Fishing in Europe.

If Europe's seas and rivers lose their balance, fish will be decimated and Europeans' bellies will grow fat from eating poison. Let's discover together the state of fishing in Europe.

A decreasing budget but targeted for sustainable management.

The European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFAF) has a budget of €6.1 billion for the period 2021-2027. Although this budget is a slight decrease compared to the previous period of 2014-2020, it reflects a strong commitment to more sustainable and efficient management of our maritime resources. This budget reduction pushes us to optimize the use of available funds, by targeting initiatives that combine both economic support and environmental preservation.

Challenges and progress in European fishing

Reduced quotas and economic crises threaten the income of European fishermen and unbalance marine ecosystems. However, the sustainable management of fisheries resources is improving with more selective fishing techniques and international agreements. The objective remains to reconcile economy and environment for the sustainability of the sector.

A necessary response to overfishing in the Western Mediterranean.

The Western Mediterranean is particularly affected by overfishing. To address this problem, a 9.5% reduction in trawl fishing effort has been approved for 2024. This measure aims to enable the renewal of fish stocks while ensuring the long-term sustainability of our fishing industry. term.

Economic support for French fishermen

In this context of reduction in fishing effort, it seems essential to economically support our fishermen. Thus, the Head of State announced the extension of aid of 20 cents per liter of fuel until June 30, 2024, aid permitted within the European framework. This aid, initially planned until December 31 of this year, will now be accessible up to a ceiling of 335,000 euros per company per year. This support remains crucial to help our fishermen face economic challenges and high fuel costs, while respecting fishing effort limits imposed to protect our maritime resources.

A diversified and extensive fishing sector

In 2024, the European Union has a total of 70,110 fishing vessels, with a total gross tonnage of 1,251,459 and an engine power of 5,079,619 kW. Here are the countries with the largest fishing fleets:
Italy: 12,255 vessels (17.5%)
Greece: 12,092 ships (17.2% of the European fleet)
Spain: 8,525 ships (12.2%)
Portugal: 6,859 ships (9.8%)
France: 5,993 ships (8.5%)

Ladies and gentlemen, let's support fishermen while avoiding transforming our oceans into empty swimming pools. Imagine fish on strike, brandishing signs! Budgetary measures, reductions in fishing effort, and economic aid resemble our swimming armbands. Through collaboration and innovation we will ensure the sustainability of our maritime industries and the health of our ecosystems. Onward to adventure, with humor and passion.