A long-term vision for a successful fisheries and aquaculture sector

Thanks to the EU’s fisheries and aquaculture strategy, we will receive safe, sustainably sourced and fully traceable fish, so we can enjoy good fish on our table every day. Fisheries and aquaculture form a vital part of Europe’s prosperity and food security, employing together more than 200 000 people. The European Commission has set out its vision for fisheries and aquaculture towards 2040 to support fishers, aquaculture producers and local communities. 

The vision lays out several key priorities: 

Energy transition  

Until 2030 we will improve energy and resource efficiency and develop new technologies. From 2030 onwards, efforts will shift towards scaling up zero-emission technologies, supported by financing, infrastructure and fleet modernisation.   

Securing Europe’s supply of aquatic food and encouraging consumers to choose EU-produced aquatic products 

The Commission will support investment in vessels, innovation and income diversification.  

To boost demand for EU aquatic food, the Commission will support diversification and help consumers make informed choices. It will also promote digital traceability for all products across the supply chain by 2029, helping strengthen transparency, trust and market value.  

Creating the right conditions for success  

To turn the Vision into reality, the Commission will launch targeted initiatives to:  

• improve access to finance 
• support small-scale fishers 
• strengthen research and innovation to better anticipate future fish stock availability 
• introduce harmonised training and certification standards  
• launch a blue generational renewal strategy in 2027 to help attract younger generations to the sector.  

Acting globally to protect sustainability and fairness  

The vision promotes sustainable fisheries globally while helping secure a diversified and resilient supply of aquatic food in the EU by: 

- stepping up the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing 

- strengthening international fisheries rules 

- developing a new generation of Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements 

We will continue to uphold a level playing field and protect the European fisheries value chain from unfair global competition.  

The vision was developed through an extensive participatory process including fishers, aquaculture producers, the fish processing industry, EU countries, NGOs, advisory councils, young people and citizens. 

For more information 

Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture   

Factsheet Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture 

European Ocean Pact 

Protecting the ocean together 

Press release:  Commission presents its Vision 2040 for a thriving fisheries and aquaculture sector