What changed between the draft committee report and the plenary report

The European fisheries sector stands at a crossroads. As the EU moves forward with long-term climate and sustainability ambitions, the expectations placed on the sector continue to grow. The European fleet is ageing, with an average vessel age of over 31.5 years, and faces mounting regulatory and financial burdens. Our fishers are expected to modernise, decarbonise, innovate, and remain competitive on a global market where over 70 % of the seafood consumed in the EU is already imported, often at lower cost and lower standards.

This own-initiative report highlights concerns about how current climate policy is being applied to the sector. The way it is put into practice often fails to reflect the realities at sea. Sustainability should not be enforced through rigid targets and bureaucracy, but built on realistic steps, innovation from within the sector and support that matches the daily challenges of fishers. Both clean oceans and healthy fish stocks, as well as a strong and future-proof fisheries sector with thriving coastal communities, are essential pillars of a sustainable maritime policy.

A sector under pressure

While fisheries are expected to transition to low-emission operations, it is important to note that the sector already contributes a very small share of global emissions. According to the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), global fisheries represent just 0.1 % to 0.5 % of the global emissions and EU fisheries account for a mere 0.01 % of global emissions. In this context, overly aggressive decarbonisation policies risk having disproportionate impacts on a sector that contributes minimally to climate change, but significantly to food security, employment, and social cohesion in coastal and rural communities.

At the same time, high fuel prices are placing serious pressure on the sector, and modernising the fleet is necessary not only to reduce emissions, but also to improve safety, working conditions, and energy efficiency. However, current support tools such as the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) are sometimes difficult to access in practice. Strict eligibility rules under articles 17-18-19, including a 24-meter maximum length and a 40-year vessel age limit exclude much of the larger and ageing fleet. Moreover, the common fisheries policy (CFP) imposes capacity limits based on gross tonnage, preventing fishers from adapting vessel designs to accommodate alternative fuel systems.

Meanwhile, proposed decarbonisation pathways including hydrogen, ammonia, and hybrid engines are not yet commercially viable at scale. These technologies come with high investment costs, technical complexity and infrastructure challenges that will require further research and carefully phased implementation. In some cases, access to funding depends on the use of alternative fuels that are not always locally available due to lacking infrastructure, illustrating a mismatch between policy design and applicability. For many vessels, especially in the under 12 m category, retrofitting is not an option. It is clear that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution.

Despite these challenges, many in the sector are open to innovation on the condition that it is feasible and supports their long-term economic viability. Pilot projects such as SEAGLOW (small-scale electrification) and HY2FISH (hydrogen-electric vessels) show the value of testing new technologies under real conditions. Continued EU-level support for such initiatives is essential to identify what works for different types of vessels and operational profiles. Beyond fuel technologies, substantial progress can already be made through improvements in fishing gear and methods. These solutions are often more accessible, cost-effective and capable of delivering immediate environmental benefits.

Innovation as a practical path to sustainability

Innovation in fishing gear represents a key pathway to achieving sustainability. Some gear types are designed to better target the intended species and sizes, reducing bycatch and helping protect juvenile fish. Other innovations aim to reduce fuel consumption and minimise seabed disturbance, for example by replacing heavy gear with lighter or more efficient alternatives. These innovations do not only benefit the marine environment, but also enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Many of these innovations are developed by fishers themselves, based on practical knowledge. Yet despite their potential, the uptake of such gear remains slow, not due to a lack of willingness, but because of regulatory uncertainty and lengthy approval procedures at EU level. In sensitive sea basins such as the Baltic Sea, promoting these kinds of solutions could help ease pressure on both ecosystems and local fishing communities.

Lack of regulatory clarity is a major reason why new fishing gear is taking so long to be adopted. The approval process continues to be long and complicated. The EU still lacks official definitions of what constitutes ‘innovative’ or ‘sustainable’ fishing gear. This ambiguity dissuades investment and postpones the introduction of practical solutions. A transparent and scientifically based evaluation system, like the ICES innovation matrix, is necessary for fishers and fishing gear developers to evaluate and adopt new gear without needless delays.

Achieving progress in gear innovation require more predictable procedures, targeted financial support, and a regulatory environment that gives room to practical testing. Establishing clear and operational EU definitions of ‘innovative’ and ‘sustainable’ fishing gear is a necessary first step. Introducing a fast-track approval system, alongside consistent support for pilot projects, would provide a pragmatic route to promoting innovation while supporting both environmental goals and the long-term viability of the sector.

Aquaculture: a complementary pillar

Aquaculture should be considered as a strategic complement and not a replacement for wild fisheries. Together, they play a crucial role in maintaining a steady supply of seafood in the European Union. Still, we depend heavily on imports to meet demand, which makes it all the more important to boost our own production. It is also important to note that shellfish and seaweed farming provide low-carbon and space-efficient sources of protein, while having environmental benefits such as carbon capture and water purification.

Despite its potential, EU aquaculture remains underdeveloped: restrained by bureaucracy, battle for marine space and imported products produced under lower standards. To bolster the stagnating growth, the EU needs to: streamline licensing procedures, provide clear direction and support to Member States and subject imported products to equivalent sustainability standards. In the meantime, it needs a strategic approach, clearly defined growth plans and investment channels to attract capital, innovation and generational renewal.

The battle for maritime space is intensifying. Fisheries, aquaculture, offshore wind farms, marine protected areas, and transport are all competing for access to increasingly limited sea areas and are often in the same nutrient-rich coastal waters. The forthcoming EU algae strategy will likely add further pressure on these zones. The rapid expansion of offshore wind energy projects raise concerns about the displacement of traditional maritime activities and food production. A more balanced and coherent spatial planning approach is needed, one that gives priority to essential uses such as fisheries and aquaculture, rather than allowing space to be dominated by industrial energy interests.

Securing the future

Equally urgent is the need for generational renewal. Many fishers and aquaculture producers are approaching the retirement age. Younger people are often discouraged by uncertainty, bureaucracy and a lack of future prospects of the sector. Without a new generation willing and able to take over, the long-term sustainability of the sector is at risk. Modern, innovative and well-supported fisheries are not only essential for the economic vitality of the sector and food security of the EU, but also key to the survival of coastal communities and the continuation of a vital maritime tradition.

Moreover, improving working and living conditions on board is essential to making the profession more appealing. Many older vessels lack even basic facilities, which continues to be a major obstacle to attracting younger people and women to the sector.

As the rapporteur on this initiative report, I would like to urge the European Commission to revise outdated rules and rebalance policy priorities. The fishery sector has a willingness to innovate, provided that such innovations are economically viable and supported by clear policies, legal certainty and accessible tools. By enabling smart decarbonisation, encouraging practical innovation, and promoting strategic aquaculture development, the EU can help ensure that its seafood sector remains competitive, resilient, and truly sustainable. Not only on paper, but also in practice and at sea. These recommendations should serve as input for future discussions on the evaluation of the CFP beyond 2027.