The Oceana shared its views in the European Commission’s consultation on Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture. They highlighted key risks facing Europe’s marine food sector and offered practical solutions to make it sustainable, competitive, and resilient by 2040. This plan is part of the larger European Ocean Pact, the EU’s long-term effort to protect the ocean and support sustainable marine policies. Right now, the European marine food system faces serious challenges. Many fish stocks, especially in the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas, are still overfished. Climate change, loss of marine habitats, and growing competition for marine space add more pressure on the fishing sector. If we don’t take strong action, these issues could harm marine ecosystems, threaten coastal communities’ livelihoods, and weaken the sector’s long-term resilience.
“A healthy ocean is the foundation for a strong marine food sector,” said Vera Coelho, Executive Director and Vice President of Oceana in Europe. “Vision 2040 is a crucial chance to create a marine food system that benefits people, nature, and the economy. By supporting healthy fish populations, low-impact fishing, and clear supply chains, we can help local communities thrive, boost the fishing sector, and give the European Union more strategic independence.”
The Oceana vision for 2040 includes these key recommendations:
- Restoration of fish stocks: Bring fish stocks back to healthy levels and protect critical marine habitats to ensure long-term sustainability.
- Support low-impact fishers and coastal communities: Member states should allocate fishing opportunities based on environmental and social factors to boost small-scale fisheries and support dependent coastal communities.
- Full transparency and traceability: Every marine food product entering the EU market must be legal, fully traceable, and clearly labeled so consumers can make responsible choices.
- A new direction for aquaculture: Focus on low-impact species like bivalve mollusks and seaweed while ensuring wild-caught fish is mainly for human consumption.
At the same time, Oceana notes that the European Union has the tools needed to move forward. This mainly comes from the Common Fisheries Policy and its related regulations. What’s needed now is full implementation and effective enforcement of existing rules. Also, fisheries management decisions should align with the EU’s environmental and climate goals.
By sharing these proposals, Oceana shows its willingness to help the European Commission turn Vision 2040 from a plan into real results for people, the ocean, and the marine food sector before its expected adoption in 2026. Implementing these measures can protect marine ecosystems, create fairer conditions for fishers, enhance food sovereignty, and strengthen the EU’s role as a global leader in sustainable marine foods.
