A high-level conference in Helsinki spotlighted the future of sustainable fisheries, where Matís presented MeCCAM’s vision for cutting emissions through better management, healthier fish stocks, and innovative technologies. The initiative aims to drive a more climate-resilient and efficient European fisheries sector.
From the 4th to the 5th of November, a high-level conference on the energy transition in Northern European fisheries took place in Helsinki, Finland. Jointly organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland and the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), the conference brought together around 80 stakeholders from industry, research, technology, environmental organisations, and policy to discuss visions and actions needed to advance the green transition in the fisheries sector.
At the conference, Sæmundur Elíasson from Matis opened Session 2: Fleet policy and fisheries management with a keynote presentation on the importance of healthy fish stocks and effective fisheries management in driving the sector’s green transition.
During his keynote, Sæmundur introduced the two EU-funded projects, MeCCAM and MarineGuardian, both dedicated to promoting sustainable fisheries, for example, through innovative fishing gear and technologies and improved fisheries management.
Sæmundur emphasised that reducing emissions goes beyond technology, but depends on where, when, and how fishing fleets operate. Effective fisheries management supports larger and healthier fish stocks, enabling fishing fleets to achieve higher catches with less effort and lower fuel consumption. Sæmundur highlighted how MeCCAM´s integrated approach contributes to these goals by developing, implementing, and recommending a range of climate mitigation and adaptation measures that increase resilience in European fisheries and reduce their environmental impact.
Over the next four years, MeCCAM partners will strengthen fisheries management, increase knowledge and use of innovative digital technologies, and encourage the consumption of novel and local seafood. These efforts aim to promote more climate-resilient and sustainable European fisheries.
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Photo by Ville Honkonen
