The European Commission published a new study assessing the state of the EU fishing fleet, examining its evolution over time, the challenges it currently faces, and its long‑term sustainability.
Key findings
The capacity of the EU fishing fleet has decreased over time, reflecting a reduction in fleet size and engine power. However, this decline has not fully resolved the structural imbalance between fishing capacity and the available fish resources. The analysis highlights that these imbalances are often linked to weak economic performance, driven by rising operating costs, market volatility and continued pressure on fish stocks.
The study also identifies several challenges affecting the long‑term viability of the sector, including:
the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss;
increasing operating costs;
structural constraints such as an ageing fleet and workforce, which affect resilience and competitiveness.
Pathways for a more sustainable fleet
To address these challenges, the study underlines the importance of:
modernising fishing vessels,
improving working conditions,
and advancing the energy transition of the fleet.
In addition, the report examines international experiences and alternative approaches to measuring fishing capacity, with a view to improving the effectiveness of EU fleet management in the future.
Next steps
The findings of the study will feed into the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) Regulation and support discussions with Member States and stakeholders on how to better balance fishing capacity with available fishing opportunities, while promoting economic, social and environmental sustainability.
Study - European Union’s fishing fleet: evolution, challenges and future