MAC advise on the Vision for Fisheries and Aquaculture in 2040

The Market Advisory Council (MAC) recently adopted its position on the European Commission’s forthcoming vision for fisheries, aquaculture and their market in 2040. This opinion outlines how the EU can ensure a resilient, fair and sustainable blue food system that supports food security, environmental goals and coastal communities.

As a member of the MAC, EFFOP actively participated in the development of the advice and strongly supports a forward-looking, inclusive and science-based policy framework that reflects the full value of seafood, both nutritionally and economically.

The document highlights critical developments and challenges that will shape the future of the sectors:

• Nutritional and environmental benefits of seafood: Seafood is an essential source of high-quality protein and nutrients that contribute to public health and should be recognized in EU food policy. EFFOP strongly supports the introduction of clear nutritional labelling to inform consumers about the health benefits of seafood, in particular the omega-3 content.
• Environmental benefits: Compared to other animal proteins, fishery and aquaculture products have a significantly lower carbon footprint and use fewer land and water resources, underscoring their strategic role in a sustainable diet.
• Food security: EU catches have declined sharply and the fleet continues to shrink. Aquaculture production is also stagnating. With a self-sufficiency rate of only 30%, Europe needs to boost both capture fisheries and aquaculture to reverse these trends that threaten food sovereignty.
• Level playing field: Strengthening traceability and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing remains crucial. Ensuring a level playing field is essential for a sustainable blue economy that supports coastal communities.
• Recent crises and geopolitical situation: Brexit and current geopolitical tensions expose supply chain vulnerabilities.
• Horizontal policy coherence: Fisheries and aquaculture need to be integrated into EU food policies and initiatives, such as the protein strategy, taking full account of their specific characteristics.

The MAC formulates 17 concrete recommendations to shape the EU’s approach to fisheries and aquaculture by 2040.

EFFOP places particular emphasis on the following:

• The need for better coordination between Commission services to avoid an agriculture-centric approach to food policy. Fisheries and aquaculture must be fully integrated into any future European protein strategy, ensuring that marine proteins are recognized for their role in health, sustainability and food security.
• The need to address land-based pollution that affects marine water quality and consequently the productivity of fisheries and aquaculture. A systemic and integrated food policy must ensure that terrestrial and aquatic systems are managed holistically and do not undermine each other.

You can read the MAC recommendations here.