IN BRIEF - EPP Group Fisheries Committee on 'The state of play in the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy and future perspectives'
EUROPEAN UNION
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Quotes from EPP Group Fisheries Committeecoordinator, Mr Gabriel Mato, in the debate on the presentation of his draft report on "The state of play in the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy and future perspectives" that took place today in the Fisheries Committee of the European Parliament:
"The future Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) needs a paradigm shift from rigid and unrealistic targets to pragmatic and achievable objectives. The objectives of the current CFP are too focused on environmental considerations. It is equally vital to ensure food security, much needed especially now in times of geopolitical crisis, and a positive social and economic return for fishermen and coastal communities. Therefore, the CFP reform must aim to achieve a rebalancing of its objectives by strengthening the socio-economic and food security dimensions.
Fisheries must gain its position as a strategic sector in producing healthy and high quality food.
We must promote the CFP as a policy model for ocean governance and defend the interests of the EU fisheries sector in international fora. It is vital to maintain the EU operators' competitiveness, by guaranteeing a level-playing field for all operators at global level. Imported seafood products must be subject to high environmental and social standards, similar to those applied in the Union.
We need to develop specific measures for fisheries and aquaculture for the outermost regions and give them the possibility to renew their artisanal fleets.
I hope that this report will set solid foundations for an ambitious and fair reform, where fishermen, aquaculture producers and all related industries will be in the centre of the policy."
ABANCA has renewed its collaboration agreements with the OP ANACEF Professional Fishermen's Organization and the Port and Ría de Marín Fishing Producers' Organization (OPROMAR), reaffirming its commitment to the entire maritime value chain.
The signing ceremony, held in Marín, was attended by José Luis Ramírez (ABANCA), Francisco Freire Lino (OP ANACEF), Claudino González (OPROMAR), and Javier Fraga (ABANCA Mar). The meeting served to map out a joint roadmap to tackle challenges such as rising costs, the lack of generational renewal, and the current geopolitical situation.
Sustainability is the core focus of the agreement. Through ABANCA Mar (a specialized unit active since 2016), the bank offers a tailored product catalog where credit takes center stage. A key highlight is the naval mortgage, designed to upgrade the fleet with more efficient vessels.
These comprehensive solutions—including credit lines, loans, and advanced sustainable subsidy payouts—will benefit 18 freezer trawlers from OP ANACEF and 30 fishing companies from OPROMAR.
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) has announced the opening of a new support scheme aimed at assisting owners of registered fishing and aquaculture vessels in managing rising fuel costs.
Application Timeline
The scheme officially opened for applications on 21 May 2026. Interested applicants have a limited window to apply, as submissions will close at 5:00pm on 12 June 2026. BIM has advised that late applications will not be accepted, urging eligible vessel owners to submit their applications in advance of the deadline.
Further details on eligibility criteria and application processes are available here. Vessel owners are encouraged to review the requirements carefully and apply within the specified timeframe.
According to data compiled by the Miyagi Prefecture Fisheries Co-operative, market values for farmed coho salmon (gin-zake) are currently facing a downward trend. As of May 20, average cumulative prices have dropped by 8%, hitting a low of $5.11 per kilogram (812 Yen).
The recent figures show a clear decline compared to the much higher price ranges recorded during the exact same period in the previous year. Landings are still progressing across key distribution hubs, with the underlying data originating from the combined market locations of Onagawa, Ishinomaki markets, and the Shizugawa operations office.
Industry experts note that all listed unit prices are calculated excluding consumption tax. Despite steady shifting market values, overall aquaculture revenues in Miyagi Prefecture are experiencing pressure due to this ongoing price slump.
At the 33rd annual meeting in Vancouver, Canada, Vladimir Belyaev, Advisor to the Director of the Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography (VNIRO), was elected President of the North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission (NPAFC). This appointment underscores the authority of Russian fisheries science and strengthens the country's role in managing transboundary marine resources.
The NPAFC, comprising five member countries, has established critical objectives for the upcoming term. Key priorities include tracking the migration, abundance, and survival of Pacific salmon. Following below-average catch volumes in 2025, the commission will focus on developing data-driven recommendations to protect vulnerable populations. Additionally, member states will coordinate strict measures to combat illegal fishing across the high seas.
"Conserving salmon stocks cannot tolerate disunity," stated Belyaev. "Sustainability depends on honest cooperation to forecast population dynamics and ensure protection in the convention area."
The measure, approved under the new temporary framework for the Middle East crisis, will cover costs for April and May 2026 and will be open until the end of the year.
The European Commission has approved a French state aid scheme worth €13 million for fishing companies affected by rising fuel prices resulting from the crisis in the Middle East. The decision falls under the temporary state aid mechanism adopted by Brussels on April 29, 2026.
According to information released by the Commission, the French program will cover costs corresponding to April and May 2026 and can be implemented until December 31 of this year.
EUROPEAN UNION
"The future Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) needs a paradigm shift from rigid and unrealistic targets to pragmatic and achievable objectives. The objectives of the current CFP are too focused on environmental considerations. It is equally vital to ensure food security, much needed especially now in times of geopolitical crisis, and a positive social and economic return for fishermen and coastal communities. Therefore, the CFP reform must aim to achieve a rebalancing of its objectives by strengthening the socio-economic and food security dimensions.
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UNITED STATES
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
JAPAN
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RUSSIAN FEDERATION
FRANCE
The measure, approved under the new temporary framework for the Middle East crisis, will cover costs for April and May 2026 and will be open until the end of the year.
