Publications

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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© Greenpeace / Christian Aslund

Statement: An Energy Transition for the EU Fishing Sector

We are in the midst of the climate crisis, feeling the effects of climate change almost on a daily basis. At a political level, with the signature of the Paris Agreement and the adoption of the European Green Deal, the EU agreed to transition to a sustainable Europe that will achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. In order to reach these objectives, human societies need to start or accelerate the decarbonisation of all sectors of the economy.  

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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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Fish are Carbon Engineers

Fish are Carbon Engineers

Our Fish Briefing Paper,  presented at COP27 on November 11th. 2022. Download pdf: Fish are Carbon Engineers The ocean is the largest store of carbon on

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Fit for 55: Energy Taxation Directive, Ending one of aviation's most unfair tax privileges

Fit for 55: Energy Taxation Directive, Ending one of aviation’s most unfair tax privileges

Aviation fuels have been exempt from taxation under the Energy Taxation Directive since it was introduced. The revision of the ETD would put an end to this unfair tax privilege that aviation has enjoyed and ensure taxation rates better integrate the environmental impact of fossil kerosene. This briefing from T&E highlights the good aspects and the problems of the revision of the ETD for aviation.

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Briefing paper: Decarbonising the EU Fishing Fleet - Opportunities, Challenges and Critical Elements for a Necessary Transition

Briefing paper: Decarbonising the EU Fishing Fleet – Opportunities, Challenges and Critical Elements for a Necessary Transition

On the 14th of June 2022, we held a workshop during which experts presented the decarbonisation solutions available in the maritime sector, followed by a discussion with various stakeholders on what is needed to decarbonise the EU fishing sector. This paper is aimed at sharing recommendations and resources developed as a result of the June 2022 workshop, and to instigate action on the necessary path to decarbonisation.

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Decarbonising the EU Fishing Fleet. Lessons from Today's Shipping Industry

Briefing Paper: Decarbonising the EU Fishing Fleet: Lessons from Today’s Shipping Industry

While the journey to decarbonisation is in its primary stages, progress already made within the maritime sector has provided momentum and offers an incremental pathway for the decarbonisation of the fishing fleet. In order to align itself with the objectives of the EU Green Deal and other relevant international agreements, the global fishing industry will need to switch to new sources of energy. The purpose of this briefing paper is to present a feasibility analysis of batteries, synthetic fuels and wind propulsion for fishing vessels by examining examples from the shipping industry, while also considering the advantages and challenges presented by each source of energy.

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