About Us
Europêche represents the European fishing industry at EU level, promoting sustainable, safe, and economically viable fisheries while defending the interests and wellbeing of fishers.
Who we are
Founded in 1962, Europêche is the leading representative organization for fishers and fisheries. We represent thousands of fishers and vessels, small- and large-scale, operating across EU sea basins and beyond, equipped with a wide range of fishing gears, from pelagic to demersal, using both passive and active techniques. Our mission is to ensure that the interests of the sector are heard at EU level. We connect the EU fishing sector with European institutions, fostering clear communication, strong representation and constructive policymaking.
Javier Garat, President of Europêche.
“Our goal is to champion responsible fishing that sustains healthy marine ecosystems and a thriving fishing sector—one that supports coastal communities and meets the rising global demand for nutritious seafood.”
Our objectives
Sustainability, Level playing field and Competitiveness
Our targets
Strengthening Europe’s Food Security
The EU fishing sector actively contributes to Europe’s food security by providing safe, nutritious, and sustainable seafood. Strengthening domestic production reduces import dependence while maintaining high environmental standards.
Smarter and Proportionate Regulation
The sector supports efficient, clear, and proportionate regulation that contributes to a culture of compliance while strengthening competitiveness, investment, and the viability of small and medium-sized fishing enterprises.
Strengthening Resilience to Geopolitical Change
European fisheries are enhancing EU’s autonomy and resilience by reinforcing domestic production, improving energy efficiency, and reducing vulnerability to external geopolitical shocks.
Investing in People and the Future
The sector supports targeted investment to modernise fleets, enhance safety, attract young professionals, and ensure a sustainable and attractive future for European fisheries.
Commitment to Sound Science
Fishers actively contribute data on a daily basis to support solid, transparent, and evidence-based scientific processes that reflect real-world fishing practices and underpin effective and well-informed management decisions.
Ensuring Fair Access to Marine Space
The fishing sector engages in maritime spatial planning to secure fair access to traditional fishing grounds and promote balanced coexistence with other marine activities.
Decisions Taken at the Right Level
The sector advocates for regionalised decision-making on a case-by-case that reflects local ecological, social, and economic realities, ensuring effective and proportionate fisheries management.
Where we are active:
