners: Advancing Social Sustainability

Brussels, 10 July 2024 – As we finalise the deliverables of the "Pillars of the Sea 3" project, we are pleased to present our achievements and future initiatives. Co-funded by the EU, this project advances the Social Dialogue Committee roadmap for socially sustainable fishing, building on our previous successes. Notably, our work on medical guidelines for fishers led to the adoption of new guidelines on medical examination of fishers by ILO and IMO, confirming our essential role in advancing the health, safety, and sustainability of the fishing industry. As we move forward, we remain committed to enhancing the working conditions and safety of fishers across the EU and beyond.

Launch of ITUNNES Project: Enhancing Tuna Stock Assessment through European Science-Sector Collaboration

Last week, on June 17th, in Pasaia, Spain, AZTI hosted the kick-off meeting of the ITUNNES project, that aims through European institutes and sector collaboration to foster the implementation of effective management measures for tropical tunas at tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (t-RFMOs, i.e. IOTC and ICCAT).

News

iFish, We Fish

The commercial fisheries of the EU stretch for thousands of square miles, from the inhospitable seas of the Arctic North, to the warmer and more favourable climes of the Southern Mediterranean. These communal waters harbour a plethora of commercial species of fish and shellfish, the landings of which form an integral part of the economies of 23 member countries, accounting for a colossal 4.9 million tonne catch, from a fleet of 87,500 vessels, a statistic that indicates a world ranking of 5th largest in terms of total output.

European Projects

Home by the Sea -Can fisheries and wind farms co-exist?

Sustainable fishing activities require space as does the development and operation of offshore wind farms. In order to safeguard the future of our seas and oceans, the EU adopted back in 2014 a Directive for maritime and coastal spatial planning urging Member States to ensure that human activities at sea take place in an efficient, safe and sustainable way and reduce users’ conflicts. At the same time, to tackle climate change, EU governments are determined to answer to the EU’s Paris Agreement nationally determined contribution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030 compared to 1990. For this purpose, some countries are pushing to increase offshore wind power 40-fold by 2030 in Europe.

Needless to say, the European wind industry has an ambitious plan, hereby claiming a vast amount of space. Therefore, the question 'Can fisheries and wind farms co-exist?’ is a relevant but complex question which will become more pressing in the near future.

Home by the Sea by Hiske Ridder. www.conpuls.nl

On behalf of and many thanks to: Job Schot, Dirk Kraak and Cor Vonk,  www.vissersvoorvrijezee.nl. Julien Theore, Silvain Gallaisl and Olivier Becquet, https://pecheursartisans.com. Bertrand Wendling, https://sathoan.fr. Pim Visser, VisNed.nl. Rosalie Tukker, http://europeche.chil.me.