Meeting of EU Directors General of Fisheries and fisheries attachés

EU Directors-General for Fisheries and the fisheries attachés will gather at an informal meeting to discuss the Common Fisheries Policy.

On 7–9 June, the EU Directors-General of Fisheries and the fisheries attachés from all Member States, together with representatives from the European Commission, will meet in Grisslehamn, a small coastal community in the municipality of Norrtälje. The meeting will focus on research and innovation in relation to the Common Fisheries Policy, as they are prerequisites for sound fisheries and aquaculture management and improving the sustainability and resilience of the fishing and aquaculture sectors, while delivering affordable and nutritious food.

There will be a high-level discussion and workshops on research and innovation focusing on:

• the energy transition in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors;
• blue food systems;
• the development of fishing gear and techniques; and
• data collection and scientific advice.

Research can develop new ideas and concepts, and if they are successful, deliver solutions for societal needs. Research forms the basis for addressing environmental challenges to the marine ecosystems, fisheries and aquaculture, and enables policy-makers to take informed decisions. Innovation is key to efficiency and profitability of the fishing and aquaculture sectors, as well as to ensure that fishing and aquaculture activities have a limited impact on marine ecosystems and do not exacerbate climate change. The resilience of the fishing and aquaculture sectors also relies on their capacity to create and incorporate sustainable innovations, hence the needs for structural investments across the value chain are evident. Digitalisation is an important pillar for research and innovation, and has the potential to provide a competitive advantage for the sectors concerned.

During the meeting, there will be a study visit to the port of Kapellskär, where there will be an opportunity to visit Sweden’s brand new and innovative research vessel, the R/V Svea. The visit will be hosted by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, who, in collaboration with Blue Food – Centre for future seafood, will organise stations closely linked to the theme of research and innovation.

There will also be a visit to Uppsala, one of Sweden’s oldest cities.