Fisheries
The future of our seas
As Europeans, we are facing an overfishing crisis. Overfishing happens when too many fish are caught and those remaining cannot sustain their population. The numbers of fish decrease until whole species become in danger of extinction.
Almost 90% of species in European waters are being fished at a level that is not sustainable. At the same time, most of our fishing fleets are running losses or returning low profits. We need to act together to build a sustainable future for our seas.
Why does overfishing matter?
Overfishing doesn't just threaten our marine ecosystems and the sustainability of fish stocks. It also damages our fishing communities, by making it impossible for hard-working fishermen to earn a decent living.
In Europe, our approach to fishing has to change: to protect our fish stocks, our food supply, our marine environment and our fishing communities. To this end, the European Union is committed to reforming the Common Fisheries Policy and would like your help and input to do so.
Get involved
Whether you are a concerned consumer, an interested citizen or directly involved in the fishing industry, your ideas are needed and welcomed, as part of the public consultation on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy.
Give your views on the future of European fishing here
Irish fishing: Key facts and figures
- About 11,000 people work in the Irish fishing industry, in fishing, fish processing and fish farms. The number of jobs has been stable since 1997.
- The Irish fishing fleet has grown to almost 2,000 vessels, up from 1,800 in 1997. At the same time, the size of the overall EU fishing fleet has fallen by about 20%.
- Nearly 8.5% of the fish caught in EU waters comes from Irish waters, not 40% as has been claimed.
Irish fishing: Some questions answered
- Have catches in Irish waters fallen over the years?
No. The total volume of fish caught in Irish waters rose from 160,000 tonnes in 1954 to 530,000 in 2004.
- Is it true that foreign fleets have taken €200 billion worth of fish from Irish waters?
No. The total value of fish taken from Irish waters between 1974 and 2004 was about €8.5 billion. This figure includes fish caught by both foreign and Irish boats.
- Are Irish boats catching more fish than they used to?
Yes. Irish boats have doubled their catch since we joined the EU. In 2007, our boats caught 185,000 tonnes, up from 86,000 tonnes in 1973. This includes fish caught both in Irish waters and elsewhere. Furthermore, Irish boats now catch about 25% of the fish caught in Irish waters, up from an average of 16% in the 1970s, when we joined the EU.
Irish fishing: Financial facts
- Between 2000 and 2006, the Irish fishing industry received direct EU aid of €65.5 million. An additional €42.5m of EU funds has been committed up to 2013.
- Annual Irish fish exports are worth €360 million. Of those, 78% go to the EU, without any tariffs.
- The EU produces only 10% of the fish and shellfish it consumes, so there is potential for continuing export growth.
- The EU has invested €100 million in research on aquaculture, or the farming of fish and shellfish. This is the growth area of the future.
Learn more
Watch a video on the Common Fisheries Policy
Find out about the current Common Fisheries Policy
Read information from the United Nations about overfishing
The End of The Line, a 2009 documentary about overfishing
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (The Irish Sea Fisheries Board)
The Marine Institute (Aquaculture)
The Sea Around Us project
(This project is run by the University of British Columbia, Canada in collaboration with the US-based Pew Charitable Trust)
Further information on overfishing
Don't forget - have your say!
Take part in the public consultation on the Common Fisheries Policy here