Report | February 9, 2016

Where do European Vessels Fish?

European vessels have been fi shing in the world’s oceans ever since the fi rst pioneering English, French, Spanish and Portuguese fi shermen crossed the Atlantic to fi nd cod off the Canadian coast in the early sixteenth century. It is estimated that 28% of the fi sh caught by EU vessels for human consumption originates from waters outside the EU.

European fl agged vessels have operated in foreign waters under a myriad of agreements ever since the formation of the EU. Every European fl agged vessel aiming to fi sh outside European waters, as well as foreign vessels hoping to fi sh in European waters, must obtain a Fishing Authorisation under the Fisheries Authorisation Regulation (FAR).