Press releases/news articles

Today, on World Oceans Day, I want to join the global celebration of our oceans. I want to highlight their importance for our wellbeing and for the wellbeing of future generations: as an abundant supplier of food, energy and other natural resources; as a regulator for our climate and many of our natural cycles; and as source of inspiration, imagination and humility. On this day, I also want to recall the urgent need to address the immense challenges that our oceans are faced with: climate change, pollution, environmental degradation and unsustainable management of their resources.

Following months of discussions, the European Commission and the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) have secured today a 10-year pledge to rebuild the Black Sea fish stocks, protect the region's ecological and economic wealth and boost the development of sustainable Black Sea aquaculture.

The fish-processing sector in the EU is in rather good shape, according to the latest Economic Report of the EU Fish Processing sector.

Commissioner Karmenu Vella is in Burgas, Bulgaria welcoming more than 1000 participants from the maritime sector for the 2018 edition of the European Maritime Day. For the first time since its conception, the European Maritime Day takes place in the Black Sea region.

The European Commission is proposing improvements to modernise and simplify the way in which fishing rules are monitored and complied with in the EU.

The European Commission is proposing improvements to modernise and simplify the way in which fishing rules are monitored and complied with in the EU. An effective control system is key to ensuring that the EU's fisheries are sustainably managed, which in turn guarantees the long-term viability of the EU fishing sector and protects the livelihoods of our fishermen.

As in previous years, the European Commission is committed to fully implement the international control measures for bluefin tuna. The period 26 May to 24 June marks the season where large vessels, purse seiners, are allowed to fish for this stock.

The European Commission has tabled an important legal proposal to tackle marine litter. By introducing new measures on single use plastics as well as derelict fishing gear, the proposal will contribute to Europe’s transition towards a Circular Economy.

160 experts from all over the world have gathered in Brussels on 24 and 25 May for the first meeting of the International Forum on Maritime Spatial Planning. They have discussed ongoing projects both in the EU and abroad and shared views on the challenges of planning public sea space across borders.

Hundreds of innovative entrepreneurs and leading investors from across Europe are coming to Brussels today, looking for partners to create sustainable economic growth from our seas and oceans. Why? Because the European Commission is organising Blue Invest, the first-ever, EU-wide matchmaking event between start-ups and investors in the blue economy.

The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) invites applications for the position of Systems Administrator.

The five-year EU funded PESCAO project, which includes a component aiming to improve the fight against Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing activities in Western Africa, has kicked off today.

Is it fair that professional skippers should have to submit a specific request every time they wish to work outside their own country or on a foreign vessel – or even have to re-qualify in some cases?

The European Commission has published three compendiums of initiatives that help developing the skills of maritime professionals and making them fit for the diverse needs of an evolving maritime economy.

Lors des premières réunions qui se sont déroulées à Rabat, les parties ont pu présenter leurs attentes et avoir un premier échange sur le futur partenariat visant à instaurer et renforcer une pêche durable.

Commissioner Karmenu Vella will attend the annual Seafood Exhibition Global in Brussels to meet with businesses and visit Member States' stands promoting the local and regional fisheries industry.

The Commission has approved a proposal to transpose into EU legislation stronger measures to help the recovery of the Mediterranean swordfish.

With the conference programme for this year’s European Maritime Day shaping up, get ready for what will surely be another great opportunity to gain new insights into maritime affairs and blue growth and related EU policies and funding opportunities.