An Energy Transition for the EU Fishing Sector: One That Protects the Environment and is Socially Just

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Our Vision for Decarbonisation

We have a vision for a decarbonisation of the fisheries sector that progressively leads to a greenhouse gas-neutral fisheries using less energy-intensive gears and less destructive gears.

Decarbonisation will go hand in hand with a transition towards low impact fisheries, allowing the ocean and fish to play their role as climate regular and natural carbon sinks. Coastal communities will thrive thanks to their activity as fishers but also thanks to the beauty of the marine environment they will feel responsible to protect and honour. Consumers will have learned to eat less but more seasonal fish that has been sustainably fished in EU waters. We encourage the European Commission and Member States to take a step-by-step approach for a decarbonisation roadmap.

In the first period all available measures to reduce fuel consumption should be implemented as they can also easily be financed through the EMFAF. A shift towards low impact fishing should be encouraged by any means in this first phase. While technological innovation is advancing, decarbonisation can move forward towards alternative fuels. These options should be strongly assessed in the light of environmental, social and safety impacts.

Transition to Low Impact Fisheries » 

Financing the Energy Transition » 

Fishing boats in the harbour of Saint Jean de Luz, Basque Country, Pyrenees Atlantiques, France. Photo: davewalshphoto.com
Photo: davewalshphoto.com
Press, Events and News

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Open Letter to Commissioners Hoekstra and Kadis

Open Letter to Commissioners Hoekstra and Kadis

Congratulations on your appointment. Our NGOs BLOOM, ClientEarth, Oceana and Seas At Risk look forward to collaborating with you and supporting your efforts to advance the goals outlined in your mission letters. Together, we work for the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies in fisheries, fair financial and fishing opportunities for coastal, artisanal and small-scale fishing communities, and a shift toward low-impact fishing practices.

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Publications

Infographics and Reports

Energy transition and Decarbonisation of the fishing fleet: the Low Impact Fishers of Europe (LIFE)’s Perspective

Energy transition and Decarbonisation of the fishing fleet: the Low Impact Fishers of Europe (LIFE)’s Perspective

Shifting from fossil fuel dependency to a zero carbon economy is as imperative for fisheries as it is for other production sectors. Decarbonisation must also be coherent with the other processes affecting the fisheries sector, and in line with fishery management objectives. Decarbonisation must not be pursued at the expense of biodiversity conservation, nature restoration, and the transition towards a fair and sustainable food system. On the other hand, if the vision of the fisheries of the future is well framed and the energy transition is well aligned with the CFP objectives to end overfishing, conserve and restore the marine environment, and is consistent with the objectives of achieving economic, social and employment benefits, it could provide a great opportunity to revitalise the small-scale low impact fishing sector, and give them prospects of future.

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Carbon-friendly & economically resilient EU fisheries

Carbon-friendly & economically resilient EU fisheries

The European Commission launched in February 2023 an Action plan for the Energy Transition of the EU Fisheries sector. Our policy briefing highlights our recommendations for this crucial process of decarbonization which is part of the broader effort to achieve climate change objectives set in the European Green Deal and the European climate law.

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