Europe is key to the global fisheries picture. It is the world’s largest trader of fishery products, with the third largest fishing fleet, and we have had a presence here since 2011. Policy in Europe has already ensured many stocks are fished sustainably but some significant challenges remain, particularly as warming seas lead to shifting stock distributions.

Europe can establish itself as a world leader in climate-conscious fisheries management: increasing both fish populations and profits for European fishermen.

With diverse industrial and coastal fisheries across the continent, it is also an area where secure, rights-based approaches to managing fisheries can be applied and showcased at a range of scales.

Showcase effective solutions

Rights based management of fisheries is already in place in many European Member States. We are working to extend the number and range of examples to deliver conservation outcomes and meet local economic and social goals. We help to share best practice Europe-wide through knowledge-sharing events, fishery exchanges, networking and targeted communications.

Make fisheries climate resilient

Spur the design and uptake of new governance and management approaches that are resilient to climate and political change by identifying key challenges and sparking vital discussions among science, policy, management and industry leaders.  We will also undertake new scientific and bio-economic research and apply tools – such as ecosystem-based and Game Theoretical approaches – to fully understand and navigate Europe’s fishing future under climate change.