Sciaena

We welcome the EU Circular Economy Act (CEA) as a potential for a coherent framework for sustainable resource use. However, in its current direction, the proposal risks falling short of this potential. According to the International Resource Panel (2024), global resource use is projected to grow by 60% by 2060, threatening to derail progress on climate, biodiversity and prosperity.

In light of the global targets established for 2030, including those set under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), the European Union now has a critical opportunity, through the forthcoming Ocean Act, to adopt robust and binding measures that reinforce the effective implementation of existing legislation while strengthening its ambition across key ocean policy areas.

The vision 2040 for the Fisheries and Aquaculture sector must highlight the need of low-carbon, low-impact fishing and aquaculture systems that conserve biodiversity, restore ecosystem functions, promote social justice, and ensure that marine space and resources are shared equitably with other users of the expanding blue economy.

Offshore renewable energy is an important part of promoting the European energy transition towards a resilient and fully decarbonised economy, but it should be seen from the perspective of the increasing degradation of the health of our ocean.

Filed in Portuguese · English published by the European Commission

Sciaena is highly concerned with the European Commission's unexpected proposal to remove Article 4(6) from the Baltic, North Sea Fisheries Multi Annual Plans (MAPs) and Article 4(7) from the Western Waters MAPs, as these articles constitute a vital safeguard that prevents fish stocks from collapsing.