Generational renewal in fisheries and aquaculture was the focus of an informal meeting of EU Fisheries Ministers held in Cork under the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU, with Cyprus taking part.
Outgoing Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou was represented by Costas Constantinou, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry’s Directorate General for the Environment. The meeting was chaired by Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon and Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries Timmy Dooley. EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis also attended.
According to an Agriculture Ministry statement, Constantinou welcomed the close cooperation between the Irish and Cypriot Presidencies, noting that the smooth transition between two island member states ensures continuity in efforts to support the European fisheries sector.
He said the Common Fisheries Policy remains a strong framework but should become simpler and better adapted to current challenges, including climate change and the spread of invasive alien species, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Constantinou stressed that decisions should continue to be based on scientific evidence, while also taking their socioeconomic impact into account.
He said attracting a new generation to the sector requires a stable regulatory environment, easier access for young people, simpler aquaculture licensing procedures, better access to suitable marine areas and stronger support for innovation.
He also underlined the need to invest in fleet modernisation, safety, training, digital technologies and the energy transition, so that fisheries and aquaculture can offer secure and attractive employment and draw more young people and women into the sector.
Constantinou called for adequate EU funding after 2028, particularly for small-scale fisheries, islands and remote areas. He also said imported fishery products should meet standards equivalent to those applied in the EU through effective traceability and stronger action against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
Ministers discussed the challenges facing young people seeking to enter fisheries and aquaculture and reaffirmed their commitment to the sector’s long-term sustainability and competitiveness.
(Source: CNA)
