10. The Aquasphere: from Salt to Brussels

March 30th, 2020

With the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is one of the oldest elements of Brussels' competence. Established in 1983, it regulates fishing in all European Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), thus made accessible by the entire Union fishing fleet. The goal is to manage fish stocks as a common resource to minimize the impacts of fishing while maximizing catches. Regularly reformed, the CFP is notably responsible for quotas and fishing subsidies provided through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). Today, key issues in European fisheries include BREXIT and the reduction of discards and bycatch, with electric fishing temporarily set aside.

Since 1983, significant changes have occurred, and the European maritime question has expanded to include environmental concerns, satellite technologies, or goods transportation, resulting in a generic Blue Growth strategy. This strategy reflects a collective effort to economically leverage the sea while preserving all the ecosystem services it provides. However, fishing remains distinct. As a European legislative pillar, it can sometimes be resistant to the integration of new policies. On March 12 in Paris, Philippe Cury, representing the IRD (Research Institute for Development) in European bodies, highlighted a lack of interaction between the Directorate-General for the Environment and the one for the Sea, primarily responsible for fisheries issues. He regretted the delayed implementation of an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) in line with environmental objectives. Nevertheless, the EU has genuinely embraced the issue of aquatic biodiversity.

Pascal Lamy, president of the "Oceans" commission at the European Commission, is tasked with initiating the co-construction process of a maritime policy with civil society. Introducing the concept of the "Aquasphere," he draws attention to the inextricable link between biodiversity, climate, and human activities within aquatic ecosystems. Recognizing a systemic degradation, he emphasizes that restoration, rather than preservation, is the central challenge of the report expected in July. Using the image of the starfish, he announces an effort divided into five branches: (1) Research and modeling, (2) Halting aquasphere pollution, (3) Responsible exploitation of resources, (4) Decarbonization through the aquasphere, (5) Governance. The establishment of tools such as public consultation platforms or the creation of a "digital twin of the aquasphere" is on the agenda to decide on the future European maritime policy.

The governance issue is played out both at the European and global levels with the treaty on the high seas and the sustainable development goals. The foundations of a seascape policy integrating the ecosystemic dimension are in place. Precision work is necessary for it to permeate our activities, notably by developing links with sustainable development goals.