Fuelling the threat for sustainable fisheries in Europe

Posted on July, 05 2007

The study shows the dramatic impacts of fuel subsidies, granted by EU Member States to the fishing industry, on fish stocks and marine ecosystems.

All European countries provide fuel subsidies to their fisheries sector in one form or another. Those subsidies consist mostly of fuel tax exemptions, but there are also some other state aid and support schemes that play a role in reducing fuel costs for the fishing industry.

This report analyses fuel subsidies and the impact it has on fish stocks and the fisheries sector in the EU. It is well documented that by reducing operating costs and thus enhancing fishing effort, fuel subsidies are increasing the fishing pressure on the target species and related species (e.g. bycatch) and therefore contributing to the overexploitation of EU fisheries. This does not only cause further depletion of fish stocks but will also support economically unprofitable practices and undermine future economic benefits.

For further information:
Markus Knigge
Fisheries Subsidies Officer
WWF European Policy Office
Tel: +32 2 743 88 07
E-mail: mknigge@wwfepo.org