Merfish Project Shines at European Maritime Day 2025: Charting a Course for Sustainable Fisheries
Cork, Ireland – May 21, 2025 – The Merfish Project proudly participated in the European Maritime Day (EMD) 2025 in Cork, Ireland, represented by Chiara De Santis from the Europe For Business (EFB). From May 21st to 23rd, EMD 2025 served as a crucial platform for stakeholders across the maritime sector to discuss pressing issues and forge a path towards a sustainable future.
Chiara De Santis actively contributed to the “Energy Transition Partnership for EU Fisheries & Aquaculture” session on May 21st. This vital discussion, launched in June 2023, is a cornerstone of the EU’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality in fisheries and aquaculture by 2050. The session highlighted the ambitious roadmap for energy transition, with a significant publication expected in 2026.
Key themes revolved around the viability and competitiveness of this transition, emphasizing the need to address the complexities of skills, regulation, and technology. The establishment of ten working groups in 2024 to guide this process was underscored, along with a pilot project with the EU Parliament aiming to demonstrate sectoral transformation and business viability. The importance of energy efficiency and attracting private investment was also a central point.
Presentations by the coordinators of the working groups of the Energy Transition Partnership brought to light common challenges facing both large and small-scale fisheries, such as ageing fleets, generational renewal, and access to resources. A key takeaway was the critical need to increase access to ambitious funding schemes to facilitate this transition.
The session culminated in a dynamic World Café activity, where participants, including Merfish Project’s representative, engaged in focused discussions with working group coordinators. This format successfully gathered diverse perspectives, highlighting key recommendations and proposing new ideas and priorities for the energy transition roadmap. The insights gained from these discussions will be instrumental in shaping future strategies for the sector.
The Merfish Project is committed to supporting the objectives of the Energy Transition Partnership, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future for European fisheries. Our participation at EMD 2025 reinforces our dedication to fostering innovation and collaboration within the maritime sector.
