Nice, France – Europêche, the leading representative body for the European fishing sector, warmly welcomes the adoption of the UNOC3 Political Declaration , as a significant step forward in strengthening multilateral ocean governance, advancing science-based management, enhancing marine spatial planning, and intensifying the global fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The declaration rightly underscores the role of sustainable fisheries not only in preserving marine ecosystems but also in addressing poverty, hunger and malnutrition. More than 800 million people worldwide depend on blue food systems for their livelihoods—fisheries are fundamental to both people and planet.
This global commitment is echoed at the European level through the recent launch of the EU Ocean Pact. The Pact acknowledges the essential role of fisheries in Europe’s economy, food systems, and maritime heritage, calling for stronger policies to ensure a fair and sustainable future for fishers.
As European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated during UNOC3: Our fishermen and fisherwomen work tirelessly to feed us, day and night, in all conditions. Yet factors such as unfair competition are pushing too many of them out of business.
Europêche echoes this call for stronger EU and international action to support fishers, reverse harmful trends, and ensure the long-term viability of the fishing sector as a key pillar of ocean governance and coastal livelihoods.
At the conference, FAO unveiled its Review of the State of World Marine Fishery Resources 2025, bringing positive news. According to the report, in the Northeast Atlantic, 75.8% of assessed fish stocks are considered biologically sustainable—a figure that rises to 86.6% when weighted by catch volume (landings). For tuna, the results are particularly impressive, with 99.3% of global landings coming from sustainable sources, thanks to the successful implementation of robust management plans by Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs).
Europêche at UNOC3: Driving sustainable fisheries through dialogue and innovation
At the United Nations Ocean Conference, Europêche played an active role in shaping the global conversation on the future of sustainable fisheries and ocean governance. As a committed partner, Europêche co-organised and participated in several high-level events that underscore the sector’s contributions to food security, technological advancement and climate action.
In collaboration with international partners such as Better Food Future, Satlink and EBCD, Europêche highlighted how digital traceability, blue technologies and advanced management approaches can support resilient marine ecosystems and sustainable seafood systems. These events also explored how data reported by the sector and innovation can significantly boost fisheries and ocean science, as increasingly demonstrated in the EU, helping achieve global sustainability goals like SDG14.
Political dialogue: building stronger EU supply chains
Alongside key representatives from the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector—including FEAP, EAPO, EBFA, and AIPCE-CEP—, stakeholders exchanged views with key Members of the European Parliament on UNOC3 Declaration and the newly launched EU Ocean Pact.
During the meeting, the sector underscored the need for a comprehensive strategy that supports economic growth, innovation and long-term sustainability in seafood production. In response to rising global food demands and the need to revitalize seafood consumption within the EU, industry representatives called for the creation of a dedicated EU Action Plan for Blue Foods. This plan would aim to increase the supply and consumption of sustainable, high-quality seafood across Europe.
Press Contact:
Daniel Voces, Managing Director of Europêche | Email: daniel.voces@europeche.org Phone: +32 489268107
Anne-France Mattlet, Deputy Director of Europêche | Email: anne-france.mattlet@europeche.org +33 678 11 63 01
