In the frame of the European Year of Development 2015, October is dedicated to Food Security issues. See the short animated video about the co-operation of EU with developing countries in fisheries for the sustainable management of seafood resources that enhances food security and offers opportunities for trade and growth.

European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, is in Washington this week to convey the EU's commitment to sustainable development.

The European Commission welcomes the decisions during the 37th annual meeting of NAFO (North Atlantic Fisheries Organisation, 21-25 September 2015, Halifax, Canada), which contain a strong commitment of its Contracting Parties to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems, by adopting Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for a number of stocks taking due account of scientific advice and by taking further measures to improve the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems.

Today, the United Nations is set to adopt the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, setting out a global framework to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development by 2030. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals also include a goal to "Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources."

The speeches and presentations are now on-line.

A vast majority of respondents to a recent EU consultation believes that the EU and other public bodies could play a role in ecolabelling – but views on their required type of involvement are less clear. This is one of the main findings from the European Commission's recent consultation on an EU ecolabel for fisheries and aquaculture products.

Short animated video about the importance of fisheries for food security, health and growth in developing countries, highlighting the commitment of the EU with 3rd countries to help promote sustainable management of seafood resources and inclusive opportunities for trade and growth.

EU funds can be used in various ways to support local maritime projects, participants at an EU conference in Brussels discovered today.