Study on the European Union’s fishing fleet: evolution, challenges and future

This study assesses the state of the EU fishing fleet, including its evolution, the challenges it currently faces and its future sustainability. The study has been funded under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). 

The findings show that the fleet’s capacity has declined over time – indicating a reduction in fleet size and power – but this has not fully resolved the imbalance between fleet capacity and actual resources available. These structural imbalances are often linked to weak economic performance driven by rising operating costs and market volatility, as well as pressures on fish stocks.

The study also identifies a range of challenges affecting the sector’s long-term viability. These include climate change, biodiversity loss and rising operating costs. Structural concerns, such as an ageing fleet and workforce, are also highlighted as key constraints on resilience and competitiveness. The study underscores the importance of modernising vessels, improving working conditions and advancing the energy transition to tackle these challenges.

Additionally, the study explores international experiences and alternative approaches to measuring fishing capacity, with a view to potentially improve the effectiveness of EU fleet management.