What the EU does The EU is committed to ensuring a healthy ocean, sustainable fisheries, a thriving sustainable blue economy, and vibrant coastal communities across Europe. Through the common fisheries policy, the EU supports Europe’s food security by promoting responsible and sustainable fishing. The European Ocean Pact brings together the EU's policies related to ocean, including maritime security, international ocean governance and ocean observation. The main objectives of the EU’s fisheries and ocean policies are touse the potential of Europe's seas to create sustainable jobs while preserving natural resourcesensure food security while restoring and maintaining fish stocks at sustainable levelscollaborate with global partners to establish rules for managing and governing the world's oceanfight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishingsupport research and innovation in maritime sectorsprovide financial support to coastal regions and communities through the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund PlayPauseProtecting the oceanRead the feature story Key figures 30% Percentage of the world’s high seas the EU is committed to protecting5 million Number of jobs directly supported by EU's blue economy23,5 kg Fish and seafood consumed per EU citizen on average in 2022 Source: EU Blue Economy Report 2025 Areas of actionOcean PactEU’s strategy to safeguard our ocean and boost sustainable maritime industriesCommon fisheries policyRules for sustainably managing European fishing fleets and conserving fish stocksSustainable fisheriesExplore how EU policies protect marine life, support fishers, and shape the future of our seasSustainable oceanDiscover how the EU leads on ocean protection, sustainable growth, and global marine cooperationBlue economyEconomic activities related to ocean and seasAquacultureSee how the EU supports innovative, low-impact farming of fish, shellfish and algaeInternational ocean governanceWorking together with partners for healthy, productive oceanEuropean Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture FundFunding for projects that support sustainability of aquatic and maritime resources Key achievements The EU's blue economy is a major economic driver creating nearly 5 million jobs and generating €250 billion in added value.The EU is leading the way in renewable energy at sea, developing it from waves, tides, and offshore wind, to meet its renewable energy targets and climate goals.To help the fisheries and aquaculture sectors move towards cleaner and more sustainable practices, the EU has launched the Energy Transition Partnership that aims to develop practical solutions for achieving climate neutrality by 2050.To prevent overfishing and maintain viable fish stocks long-term, the EU uses total allowable catches (TACs) and fishing quotas. Overall, European fisheries continue the trend of gradually improving their sustainability with more fish stocks fished at sustainable levels in 2024 than 2003.On the global stage, the EU has played a leading role in the negotiation and adoption of the 2023 High Seas Treaty, allowing for marine protected areas, an important step towards protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030.The EU ensures that imported fishery products come from legal fishing, following laws and international conservation measures. With 70% of aquatic food consumed in the EU imported, this oversight is vital. In focus OceanEye: placing the EU at the forefront of ocean observationThe ocean covers 70% of the earth’s surface, yet only 5% of it has been explored and mapped. The more information we have about the ocean, the better we can protect it.The EU is stepping up its role in ocean observation with OceanEye. Through this new initiative, the EU aims to provide 35% of the global ocean observing system by 2035 and position itself as the global leader in ocean intelligence.Learn more Latest news 15 June 2026Seagrass power: how nature is healing a polluted lagoon15 June 2026Commission seeks feedback to strengthen Europe's water resilience and ocean protectionSee all Events 10Jun2022Conferences and summitsTaking stock of the EU common fisheries policyLive streaming available22Sep2022Conferences and summitsSustainable blue economy and aquaculture in EU regionsBrussels, BelgiumLive streaming availableSee all Related informationDirectorate-General for Maritime Affairs and FisheriesLawFundingTenders and contractsConsultations This page was last updated on 3 June 2026
The EU is committed to ensuring a healthy ocean, sustainable fisheries, a thriving sustainable blue economy, and vibrant coastal communities across Europe. Through the common fisheries policy, the EU supports Europe’s food security by promoting responsible and sustainable fishing. The European Ocean Pact brings together the EU's policies related to ocean, including maritime security, international ocean governance and ocean observation. The main objectives of the EU’s fisheries and ocean policies are touse the potential of Europe's seas to create sustainable jobs while preserving natural resourcesensure food security while restoring and maintaining fish stocks at sustainable levelscollaborate with global partners to establish rules for managing and governing the world's oceanfight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishingsupport research and innovation in maritime sectorsprovide financial support to coastal regions and communities through the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund
Common fisheries policyRules for sustainably managing European fishing fleets and conserving fish stocks
Sustainable fisheriesExplore how EU policies protect marine life, support fishers, and shape the future of our seas
Sustainable oceanDiscover how the EU leads on ocean protection, sustainable growth, and global marine cooperation
European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture FundFunding for projects that support sustainability of aquatic and maritime resources
OceanEye: placing the EU at the forefront of ocean observationThe ocean covers 70% of the earth’s surface, yet only 5% of it has been explored and mapped. The more information we have about the ocean, the better we can protect it.The EU is stepping up its role in ocean observation with OceanEye. Through this new initiative, the EU aims to provide 35% of the global ocean observing system by 2035 and position itself as the global leader in ocean intelligence.Learn more
10Jun2022Conferences and summitsTaking stock of the EU common fisheries policyLive streaming available
22Sep2022Conferences and summitsSustainable blue economy and aquaculture in EU regionsBrussels, BelgiumLive streaming available
