What the EU does
The EU is committed to ensuring a healthy ocean, sustainable fisheries, a thriving sustainable blue economy, and vibrant coastal communities across Europe. Through the common fisheries policy, the EU supports Europe’s food security by promoting responsible and sustainable fishing. The European Ocean Pact brings together the EU's policies related to ocean, including maritime security, international ocean governance and ocean observation.
The main objectives of the EU’s fisheries and ocean policies are to
- use the potential of Europe's seas to create sustainable jobs while preserving natural resources
- ensure food security while restoring and maintaining fish stocks at sustainable levels
- collaborate with global partners to establish rules for managing and governing the world's ocean
- fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
- support research and innovation in maritime sectors
- provide financial support to coastal regions and communities through the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund
Key figures
Source: EU Blue Economy Report 2025
Areas of action
EU’s strategy to safeguard our ocean and boost sustainable maritime industries
Rules for sustainably managing European fishing fleets and conserving fish stocks
Explore how EU policies protect marine life, support fishers, and shape the future of our seas
Discover how the EU leads on ocean protection, sustainable growth, and global marine cooperation
Economic activities related to ocean and seas
See how the EU supports innovative, low-impact farming of fish, shellfish and algae
Working together with partners for healthy, productive ocean
Funding for projects that support sustainability of aquatic and maritime resources
Key achievements
- The EU's blue economy is a major economic driver creating nearly 5 million jobs and generating €250 billion in added value.
- The EU is leading the way in renewable energy at sea, developing it from waves, tides, and offshore wind, to meet its renewable energy targets and climate goals.
- To help the fisheries and aquaculture sectors move towards cleaner and more sustainable practices, the EU has launched the Energy Transition Partnership that aims to develop practical solutions for achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
- To prevent overfishing and maintain viable fish stocks long-term, the EU uses total allowable catches (TACs) and fishing quotas. Overall, European fisheries continue the trend of gradually improving their sustainability with more fish stocks fished at sustainable levels in 2024 than 2003.
- On the global stage, the EU has played a leading role in the negotiation and adoption of the 2023 High Seas Treaty, allowing for marine protected areas, an important step towards protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030.
- The EU ensures that imported fishery products come from legal fishing, following laws and international conservation measures. With 70% of aquatic food consumed in the EU imported, this oversight is vital.
In focus
The Ocean Pact brings together EU ocean policies under one single and coordinated framework. It will do so through a collaborative approach between EU countries, regions, and stakeholders, including fishers, innovators, investors, scientists, and civil society.