Challenges abound but so do opportunities
This article was featured in Eurofish Magazine 3 2024
Magdalena Zasępa, director of the Department of Fisheries, is responsible for the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy as well as for the development of fishing, both in Polish marine and inland waters, aquaculture, processing, and the market for fish and seafood. This extensive and demanding portfolio includes challenges, like the status of stocks in the Baltic and the impacts of climate change across the sector, over which the department has little control. Yet it must try and mitigate these phenomena’s effects on the ground. Ms Zasępa, who took office recently, explains here the efforts the department is making in this regard, and outlines her priorities for the future.
The current Polish Government took office relatively recently. What are its priorities regarding the fisheries and aquaculture sector? Will there be any significant changes in direction in comparison with the previous administration?
The current state of fish stocks in the Baltic Sea, which is the most important fishing area for the Polish fishing fleet, is worrying. The current government is taking measures to balance the fleet, for example, by implementing a permanent cessation of fishing activities, but the effect of implementing this measure is to reduce jobs. It is therefore necessary to support fishermen who wish to remain in the industry associated with their profession—in the aquaculture and fishing industry. It is also crucial for the scientific community to outline, considering the socio-economic aspect, a direction that allows for the recovery of stocks and the continuation of marine fisheries.
To strengthen food security and to ensure that people can remain in the fishing profession, the government aims to further develop aquaculture, including in areas harbouring offshore wind farms and in inland regions.
In the next EU institutional cycle (2024-2029), the government will focus on activities that contribute to increasing the production potential of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. The latter will enjoy subsidies that contribute to the establishment of new farming facilities and to the decarbonisation of existing farms. Policy decisions will be based on environmental, social, and economic data collected from fishermen and aquaculture farmers.
The small-scale fleet generates the lowest environmental impact of all fleet segments, employs proportionally the most people, demands little in the way of subsidies and, despite growth in 2021, it is on a downward trend in terms of volumes and value. How can this decline be halted to encourage this segment to grow?
In the current difficult situation affecting Baltic fishermen, linked to climate change and reduced fishing opportunities, the Polish government is taking action to help local fishing communities develop and improve their situation. Measures are being taken to balance the fleet. Growing interest in healthy food and public awareness of environmental issues are also creating new opportunities for fishermen. The ability to produce and sell fish and fish products from local fisheries can provide income for fishing communities. In addition, the development of waterside tourism and the promotion of fishing traditions can attract tourists generating both economic and social benefits for local fishing communities.
Digitalisation of the fisheries sector is a priority of the Polish programme of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) for 2021-2027. What actions does the administration envisage that will lead to greater digitalisation of the sector and how will they contribute to more sustainable development?
Under the European control regulation, several changes to the EU fisheries control regime have been introduced with a view to using modern and more cost-effective control technologies. These consider the latest scientific findings to ensure, in the long term, the environmental sustainability of fishing activities. Several digital solutions have been introduced into the sector, including for small-scale vessels carrying out inshore fishing, to make catch data more reliable and comprehensive and the control of compliance with CFP rules more effective.
The EU regulations impose an obligation to monitor fishing vessels of less than 12 m in length by means of a vessel tracking system (VMS or alternative system allowing automatic localisation and identification of the vessel at sea), as well as an obligation for these vessels to record catch data in a digitised manner and transmit them electronically to the competent authorities of the flag state. In addition, an obligation to remotely monitor certain fishing vessels for compliance with the landing obligation has been introduced, as well as an obligation for certain fishing vessels to install equipment for the continuous measurement and recording of engine power. Recreational fishing has also been digitised, requiring Member States to introduce electronic systems for anglers to record and report data. These requirements will apply from 10 January 2028.
In view of the above, the activities planned by the Polish administration leading to greater digitalisation of the marine fisheries sector will consist of transposing the above-mentioned EU requirements into national law. To facilitate fishing vessel owners and the fisheries administration to adapt to the new requirements, a measure Control and Enforcement of the Common Fisheries Policy has been envisaged under Priority 1, supporting sustainable fishing and the restoration and conservation of living aquatic resources. Assistance under this measure shall be granted for the development, implementation, and maintenance of a system for monitoring, control, or surveillance.
All fishing vessels under 12 m in length not yet subject to this obligation shall be equipped with the appropriate software and equipment for reporting (currently this obligation only applies to vessels over 12 m in length overall). In mid-2023, the administration introduced an obligation for all fish product purchasers to report first sale documents in electronic form. From January 2024 fishing vessels up to 8 m in length are obliged to transmit data contained in the monthly report electronically upon completion of fishing. In addition, it is planned to install a REM (remote electronic monitoring—CCTV) system on selected units over 18 m in length. The next step will be to implement a traceability system for fish products.
Climate change is a challenge for the fisheries and aquaculture sector, including warming waters, unstable weather and extreme events such as droughts and floods. What has been the impact of these changes on the fisheries and aquaculture sectors and what efforts is the industry making to adapt?
The impact of climate change is experienced by both the marine fisheries and the inland fisheries sectors. In the case of the Baltic Sea, climate change is among the factors that has affected cod and thereby the fishing industry based on this species. The condition of Baltic cod stocks has led to a ban on targeted fishing so that the species has a chance to recover. Inland fisheries also face similar problems mostly resulting in a reduction of economically valuable fish species such as vendace and eel.
Climate change also affects aquaculture. The rise in water temperature affects the rearing and breeding of trout, which are by nature cold-water species. Breeding and rearing facilities for warm-water carps are also affected by water and oxygen deficits caused by climate change. However, aquaculture undoubtedly has a much greater range of options for influencing fish rearing and breeding conditions and adapting to climate change compared to capture fisheries. These include a variety of technological measures ranging from the possibility of collecting water, recirculating it and enriching it with oxygen, to complete isolation from the external environment and complete control of the production process. Breeders are also helped by targeted selection, as well as bioengineering introducing, for example, trout selection lines that are more resistant to increased water temperatures.
In contrast, changes in natural fish stocks are long-lasting and call for the restructuring of the national Baltic Sea fleet, retraining of fishermen, and various protective and remedial measures. In the marine fisheries sector, support for diversification of fishing activities will continue. In the aquaculture sector, it is envisaged to co-finance operations that reduce water consumption, increase water retention capacity, lessen the impact of aquaculture on the environment, or lead to decarbonisation of aquaculture farms.
Moreover, support is available for research or education on the environment, biodiversity, climate change, sustainable use of water or its living resources, and the impact of human activities on the state of the environment and aquatic ecosystems. Activities concerning education or training on climate change, energy system transformation, and sustainable blue economy business development will be supported. In addition, it is possible to support the protection and restoration of natural ecosystems and environmental biodiversity, which include investments or measures related to reducing energy or water consumption and streamlining the management of these resources, contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions, promoting the production of energy from renewable sources, and increasing the use of recycled materials. These activities also include operations contributing to the creation or maintenance and preservation of the genetic diversity of fish spawning stocks and the construction or restoration of fish spawning grounds or their natural surroundings, including oxbow lakes, as well as those related to the reduction of eutrophication of waters and of pressure on the environment from human interventions.
While adaptation to climate change is one of the strategies for dealing with climate change and its effects, the fisheries and aquaculture sector must also reduce its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions by reducing energy consumption. What efforts are being made in this regard and how is the administration supporting these measures?
As mentioned above, in the field of fisheries, any decarbonisation of fishing vessels will be supported under the EMFAF Programme 2021-2027. It is also planned to continue supporting the diversification of fishing activities as a response to the deteriorating conditions for fish catches. Meanwhile, in the field of aquaculture, it is also planned to support operations aimed at modernising and upgrading infrastructure (e.g. investments in modern, low- or zero-emission means of transport necessary for transporting aquaculture products) and improving the energy efficiency of fish farms (e.g. investments in facilities, equipment or technologies that reduce the energy needs of aquaculture farms and diversify energy sources).
In addition, funding is provided for operations that support innovation and technological development (i.e. pilot projects aimed at developing and implementing new fish farming or breeding technologies) or projects related to the application of recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS) and decarbonisation. The priority given to projects contributing to the reduction of energy intensity and CO2 emissions from aquaculture is reflected in the project evaluation criteria.
The fish processing sector in Poland is one of the largest in the EU. A variety of products are produced and exported to the rest of the EU and other parts of the world. However, the sector also faces challenges such as labour shortages and a lack of automation. How can the administration help the sector to solve these issues?
The fish processing sector in Poland is developing very dynamically. In recent years, Poland has been among the EU’s leading producers of processed fishery and aquaculture products. At the end of 2022, fish processing was carried out by about 565 companies, of which 240 were authorised to export to the EU market. The production of processed products amounted to around 604,000 tonnes and has remained at this level for several years. Fresh, frozen, and processed products, as well as smoked fish are the most important items. Companies obtained support for the expansion, modernisation, and automation of production facilities from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund 2014-2020. Close to sixty projects related to the modernisation of machinery and the purchase of production lines valued at PLN78 million (EUR18m) were supported by the fund. Under the current EMFAF 2021-2027, funding is available for the implementation of operations aimed at supporting the strengthening of technological development, innovation, and knowledge transfer. Aid may be granted for the construction of new buildings for processing, storage, warehousing, and for the extension or renovation of existing facilities; for the purchase of new machinery, equipment, and appliances for processing, storage, warehousing, transport, and of computer software.
Even though Poland is a significant producer and exporter of fish products, consumption of fish and seafood is far below the EU average. What efforts are being made by the industry and the administration to encourage greater consumption of fish? What are the results of these efforts?
The consumption of fish products in Poland in 2022 was estimated at 13.68 kg per capita and has gradually increased in recent years. The estimated average consumption in 2023 may be around 13.51 kg/capita. The main species consumed in Poland for years have been marine fish—Alaska pollock and herring, as well as sprat, mackerel, Atlantic salmon and coalfish. Poles mainly consume frozen and fresh products, and the consumption of fish sold in bulk (74%) is higher than the EU average (68%, including the UK).
To understand the market, consumer preferences and build contacts with importers, trade missions coordinated by trade/export organisations and exhibition fairs such as POLFISH, held every two years in Gdansk, on the Baltic Sea in northern Poland, are organised. Polish entrepreneurs also participate in the Seafood Expo Global Exposition, which is an important event promoting Polish fish products and industry. Fish products are sold in specialised shops, supermarkets and hypermarkets, as well as in small independent grocery shops. Supermarkets and hypermarkets offer the most dedicated shelf space and a wide selection of processed fish and seafood products. Many hypermarkets also offer a wide selection of fresh seafood. Small independent grocery shops usually lack this option, but offer processed, frozen products. Polish producers are keeping up with today’s consumer preferences and produce with care for their quality, without the use of artificial additives and preservatives, and are introducing environmentally friendly packaging. More and more fish products are included in the group of functional foods targeting specific groups of consumers, e.g. children, people with cardiovascular diseases.
Fish processing companies can obtain co-financing under the measure “Conscious Consumer” of the European Maritime, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Fund 2021-2027. Aid under this measure is granted for marketing activities supporting the organisation and development of the market for fish products, raising consumer awareness about seafood, or improving quality, hygiene, and food safety. These activities are carried out through the organisation of national or international information or promotional campaigns, or through participation in national or international trade fairs and exhibitions. In addition, the measure support improving the conditions for marketing fish products, marketing new fish products or finding new customers. These objectives are mainly pursued through the provision of product publicity services (spots in the media, advertising at trade fairs/exhibitions, renting advertising space, etc.). The electronic sale of fish products is also being developed through support for the purchase of appropriate IT systems.