The EU fishing fleet is expected to earn €567 million in operating profits in 2025, marking a clear recovery and surpassing results from both 2023 and 2024, according to the European Commission’s new annual economic report.
Strong Fleet Performance
The report shows that the EU had 53,300 active vessels employing more than 155,200 people in 2023. That same year, the fleet landed 3.39 million tonnes of fish, worth €6.13 billion.
Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis welcomed the positive trend and linked it to better management of fish stocks. He said the results show “real benefits to the EU fleet and support our coastal communities.”
Drivers Behind the Recovery
The report points to several key factors behind the improvement. Better stock management has enabled fish populations to grow, resulting in larger catches.
A reduction in vessel numbers has helped align fishing capacity with available resources. Lower fuel costs and reduced fuel use have also lifted profits, with fuel consumption per kilo of fish falling by 11% between 2013 and 2023. The Commission plans further support for decarbonising the fleet.
Challenges Still Ahead
Despite the gains, the sector still faces structural issues. Many vessels are ageing, and several fleets linked to overfished stocks continue to struggle economically.
The report also warns of difficulties attracting young people into the industry and notes significant regional differences in performance and wages. These findings will inform the EU’s upcoming Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture, expected in 2026.