EBCD at the UN Ocean Conference 2025
With the 3rd UN Ocean Conference (UNOC-3) just around the corner, things are ramping up very quickly! EBCD will be on the ground in Nice, France from the 9th to the 13th of June bringing science, sustainable use, and real-world solutions to the global stage. We are hosting several side-events, and will be closely following negotiations and fisheries-related discussions. Check out EBCD’s UNOC activities and priorities below.
No polarisation – more actions!
No polarisation – more actions! That is EBCD’s message for UNOC-3. As the world comes together to shape the future of our ocean, EBCD presents its key priorities for inclusive, science-based, and solutions-oriented ocean governance. At the forefront is a strong call for comprehensive fisheries management as a cornerstone for healthy marine ecosystems, resilient coastal communities, and sustainable food systems. EBCD also urges the recognition of fisheries and aquaculture as vital to global food security, the scaling-up of Blue Technologies to boost innovation and decarbonisation, and the recognition of Fisheries-OECMs for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. Finally, EBCD calls for a European Ocean Pact that is strategic, inclusive, and grounded in the Global Biodiversity Framework; a comprehensive model for tackling threats while meeting human needs. Together, these priorities reflect EBCD’s vision for a cooperative and impactful UNOC-3.
Our Side-Events
At UNOC-3, EBCD will be shining a spotlight on something we know works: well-managed, sustainable fisheries that support both people and the planet. We are organising two dedicated side-events to share success stories and spark important conversations on comprehensive fisheries management, showing that fisheries are part of the solution to healthy oceans.
Notably, when science, policy, and industry come together, effective and comprehensive fisheries management regimes emerge as powerful tools to sustain fish populations, restore marine ecosystems, support livelihoods and achieve sustainable food systems. Below more details about our side-events
Sustainable seas: A holistic approach to thriving fisheries and oceans – in collaboration with MSC
When: Monday 9 June, 12:15 – 13:00
Where: Trade & Blue Food House, La Baleine
This side-event aims to highlight cross-sectoral solutions that integrate policy, regulatory, and financial mechanisms for integrated, ecosystem-based fisheries management. Presenters will each demonstrate how scientific, socioeconomic, and adaptive approaches are being operationalised to drive measurable progress toward achieving SDG 14.4 and showcase real-world examples of fisheries that have transitioned to sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems through effective management practices.
We will hear from:
Stéphanie Yon-Courtin (MEP), Carlos Fuentevilla (FAO), Mark Dickey-Collas (IUCN-CEM-Fisheries Expert Group), Simon Cripps (MSC), Marcelo Hidalgo (Papua New Guinea Fishing Industry Association)
Comprehensive Management Regimes: A Holistic Approach to Thriving Fisheries and Oceans
When: Thursday 12 June, 10:00 – 11:15
Where: Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie
This side-event will build on the first, aiming to showcase success stories and best practices in effective fisheries management from around the world by providing a platform for governments, fisheries managers, scientists, and private sector actors to outline how they are facilitating and implementing adaptive, ecosystem-based fisheries management. Through this, the event hopes to inspire scalable, people-centred approaches to fisheries management that promote climate resilience, enhance food and nutrition security, and reflect diverse regional perspectives and experiences.
This event will take place back-to-back with another side-event organised by Satlink – “From fisheries to ocean science: Blue technology as a tool for partnership on the path towards SDG14” – offering participants a more integrated and rounded perspective on ocean governance and the role of science and data in informed decision-making.
We will hear from:
Niall O’Dea (Government of Canada), Josie Tamate (formerly Government of Niue), María José Espinosa (Government of Mexico), Abdennaji Laamrich (COMHAFAT/ATLAFCO), Merete Tandstad (FAO), Mark Dickey-Collas (IUCN-CEM-Fisheries Expert Group), Darius Campbell (NEAFC), Anne-France Mattlet (Europêche), Citlali Gomez Lepe (COMEPESCA)
To Note: Registration for this side-event is mandatory
A complete list of attendees must be submitted to the venue in advance
