The European Commission has released a questionnaire seeking public feedback on policy options to protect and manage sharks and marine ecosystems. The questionnaire will be available online until June 2024. The Commission is considering measures such as commercializing sharks with fins, bilateral agreements, sustainability certification schemes, and promoting a global trade ban on loose shark fins.
Slovenia has become the 38th member of the European Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Advisory Commission (EIFAAC), joining the FAO Director General's formal registration. This membership aligns with the organization's mission and values, promoting sustainable development, conservation, restoration, and responsible management of inland fisheries and aquaculture in Europe.
The European Commission has adopted two measures to improve water resilience and quality in the EU. The first is a standard methodology for measuring microplastics in water, which will help Member States gather information about microplastics in their water supply chain. The second is a delegated act on water reuse, specifying technical elements for risk management plans.
The European Commission is proposing the adoption of digital catch certificates to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. The EU fisheries ministers have urged third countries to adopt the system, which will become compulsory for EU national authorities in 2026. The fight against illegal fishing is a priority for the EU, which has endorsed it at the UN General Assembly and included in the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. The compulsory system is being promoted by environmental associations to ensure legal and sustainable supply chains.
Over 400 participants attended the second edition of the Forum on Fisheries Science in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea (Fish Forum 2024) in Antalya, Turkey, to discuss the latest developments in fisheries science and apply this knowledge to real-world challenges. The event focused on better science for better advice, healthy seas, sustainable fisheries, and economic and technical innovation. It also addressed climate change, forming a network of climate experts dedicated to fisheries in the Mediterranean and Black Sea. The event aimed to improve capacity and outcomes in fisheries research.