Oceana sets out roadmap for a resilient and competitive seafood sector by 2040
Press Release Date: March 26, 2026
Location: Brussels
Contact:
Vicky Baniokou | email: vbaniokou@oceana.org | tel.: +34 636065977
The contribution to the European Commission’s consultation on the Vision 2040 provides strategic input to develop the EU Ocean Pact
Brussels – Oceana has submitted its contribution to the European Commission’s consultation on the Vision 2040 for Fisheries and Aquaculture, highlighting key risks and proposing practical solutions to ensure the EU seafood sector is sustainable, competitive, and resilient by 2040. This strategy is part of the European Ocean Pact, the EU’s long-term commitment to a healthy ocean and sustainable maritime policies.
Europe’s seafood system faces pressing challenges. Many fish stocks, particularly in the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas, remain overexploited. Climate change, habitat loss, and increasing competition for maritime space put additional pressure on fisheries. Without action, these trends threaten marine ecosystems, coastal livelihoods, and the sector’s long-term resilience.
“A thriving ocean is the foundation of a strong seafood sector,” said Vera Coelho, Executive Director and Vice President of Oceana in Europe. “The Vision 2040 is an opportunity to secure a seafood system that works for people, nature, and the economy. By supporting healthy fish populations, low-impact fishing, and transparent supply chains, we can ensure thriving communities, a competitive fishing sector, and improved strategic autonomy for the EU.”
Oceana’s Vision for 2040 includes the following recommendations:
- Rebuild fish populations: Restore stocks to healthy levels and protect essential marine habitats to ensure long-term productivity.
- Support low-impact fishers and coastal communities: Member States should allocate fishing opportunities based on environmental and social performance, strengthening small-scale fisheries.
- Ensure full transparency and traceability: Guarantee that every seafood product in EU markets is fully legal and traceable, providing clear labelling information to encourage responsible consumption.
- Shift aquaculture: Low-impact species like bivalves and algae should be prioritized; wild-caught fish should be used for human consumption.
Oceana also stresses that the EU already has the tools to achieve this, notably through the Common Fisheries Policy and its associated regulations. The priority now is to fully implement and enforce existing rules, while ensuring that fisheries management decisions are aligned with environmental and climate objectives.
By submitting this contribution, Oceana stands ready to help the European Commission turn the Vision 2040 from a strategy into concrete results for people, the ocean, and the seafood sector ahead of its expected adoption in 2026. Full implementation of these measures can safeguard marine ecosystems, create fair opportunities for fishers, improve food sovereignty, and strengthen the EU’s position as a global leader in sustainable seafood.
Learn more: Oceana’s submission
