Photo: Decarbonise Now

Commission Must Deliver EU Fisheries Energy Transition Roadmap Before Year End

EUROPEAN UNION
Friday, October 04, 2024, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

EU Fisheries decarbonisation at risk: European Commission must act now says Ocean Campaigns 'Decarbonise Now' in a Press Release.

The European Commission is facing pressure to deliver a roadmap for the energy transition of the EU fisheries sector by the end of 2024, as promised in February 2023. This plan is critical to achieving the goal of climate neutrality in fisheries by 2050. During Brussels Ocean Week, various stakeholders, including scientists, NGOs, and artisanal fishers, called on the Commission to act swiftly. The roadmap would outline steps to decarbonize the fisheries sector, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and protect marine biodiversity.

Photo: WWF/FIS

Delays have occurred due to the Commission's decision to establish a support group for the Energy Transition Partnership (ETP), which has slowed the roadmap's development. Despite the urgency, the roadmap may not be released until 2025, hindering progress towards the EU’s climate targets. The lack of action has sparked concern from environmental groups, who argue that continuing harmful practices like bottom trawling—responsible for significant marine damage and energy consumption—must be phased out. This is vital for preserving biodiversity and reducing carbon emissions from the sector, which currently emits 7.3 million tonnes of CO2 annually.

A report by ClientEarth shows that EU countries have yet to reach capacity limits in fishing power, meaning they can transition to hybrid or fully decarbonized methods without exceeding current limits. However, discussions around the Energy Taxation Directive (ETD) suggest that fossil fuel tax exemptions for the fisheries sector may be extended by 20 years, countering decarbonization efforts. Such tax subsidies, currently amounting to €700 million to €1.3 billion per year, disproportionately benefit large, industrial fleets that are responsible for most of the environmental impact.

Former Member of the European Parliament Caroline Roose emphasized that delivering the roadmap by the end of 2024 is essential for meeting the EU’s long-term climate goals. Transitioning fisheries away from fossil fuels is not only critical for environmental sustainability but also for economic stability, especially for artisanal fishers who are currently disadvantaged in terms of resources and quotas. The Commission’s delay risks further entrenching high-emission fishing practices and undermining the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

Key stakeholders at the Brussels event, such as Professor Didier Gascuel, stressed the importance of promoting low-impact, energy-efficient fishing methods to ensure the fisheries sector becomes resilient and environmentally sustainable. Proposals include reallocating fishing quotas and subsidies to favor sustainable practices, which would not only protect marine ecosystems but also support the livelihoods of low-impact, artisanal fishers.

Despite the Commission’s commitments, ongoing discussions around the Energy Taxation Directive could maintain the status quo by keeping tax breaks for fossil fuels. Environmental groups are pushing for an end to these exemptions to accelerate the shift toward low-emission, sustainable fisheries practices.

In conclusion, timely action by the European Commission is crucial for ensuring the EU fisheries sector transitions to a sustainable, decarbonized future. This would help protect marine biodiversity, ensure economic stability for fishers, and align with the EU's broader climate goals.

[email protected]
www.seafood.media

Print