The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), responsible for the conservation of tunas and tuna like species in the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas, has concluded its Annual Meeting in Marrakesh on 14 – 21 November.

The report "Realising the potential of the Outermost Regions for sustainable blue growth" presents the results of a study prepared for the European Commission.

Ahead of the December Fisheries Council, where EU Member States will agree fishing quotas for 2018, the Commission has tabled its proposal on catch limits and quotas for the Black Sea, following adoption of the first-ever multiannual management plan for the region.

As governments gather for the 2017 International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) Annual Meeting in Marrakesh, Morocco (14-22 November), the amendment of the conservation measures for Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Bluefin tuna is the main item on the agenda.

In a rapid follow up to the EU-hosted 2017 Our Ocean conference, and in the run-up to the COP23 Ocean Day in Bonn (11 November), the European Commission today launched a new EUR 14.5 million investment initiative to further promote sustainable blue growth across the EU.

The newest pillar in the EU's renewable energy agenda was celebrated on 8 November at the University of Strathclyde, Technology and Innovation Centre in Glasgow. Investment in further blue skills developments, such as preservation of tourist attractions and marine cultural heritage were discussed. As well as celebrating the technological advances, the stakeholders looked at ways to guarantee that development is socially inclusive and sustainable development.

Today the Commission presents its proposal for fishing opportunities in the Atlantic and the North Sea for 2018. The Commission proposes quotas for 78 stocks: for 53 stocks the fishing quota is either increased or remains the same and for 25 stocks is reduced.

The European Commission announced on Wednesday 25 October the 2018 Call for Proposals for the Erasmus+ programme. The 2018 budget is expected to reach EUR 2.7 billion, an increase of over EUR 200 million compared to 2017.