Across the globe, aquatic food systems are vital for providing nutrition, livelihoods and critical services to billions, while addressing hunger, malnutrition and poverty [1]. Yesterday, November 21st, marked World Fisheries Day, a moment to highlight the importance of fisheries in ensuring food security, supporting communities and preserving marine biodiversity.
The European Union (EU) is the fifth-largest fisheries and aquaculture producer worldwide, contributing approximately 3% to global production. Within the EU, 78% of this output comes from fishing and 22% from aquaculture. Spain, Denmark, and France are leaders in production volume [2].
This week’s map highlights the total annual catch of fishery products by EU Member States and some other major fishing nations, such as the United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland and Turkey. The data represents the live weight equivalent of landings, which is the weight of fish and shellfish as they are taken from the water before any processing occurs. Excluded from these figures are products that are not officially landed for various reasons. This map offers a clear visual insight into the scale and distribution of fisheries across the EU and beyond, reflecting the sector’s contribution to global and regional seafood supplies. Click on the countries to see how catches by country have evolved between 2000 and 2019.
To protect marine ecosystems and sustain fish stocks, the EU has implemented a specific regulatory framework [3]. At its core is the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), which aims to govern fisheries and aquaculture sustainably. The CFP sets scientifically determined catch limits (quotas) to prevent overfishing, promotes selective fishing practices to reduce bycatch and supports sustainable aquaculture [4]. It also fosters international cooperation and combats illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, ensuring fair and responsible use of marine resources.
The EU promotes eco-friendly practices through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), which supports innovation and compliance. This fund helps the sector balance environmental, social, and economic goals while securing a sustainable future for coastal communities and marine biodiversity. Fisheries Local Action Groups (LAGs), supported by EMFAF, play a key role in revitalising coastal areas. These groups, comprising fisheries sector representatives and local stakeholders, finance community-focused projects aligned with sustainable development goals [5]. Across Europe, over 300 LAGs contribute to the growth and sustainability of coastal communities.
Wish to learn more?
- Dive into the ‘State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024’ by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, detailing global aquatic resources, trade, and fisheries;
- Learn about the impacts of climate change on fisheries with the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea;
- Watch the Euronews OCEAN Series episode, ‘Fish and microchips: how AI can help Europe’s fishers and protect the seas’, to discover innovative solutions for sustainable fisheries in the EU;
- Read ‘Fisheries for a new era’, by Seas At Risk, showcasing innovative small-scale, low-impact business models for the EU’s green transition;
- Listen to the ‘If Oceans Could Speak’ podcast by the EU4Ocean Coalition, featuring Lefteris Arapakis and Enaleia’s efforts to reduce pollution and support Mediterranean livelihoods;
- Wish to make learning more engaging? Register now for the Atlas’ online workshop for teachers ‘Bring the ocean into your classroom with the European Atlas of the Seas’, on 4 December 2024, from 18.00 to 19.30 (CET)!
The data in the map are provided by Eurostat.
[1] https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/bluetransformation
[3] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_828
[4] https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/indicators/status-of-marine-fish-and
[5] https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/funding/famenet_en