Since the 2013 reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, EU fisheries have made progress towards sustainability, but gaps in implementation hinder success.
The European Commission has published its evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and of the Common Market Organization (CMO) for seafood products, assessing the performance of the EU´s fisheries framework since its 2013 reform. Oceana believes that the CFP remains fit for purpose, and capable of delivering on key EU priorities, including competitiveness, resilience and food security, but only if it is fully and consistently implemented.
“The past decade shows that sustainable fisheries management works – for the ocean, for fishers, and for consumers alike. The CFP provides the right framework, but implementation has been uneven and, in many cases, too slow,” says Vera Coelho Executive Director and Vice President at Oceana in Europe. “The priority now is not to rewrite the policy, but to fully enforce it. Rather than undermining its existing commitments through further delay, the EU must finally end overfishing and secure resilient seas and fishing communities.”
Sustainability progress shows the policy is working
Since 2013, the share of sustainably exploited fish populations has increased. In the North‑East Atlantic, where fishing limits have been set closer to scientific advice, this share has risen from 54% to 69%, contributing to healthier ecosystems, more stable catches, and improved economic performance of fishing fleets. Progress has also been made in the Mediterranean and Black Seas where the proportion of sustainably exploited stocks has increased from 26% to 53%, although further efforts are still needed.
Sustainable fisheries management is also keeping the fleet afloat. The EU fishing sector saw a marked improvement in profitability following the 2013 reform. While recent trends are less positive, the sector has remained profitable despite major external pressures, including the COVID-19 pandemic and rising energy costs. That reinforces the message that environmental sustainability and economic performance go hand in hand.
“Fully implementing the CFP is also essential to achieving the EU’s broader priorities on competitiveness, food security and strategic autonomy,” added Vera Coelho. “Fishing activity depends on healthy, wild fish stocks. A strong, properly enforced CFP is therefore not a constraint, but a prerequisite for a stable seafood supply, a competitive industry, and Europe’s long-term food sovereignty.”
Implementation gaps still undermine full impact
The next step is to ensure that all member states fully implement their obligations under the CFP, particularly to end overfishing and address remaining imbalances in fishing capacity. Fleet modernization has already taken place in several countries, demonstrating that decarbonization, innovation and competitiveness can advance within the current framework, without weakening sustainability standards.
Marine protection remains a critical gap in implementation. Proper enforcement of fisheries management within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) will ensure Member States effectively support ecosystem recovery and boost fishers’ catch. Today, most MPAs in the EU remain mere “paper parks” that only exist on maps and where harmful fishing, like bottom trawling, happens freely. Oceana stresses that these areas should function as real conservation zones, free from destructive practices, helping the EU deliver on its objective of protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.
Greater transparency and enforcement are key next steps
In addition to evaluating the CFP basic regulation, the Commission has also evaluated the Common Market Organisation regulation, which includes key requirements on seafood transparency. Oceana urges the European Commission to amend the CMO to ensure compulsory basic information for all seafood products. This should include prepared and preserved items, as well as seafood consumed in restaurants, hotels, and catering. Oceana also supports clearer information on origin and fishing vessel registration. Greater transparency would help those who eat, buy or sell seafood make informed choices, and avoid products associated with illegal and unsustainable environmental practices and unethical working conditions.
Looking ahead, the Commission´s evaluation will feed into discussions on the future of the CFP and CMO. Strengthening compliance, and building on the progress achieved will be essential to secure a more competitive, resilient and sustainable future for EU fisheries.
