EMFAF 2021-2027 mid-term evaluation - response to the call for evidence

ClientEarth welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback to the Commission’s call for evidence for the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund 2014-2020 (EMFF) ex post evaluation and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund 2021-2027 (EMFAF) – mid-term evaluation.

Challenging environmentally harmful subsidies is key to meeting the objectives of the CFP and ensuring the transition to decarbonised, economically and socially sustainable fisheries. We need to redirect taxpayers’ money towards positive actions for this transition and, as a matter of priority, towards protecting and restoring the marine environment and small-scale and low-impact fishing practices. Supporting small-scale and low-impact fishers can enhance the resiliency and competitiveness of the EU by promoting sustainable fisheries management, preserving marine biodiversity and ensuring food security in the long term. These fishers often employ environmentally friendly practices that minimise overfishing and protect ecosystems, aligning with the EU’s sustainability commitments. By strengthening small-scale and low-impact fisheries, the EU can reduce dependence on imports, support local economies, and create jobs in coastal communities. This would not only enhance economic resilience but also foster social cohesion and the preservation of cultural heritage, making the EU’s fisheries sector more adaptable and competitive in the global market. To safeguard our marine ecosystems and facilitate the transition to sustainable fishing practices, we reiterate our recommendations made in our response to the Commission’s parallel call for evidence for the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund 2014-2020 (EMFF) ex post evaluation and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund 2021-2027 (EMFAF): 

• Stop granting environmentally harmful subsidies; 
• Allocate more funding for nature protection and restoration;
• Target funding for small-scale and low-impact fishing practices;
• Improve EMFAF access for small-scale and low-impact fishers.