The European Commission today adopted a report on the implementation of the EU’s shark finning Regulation.

Fisheries were high on the agenda of European Parliament's plenary session on 12 April in Strasbourg, with three Parliament reports on the table.

The international community has taken a first step in developing a legally-binding instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella is at the Council of the European Union in Luxembourg today, presenting the Commission's proposed Regulation on technical measures to EU fisheries ministers. A proposed Regulation on data collection in the fisheries sector is also on the agenda.

Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella is travelling to Algeria to discuss the need for a common strategy for the Mediterranean Sea.

The European Commission is investing over €7.5 million to boost innovation and create jobs in the marine and maritime sectors. The money is available under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and divided in calls for proposal focusing on the key areas where the European Union can have the biggest impact: skills, creativity and technology.

The European Parliament and the Council reached an agreement on a multi-annual plan for cod, herring and sprat in the Baltic Sea at a trilogue meeting yesterday, following a European Commission proposal in 2014.

EU Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, was at the Slovenian coast today, inaugurating landing facilities financed by the European Fisheries Fund. The visit also provided an opportunity to meet the Slovenian minister responsible for fisheries, Mr Dejan Židan, and to talk to representatives of the local fishing sector.