AZTI Shares Expertise with the European Parliament to Promote Decarbonization and Circular Economy in Fisheries

• AZTI Researchers Chosen by the EU Legislative Body to Address Challenges and Opportunities of the European Green Deal in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector
• Resumen ampliado: https://bit.ly/407brtw
• Video: https://bit.ly/3s3lgfg

Brussels, October 23, 2023 – A team of researchers from the AZTI technological center was invited to give a prominent presentation today before the European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee on the aspects of decarbonization and circular economy in fisheries. This notable presentation is part of a series of workshops organized by the EU legislative body to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the European Green Deal for the fisheries and aquaculture industry.

The AZTI researchers who prepared the presentation included Oihane C. Basurko, Martin Aranda, Ainhoa Caballero, Marga Andrés, Jefferson Murua, and Gorka Gabiña. Oihane and Gorka traveled to Brussels to represent their team and share their expertise on these critical topics.

The presentation focused on decarbonization and circular economy in fisheries, as part of the European Union’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. This achievement highlights their exceptional expertise and their pivotal role in seeking solutions for the European Green Deal in fisheries and aquaculture.

Executive Summary

The European Green Deal aims to transform the EU into a resource-efficient, modern, and competitive society, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This involves reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The fisheries industry must also contribute to this endeavor, and AZTI researchers addressed two fundamental aspects of the European Green Deal: decarbonization and circular economy in fisheries.

Decarbonization of the Fishing Fleet

The researchers emphasized the importance of reducing fuel consumption in fishing fleets, using alternative energy sources, and practicing sustainable fishing as key components of decarbonization. They presented more than 20 solutions that could be applied in the energy transition of the fishing sector, emphasizing the need for a customized strategy for each type of vessel. This includes strategies for vessel operation, improvements in vessel structure and onboard equipment, development of energy-efficient fishing equipment, and approaches to enhance catchability.

Circular Economy in Fisheries

Circular economy in the fisheries sector focuses on intelligent design of fishing equipment, reducing marine pollution, and efficient waste collection. AZTI researchers highlighted the potential of circular economy in designing fishing equipment and the growing demand for products made from marine waste and end-of-life fishing gear.

Policy Recommendations

As leaders in sustainability, AZTI researchers proposed a series of policy recommendations to advance decarbonization and circular economy in fisheries, in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal. These recommendations range from defining roadmaps to supporting research and innovation in the sector.

The presentation at the European Parliament underscores the importance of addressing sustainability in fisheries and aquaculture as an integral part of the European Green Deal. AZTI’s knowledge and leadership in this field are crucial in tackling the challenges and opportunities of the European Green Deal in the fisheries and aquaculture industry.