The state of EU fisheries: latest facts and figures on the common fisheries policy – oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu

Report on the Common Fisheries Policy and Sustainable Development Goals

Overview of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP)

The European Commission has published the latest edition of the Facts and Figures on the Common Fisheries Policy, providing comprehensive data on the state of fisheries and aquaculture across the European Union (EU). This report, available in 23 languages, addresses key questions regarding fishing stocks, fleet status, and the EU sector’s global standing, with a strong emphasis on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water.

Sustainable Management of Fish Stocks

The CFP’s objective of sustainable fish stock management shows positive progress, aligning with SDG 14. The report highlights:

• Most fish stocks are recovering from historic lows recorded in 2003.
• Fish mortality rates have decreased for the majority of stocks important to the EU.
• Recovery in the Mediterranean and Black Seas remains slower compared to the North-East Atlantic, indicating areas requiring further sustainable management efforts.

International Cooperation and Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements

The EU continues to promote sustainable fishing beyond its territorial waters, supporting SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Key points include:

• In 2024, 12 sustainable fisheries partnership agreements (SFPAs) are active in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.
• Post-Brexit arrangements with the United Kingdom and ongoing agreements with Norway, known as the Northern Agreements, account for nearly 60% of the EU fleet’s quota-regulated catches by volume globally.

Human Dimension of the Fisheries Sector

Employment and Fleet Size

The report provides detailed insights into the social aspects of fisheries, supporting SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth:

1. The EU fleet consists of just over 69,000 vessels across 22 coastal Member States, though this remains disproportionate to available fishing opportunities.
2. Despite declining fleet size and employment numbers, profitability has improved, with a gross profit of €1.19 billion recorded in 2021.
3. Nearly 124,500 individuals were employed in the fisheries sector in 2021, with Spain, Italy, and Greece accounting for 58% of this workforce.
4. Aquaculture employed approximately 76,000 people, predominantly in Spain, France, and Poland.
5. The processing and distribution sectors employed over 340,000 people combined, highlighting the sector’s socio-economic importance.

Production and Catch Statistics

• In 2021, the EU accounted for 3.9% of global fisheries production with 3.59 million tonnes of catches.
• The North Atlantic is the primary fishing area, with Atlantic herring, European sprat, blue whiting, and mackerel comprising 42% of total EU landings.
• Total aquaculture production reached 1.13 million tonnes, with mussels representing 38%.
• The fish processing industry generated approximately €30 billion in turnover in 2021.

Trade, Consumption, and Market Dynamics

Trade Performance

Reflecting SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, the EU remains a leading global trader of fishery and aquaculture products:

• The EU is the world’s second-largest trader by value, with combined imports and exports nearing €40 billion in 2022.
• Main import partners include Norway, China, Ecuador, Morocco, and the UK.
• Primary export destinations are the United States, the UK, China, Norway, and Switzerland.
• In 2022, exports outside the EU were valued at €8 billion, while intra-EU trade reached €31.5 billion.

Consumption Patterns

• Average fish and seafood consumption in the EU is 23.7 kg per capita annually, exceeding the global average by approximately 3 kg.
• Consumption varies significantly across Member States, ranging from 6.6 kg in Hungary to 56.5 kg in Portugal.
• Approximately 75% of consumed fish and seafood originates from wild fisheries, with the remaining 25% from aquaculture.
• Tuna, salmon, and cod are the most popular species among consumers.
• Household expenditure on fisheries products totaled around €63 billion in 2022, representing about 6% of total food sales within the EU.

Conclusion and Further Information

This report underscores the EU’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through sustainable fisheries management, economic growth, and responsible consumption. It provides a valuable resource for policymakers, stakeholders, and the public to monitor progress and identify areas requiring continued focus.

For detailed data and further insights, the full report is accessible here: Facts and Figures on the Common Fisheries Policy.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article focuses extensively on sustainable fishing, recovery of fish stocks, and the state of fisheries and aquaculture in the EU, directly relating to SDG 14 which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article discusses employment in the fisheries sector, profitability, and economic aspects such as turnover and trade, linking to SDG 8 which promotes sustained, inclusive economic growth and decent work for all.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The data on fish consumption, trade, and household spending on fisheries products relate to SDG 12, which focuses on sustainable consumption and production patterns.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 14 Targets
   • Target 14.4: Effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible.
   • Target 14.6: Prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing.
   • Target 14.b: Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets.
2. SDG 8 Targets
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
3. SDG 12 Targets
   • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.3: Halve per capita global food waste and reduce food losses along production and supply chains.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 14
   • Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels (implied by the recovery of fish stocks and fish mortality rates mentioned).
   • Number and coverage of sustainable fisheries partnership agreements (SFPAs) indicating regulatory efforts.
   • Volume of quota-regulated catches under international agreements.
2. For SDG 8
   • Number of people employed in the fisheries and aquaculture sector (124,500 employed in fisheries, 76,000 in aquaculture, etc.).
   • Gross profit and turnover in the fisheries sector (€1.19bn gross profit, €30 billion turnover in processing).
   • Size of the fishing fleet (about 69,000 vessels).
3. For SDG 12
   • Per capita fish and seafood consumption (23.7kg per year average in the EU).
   • Trade values of fishery and aquaculture products (€40 billion total trade value, €8 billion exports, €31.5 billion intra-EU sales).
   • Household spending on fisheries products (€63 billion, about 6% of total food sales).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu