Overfishing, habitat degradation, unwanted by-catch as well as hunting of protected species have threatened the health of European seas and their long-term sustainability. At the same time, the competitiveness of the European fishing industry is called into question. Data show that about 40 percent of the fish and shellfish populations in these seas are in poor condition or are not fished sustainably. To this state of affairs, increased eutrophication, i.e. excessive presence of nutrients in the water, pollution and climate change should be added as a cause.
The report of the European Environment Agency (EEA) entitled Healthy seas, successful fishing industries: transition to an ecologically sustainable sectorprecisely provides an insight into the ecological state of European fisheries and offers ways that can help achieve a competitive and sustainable fishing industry, in the long term.
At the moment, protected marine areas make up only about 12 percent of the sea in the European Union, while there are management plans for only two percent of them. Less than one percent is actually strictly protected, which includes a ban on fishing. As a reminder, the European Union undertook to protect 30 percent of its seas by 2030, of which 10 percent will be strictly protected. This need, for sustainability in fishing, was also demonstrated by the European Green Deal.
Blue economy
The term should also be emphasized blue economy. In May 2021, the European Commission adopted A new approach for a sustainable planned economy in the EU. This strategy integrates the concept blue growth in the European Green Deal and calls on all sectors of the blue economy to reduce their impact on the environment and climate. As stated, the key message is that the health of the sea and the sustainable management of its resources are the basis for the fight against the climate and biodiversity crisis, as well as for the development of alternative sources of energy and food.
The blue economy encompasses various sectors and activities related to oceans, seas and coasts, with particular attention to sustainability and innovation. It includes blue biotechnology, which uses marine organisms to develop new products and processes. Desalination is an important sector, because it turns salt water into potable water. In addition, it focuses on creating advanced infrastructure projects and robotic systems for marine and coastal activities. The blue economy implies sustainable management of living marine organisms, as well as sustainable marine tourism. There is also the production of renewable energy from the sea, which includes energy from waves, tides, sea winds. As another example, the improvement of technology and practices to reduce emissions and pollution from ships can be cited. These are just some of the sectors and activities covered by the blue economy.
In addition to continuous work on the implementation of blue economy principles, the EEA highlights other recommendations for the recovery and preservation of marine ecosystems. They can be divided into four main categories.
The first – improvement of fishing methods. It involves the use of selective tools and techniques that target specific fish species to reduce by-catch, then limiting fishing activities to reduce overexploitation, all of which should be based on scientific quotas. Also, it is necessary to introduce seasonal fishing bans, as well as the protection of certain marine areas during the reproduction period or when certain types of fish are particularly endangered.
The second is the development of innovative technologies. They cite satellites, drones and others as some of them, for monitoring fishing activities and the state of marine ecosystems. Then there is the development of fishing tools that will reduce damage to marine habitats, as well as bycatch. Finally, this category also includes the development of renewable energy from the sea, which can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and other marine pollutants.
Third – strengthening of international cooperation. Implementation of international agreements, cooperation with neighboring countries in the protection of migratory species and assistance to developing countries for the introduction of sustainable fishing practices and technologies are some of the characteristics of the third category.
Fourth – support and involvement of local communities. This involves involving local communities in the management of marine resources and organizing training for them to increase their awareness and knowledge of sustainable fishing.
Katarina Vuinac
Source: energetskiportal.rs
