A Greener, Smarter Future for Fishing

EU Parliament Resolution (18 Dec 2025) – Key points for a greener, safer, and fairer fishing sector

1. Goal: Climate‑neutral fishing by 2050

   • The EU wants the whole fishing fleet to cut carbon emissions to net zero.
   • This must happen while keeping fish stocks healthy, protecting jobs, and making fishing safe and enjoyable for crews.

2. What the EU can do

   • Support new, cleaner engines and fuels – electric, hybrid, bio‑fuel, etc.
   • Improve vessel design – better hulls, lighter materials, electric drives.
   • Modernise ports – create infrastructure for new fuels and charging.
   • Make research and pilot projects easier – faster approvals, lower costs.
   • Boost digital tools – navigation, weather, and traceability apps to save fuel and reduce catch errors.
   • Help fishers get training – safety, digital skills, and new technology use.

3. Financial help

   • The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) should be expanded and simplified.
   • New funding mechanisms are needed for:
     • Replacing old engines.
     • Building or upgrading ports.
     • Installing alternative fuels.
     • Training crews.
   • Small‑scale and coastal fishers need extra help because they own most of the fleet (76 % in the EU, almost all in outermost regions).

4. No “one‑size‑fits‑all” rules

   • Different regions, waters, and vessel types have different needs.
   • Policies must be tailored to outermost regions (islands, remote coasts).
   • Regulations on fishing capacity must not forbid necessary upgrades for safety or efficiency.

5. Modernisation and job‑creation

   • Upgrading vessels can create jobs in shipyards and port services.
   • Improved living and working conditions on boats will attract younger fishers and more women.
   • Training and apprenticeship schemes (e.g., Erasmus+) should be used.

6. Fishing gear innovation

   • New nets and gear should be more selective, reduce by‑catch, and protect the sea floor.
   • Pilot projects should be small, well‑monitored, and not risk fishers’ income.
   • The EU should fund research into new gear and help fishers buy and test it.
   • Consumers should be able to identify fish that come from sustainable, low‑impact methods.

7. Aquaculture (fish farms)

   • Growing farms can reduce the need for wild capture and lower the overall carbon footprint.
   • The EU wants a clear policy for aquaculture with measurable sustainability targets.
   • Sustainable feed, low‑emission barges, and careful site planning are encouraged.

8. Governance and transparency

   • Decision‑making on gear, fuels, and vessel changes must involve fishers, scientists, and local communities.
   • Rules should be clear, predictable, and based on solid science.
   • The EU will review how “fishing capacity” is measured to ensure fairness.

9. Next steps

   • The Parliament asks the Council and the Commission to act on this resolution.
   • The Commission will look into new funding tools, simplified rules for small vessels, and a stronger partnership with outermost regions and neighboring non‑EU countries.

In short, the resolution urges the EU to provide money, technology, and flexible rules so that every fishing vessel can become cleaner, safer, and more efficient while keeping fish stocks healthy and jobs secure. It stresses that the transition must be fair, especially for small‑scale and coastal fishers, and that new gear and aquaculture practices should be encouraged to protect the oceans and reduce climate impact.