Fishing industry

Europe's seas are important as a source of food (fish, shellfish and various algae). The interrelationships between fishing and marine ecosystems are complex and often poorly understood. Complications also arise from the fact that fishing activities affect, and are affected by, the environment.

Significant impacts on the environment arising from fishing   


Most concerns focus on three broad issues:

• the unsustainable exploitation of fish stocks;

• the impact of fishing activities on non-target species (marine mammals, sea-birds and bottom-dwelling organisms); and

• the effect of emissions from aqua-culture on marine ecosystems.

There is a dangerous overcapacity in the European fishing fleet. Recent investigations indicate that a reduction in capacity of 40 percent is needed to match available fish resources. Overfishing can have major impacts on marine ecosystems, affecting the stability and sustainability of marine life.

Impacts may be direct or indirect, through damage to seafloor habitats caused by techniques such as beam trawling. There may also be indirect effects on other species, including seabirds and marine mammals.

Fisheries 

Accidental catches 

Fish farming