Environment & Sustainability

The fisheries sector works closely with scientists to ensure their catches respect the availability of resources. Fishermen are the first responsible for resources management and will continue to cooperate extensively with the FAO, ICES, IFREMER, taking their experts on board and sending them catches data to analyze. This collaboration allows the industry and other stakeholders to gain ever more knowledge and reliable data on the status of stocks.

According to scientists, more and more areas are protected and fish stocks are growing. Thanks to the very active role played by fishermen in the discussions on quota and preservation of vulnerable marine ecosystems. 12.037 km2 of vulnerable marine eco-systems are now protected in EU waters. The total surface of protected areas in Europe is equivalent to Belgium. The actual trend shows that fishermen go fishing less deep and less far. Their efforts are already reflecting in the MSY of the species they are catching.

Blue Fish Europe is fully invested on fishing activities and marine ressources harvesting sustainability, because sustainable marine ecosystems are vital to the future of the fishing sector.

Marine ecosystems are as vulnerable as individual species. As a sector, we are defining and managing the impact we have on these ecosystems, to address today’s problems and prevent future imbalances. This requires long term planning, vision and continuing action in close collaboration with scientists and political decision makers.