The European Commission wants to prohibit the use of any kind of driftnets for fishing in all EU waters as of 1 January 2015.
On 6 June 2014 in Athens, a conference on Maritime Spatial Planning and ports will gather experts, industries and NGOs to discuss the coexistence and synergies between shipping and other maritime sectors in a context of increasing use of marine space.
Innovation and research in the maritime economy can drive a European growth and jobs recovery whilst securing a sustainable future for Europe's seas, oceans, and all those whose livelihoods depend on them.
Why do we need innovation in the blue economy?
The European Commission today set out proposals to support "Innovation in the Blue Economy" (see IP/14/536) by creating an information platform on marine research in the European Union, sharing already available data and completing a detailed sea-bed map of European waters by 2020, among other measures.
Two thirds of our planet is covered by oceans and seas. If we manage them in a responsible manner, they can provide sources of food, medicine and energy while protecting ecosystems for generations to come.
One of the world's fastest growing food sectors, aquaculture accounts for about half of the fish eaten worldwide every year.
Fish farming is healthy and can help tackle overfishing and protect wild fish stocks. That is the message to be delivered today by European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maria Damanaki, at a specially organised event at the Seafood Expo Global held in Brussels.
The European Commission has published a snapshot of some of the main achievements that it has delivered for citizens and businesses across Europe over the last five years.
The European Commission's annual report on the European fishing fleet shows some progress towards achieving a balance between capacity and available fishing opportunities.
EU Spokesperson for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Helene Banner, stated today: "After a very long and complicated negotiating process, the EU completed its internal ratification of the protocol to the EU-Morocco Fisheries Partnership Agreement on 16 December 2013.
The European Union and the Republic of Senegal have agreed a new Fisheries Partnership following a successful third round of talks in Dakar, Senegal, on the 24th and 25th April. The five year Protocol fixes the fishing opportunities for EU vessels, the EU's financial contribution, and the terms of support for the Senegalese fisheries sector.
EU spokesperson for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Helene Banner, stated today:
The European Parliament today endorsed a Directive for Maritime Spatial Planning which should help Member States develop plans to better coordinate the various activities that take place at sea, ensuring they are as efficient and sustainable as possible.
The European Parliament has today endorsed the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) with an overwhelming majority. With a budget of €6.5 billion for 2014-2020, the fund will finance projects to implement the new reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and provide financial support to fishermen, fish farmers and coastal communities to adapt to the changed rules. The Fund will also finance projects to boost 'blue' growth and jobs under the EU's Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP).
The Commission welcomes the agreements on blue whiting and Atlanto-Scandian herring in the North-East Atlantic for 2014, which were reached on 28 March by the Coastal States.
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we must announce the passing of Jörgen Holmquist, former Director-General of the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. Our thoughts go to his family.
“The EU fish Market 2014” report confirms the EU's position as a major consumption market and the largest importer of seafood products, making up 24% of the total value of world trade.
