The EU strives to ensure that the ocean resources are used sustainably and that coastal communities and the fishing sector have a prosperous future. It stimulates a sustainable Blue Economy and promotes ocean governance at international level.

To ensure that unnecessary costs are removed and rules are as effective and efficient as possible, since 2015 under REFIT, 3 initiatives have been adopted and 1 is pending adoption. Moreover, 4 evaluations have been finalised and 1 is ongoing.

Initiatives in the area of Maritime and fisheries policy

1. Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (2013)
2. Common market organisation in fishery and aquaculture
3. Technical measures for the protection of marine organisms
4. Sustainable management of external fishing fleets (SMEF)
5. Fisheries control Regulation
6. Sustainable fisheries partnership agreements
7. European Maritime and Fisheries Fund
8. Revision of marketing standards applicable to fishery and aquaculture products