This year’s edition of the annual Seminar on Fisheries Science of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) will focus on the implementation of an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM).

In the current context of rapid climate and ocean changes, but also of increasing awareness about a wide range of various human impacts on ecosystems, there are growing needs to further take into account ecosystems considerations when managing fisheries. This science seminar will provide an opportunity to take stock of the most recent developments in implementing an EAFM, and to identify potential areas requiring further actions, as well as the corresponding needs in terms of the scientific advice required for the policy makers.

The seminar will include an introduction by EU Commissioner Sinkevičius, followed by a presentation by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) on how these considerations are currently being included in the scientific advice provided by managers, as well as the ongoing work in this area. In a further presentation, an international perspective will be provided about how EAFM is implemented in other jurisdictions, and this will be followed by a presentation of the outcome from a recent EU-funded study on EAFM. The scientists involved will offer insights into the outcomes, lessons learnt and recommendations from their work. Finally, different stakeholders will take part in a panel discussion to explore different perspectives on and potential contributions to implementing EAFM under the Common Fisheries Policy.

The half-day hybrid event will take place on the 24th of June 2022 from 9:15. It will bring together a wide range of stakeholders such as scientists, fisheries and environmental administrations in MS and at regional level, the fishing sector, NGOs, and the representatives of the European Commission, Parliament, Council and Member States.