A recent study highlights the vulnerability of Atlantic bluefin tuna larvae to rising sea temperatures, particularly in the western Mediterranean, where they live close to their upper thermal limit of 31.7°C. Conducted by the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO-CSIC) and published in the Journal of Thermal Biology, the research reveals a thermal safety margin of just 3.6°C for larvae, raising concerns amid increasing ocean temperatures and marine heatwaves. The research was partially funded by the EU's Horizon 2020 programme through the TUNAWAVE project.
The European AQUATECHinn 4.0 project has introduced a free digital platform aimed at aquaculture students and professionals, featuring training content, quizzes, gamification, and virtual reality activities to enhance skills in technological transformation. The program includes three modules: the first on new technologies in fish and shellfish farming; the second on sustainability, including the circular economy and renewable energy; and the third on health and biosecurity, animal welfare, and water quality control. Developed between 2023 and 2026 with EU Erasmus+ funding and coordinated by SGS Tecnos, the project involved fourteen organizations across several European countries, aiming to bridge the gap between scientific education and the practical needs of the aquaculture sector.
The EU and Seychelles have signed a new protocol under the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement, allowing EU vessels to fish 55,000 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species annually for four years. This agreement, which follows the expiration of the previous protocol, enables up to 30 purse seiners and 8 longliners to operate, contributing approximately €23 million to Seychelles over the period, with €3 million designated for sustainable fisheries support.
Across Sweden's west coast, discussions about the future of fishing intensify, particularly regarding a proposal to ban bottom trawling in marine protected areas. A new EU-funded project called “Light Trawling” aims to address environmental pressures by using light to guide shrimp into trawls, thereby preventing seabed disturbance. The project seeks to balance viable catches with ecological sustainability. Current trials focus on adapting the method for local conditions, relying on EU funding to offset testing costs.