Maritime Affairs and Fisheries

The United Nations Environmental Assembly has adopted a resolution on “Strengthening Ocean efforts to tackle climate change, marine biodiversity loss and pollution” which was proposed by the European Union, its Member States and Costa Rica. 

The European Commission was instrumental in brokering important outcomes at the 13th ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization (MC13) that ended Friday in Abu Dhabi.

Great news for the European algae industry!  More than 20 algae species have been added to the EU Novel Food Status Catalogue. Thanks to collaborative efforts of the European Commission and EU Member States’ competent authorities, they can now be sold on the market as food or food supplements.  

The European Commission has launched a call for proposals to develop a demonstrator marine fishing vessel equipped with alternative propulsion technologies and innovative energy solutions.

The European Commission has published a call for evidence seeking views and expertise on the environmental, social and economic consequences of a potential ban on EU sales and international trade of loose shark fins and collecting feedback on potential policy options to better protect sharks and related marine ecosystems.

The 12th annual meeting of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) has concluded last Friday 2 February. Under the EU lead, the meeting has seen significant strides towards sustainable fisheries management.

The Commission welcomes the political agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council on the investigation of maritime accidents, modernising a 2009 Directive. The Directive applies only to maritime transport vessels to which the international conventions apply or to fishing vessels.

The Commission welcomes the political agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council on the amendment of Directive 2005/35/EC on ship-source pollution and on the introduction of penalties for pollution offences.