On 18 February, our colleague Alexandra Philippe delivered the concluding remarks at the “Competitive Blue Tech for Sustainable High Seas Fisheries – A Case Study for the EU Clean Industrial Deal” event at the European Parliament. Hosted by MEP Isabelle Le Callennec and organised by Europêche and the SEArica Intergroup, the event focused on key developments in Blue Tech for fisheries.
Key Takeaways:
- Blue Tech is a game-changer for high seas fisheries, offering solutions for sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness—ranging from AI-driven stock assessments and catch optimisation to decarbonisation and marine digitalisation.
- The EU Clean Industrial Deal presents a unique opportunity to align environmental and competitiveness objectives.
- Fisheries must be fully integrated into the upcoming Oceans Pact to maximise their potential.
- Challenges remain such as high investment costs, regulatory uncertainty, and infrastructure gaps hinder the adoption of innovative technologies.
Path Forward:
- Regulatory frameworks must align with innovation, providing clear and coherent regulations.
- Strategic funding in research and innovation is needed to develop clean maritime technologies.
- Ensuring equal access to funding for all players, especially smaller enterprises, will foster inclusive innovation.
- Building a skilled workforce in marine AI and digitalisation is crucial.
- Fostering stronger collaboration between industry, civil society, startups, academia, and policymakers is essential.
As highlighted in the Competitiveness Compass (an EU initiative to enhance competitiveness), “The European Oceans Pact will allow Europe to leverage its vast maritime area and coastline to boost innovation through new blue technologies, clean energy production, and food security.” The challenge ahead is to ensure this ambition translates into real action.
Stay tuned for more updates on how Blue Tech can drive a more sustainable and competitive future for the fisheries sector!
