The report stresses that although the EU manages 25 million square kilometres of sea with a strictly regulated and sustainable fishing fleet of around 69,000 vessels, it imports about 70% of seafood products, exposing the market to unfair practices.
It notes that fishing fleets from third countries such as China and North African states often do not comply with international environmental and quota rules, and calls for the same standards and fair conditions for all fishers.
Zovko (EPP/HDZ) said countries such as Tunisia and Algeria have so far had much better fishing conditions because they do not have to follow European rules.
She added that this should be addressed through multilateral organisations, noting that the EU is the largest provider of development aid and should use it to ensure compliance with environmental and fisheries protection standards.
The report calls for closer cooperation between EU member states and agencies, including the European Maritime Safety Agency, Frontex, the European Fisheries Control Agency, the European Environment Agency and the EU Space Programme Agency.
Zovko said Frontex already operates in some countries to combat illegal fishing, which destroys biodiversity and depresses fish prices in the EU market. She added that ocean diplomacy should help build alliances for ocean protection, alongside addressing issues such as illegal fishing, rising sea temperatures and plastic pollution.
The report also calls for support for outermost and island regions, from Réunion in the Indian Ocean to Croatia’s Palagruža, and for adequate funding to address declining attractiveness of fishing careers among young people.
It proposes measures to make the sector more attractive, including for women, through sustainable fish stock management, investment in modern, safe and digitalised fleets without increasing fishing capacity, and training programmes.
MEPs also call for the EU to maintain leadership in international forums through multilateral cooperation, including with China and the United States, to promote sustainable fisheries and ocean governance.
Zovko said cooperation is needed with both countries, arguing that neither fully complies with global standards observed elsewhere.