News Digest n.8 / 2024
Spanish Introduce New Fishing Regulations on Management and Sustainability
The Spanish Government has approved a royal decree updating fishing regulations in national grounds. The decree introduces measures to improve quota management and ensure sustainable practices for Spanish-flagged fleets in international waters and third countries' exclusive economic zones. It also establishes a mechanism to reserve fishing quotas for general interest, aligning with Spain's Sustainable Fishing and Fisheries Research Act.
The Commission has adopted a proposal for 2025 fishing opportunities in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, promoting sustainable fish management and fulfilling commitments in the MedFish4Ever and Sofia Declarations. The proposal includes measures for demersal stocks, Adriatic Sea, and Black Sea, including limits on fishing effort, catch limits, and quotas for sprat and turbot. The Council will allocate fishing opportunities in December.
Valencia plans Spain's biggest fish farming conference
The European Aquaculture Society (EAS) annual conference in Valencia, Spain, is set to become the largest event in the country's history. The 2025 conference, from September 22-25, will build on the global success of the AQUA 2024 conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, focusing on innovation and sustainability in aquaculture.
The Commission's second report on the Baltic Sea's fisheries management MAP highlights challenges in implementing the common fisheries policy due to ecosystem deterioration and potential overfishing, despite consultations with stakeholders.
Opportunities to secure healthy marine ecosystems and a sustainable future for European fisheries
The EEA briefing highlights the environmental state of European fisheries and suggests actions to achieve a sustainable fishing industry. It highlights the need to balance fishing with other activities like offshore wind farms and reduce harmful practices. The EU's Green Deal aims for a fair transition.
EU fisheries remained ahead of aquaculture in 2022
In 2022, the EU's aquatic animal production reached 4.2 million tonnes, with fisheries landings contributing to 3.1 million tonnes and aquaculture reaching 1.1 million tonnes. Fisheries catches accounted for 74% of total production, with landed catches reaching €6.2 billion and aquaculture production at €4.9 billion.
