The European Commission proposed on Monday 17 May a new approach to create a sustainable blue economy in the EU for industries and sectors related to oceans, seas, and coasts.
A sustainable blue economy is essential to achieve the goals of the ‘European Green Deal’ and ensure a ‘green’ economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, says the Commission.
Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President for the Green Deal, said, “We must change tack and develop a sustainable blue economy where environmental protection and economic activities go hand in hand”.
“We want to integrate the blue economy into the objectives of the Green Deal to create new opportunities for business”, said Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for Maritime Affairs. He said, “We want to beef up the EU’s installed capacity from 12 GW today, to more than 300 GW by 2050” for marine renewables.
The Commissioner supports the EU’s ambition to restore biodiversity by protecting 30% of its marine area by 2030. Another commitment is the adoption of new rules on the decommissioning of offshore oil and gas platforms, revising the regulation on ship recycling, and setting standards for the circular design of fishing gear.
New activities are developing, such as the design of artificial reefs, the restoration of important seabed habitats, and the search for solutions to pollution (eutrophication).
The transition to a sustainable blue economy requires investment in innovative technologies. Wave and tidal energy, seaweed production, the development of innovative fishing gear, and the restoration of marine ecosystems will create new jobs, the Commission argues.
The communication on the blue economy sets out a detailed programme to:
– achieve the objectives of climate neutrality and zero pollution, in particular through the development of renewable energies at sea, the decarbonisation of maritime transport, and the greening of ports. A sustainable combination of ocean energy (wind, thermal, wave, and tidal) could produce a quarter of the EU’s electricity by 2050;
– move to a circular economy and reduce pollution, including modernising standards for fishing gear design, vessel recycling and the decommissioning of offshore platforms, and taking measures to reduce plastic and microplastic pollution;
– preserve biodiversity and invest in nature. Protecting 30% of the EU’s maritime area will reverse biodiversity loss, increase fish stocks, contribute to climate change mitigation, and generate significant financial and social benefits;
– support climate adaptation and coastal resilience. Adaptation activities—such as the development of green infrastructure in coastal areas and the protection of coasts against erosion and flooding risks—will preserve biodiversity and landscapes, while benefiting tourism and the coastal economy;
– ensure sustainable food production. Sustainable production and new marketing standards for seafood products, the use of seaweed and herbs, the strengthening of fisheries control, and research and innovation in cell-based seafood products will help preserve Europe’s seas;
– improve the management of space at sea. The new ‘Blue Forum’ of sea users (dialogue between operators at sea, stakeholders, and scientists involved in fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, tourism, renewable energy) will stimulate cooperative exchanges for the sustainable use of the marine environment. A report on the implementation of the EU Maritime Spatial Planning Directive will be published in 2022 after the adoption of national maritime spatial plans in March 2021.
Link to the communication: https://bit.ly/3uVXiPt (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)