Opening Remarks by Commissioner Kadis at the High-Level Conference: Navigating the RFMO-BBNJ Interface – Dialogue on Cooperation & Coherence

Navigating the RFMO-BBNJ Interface

Good morning, esteemed colleagues, representatives of Regional Fisheries Management Organisations, and distinguished guests,

It is a pleasure to join you today for this important dialogue on synergies between the work of RFMOs and the implementation of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, BBNJ.

And I would like to thank the European Bureau for Conservation and Development, the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Parliament Committee on Fisheries Chair Carmen Crespo for organising this event.

As we gather here, just months after the Agreement's entry into force, we stand at a pivotal moment in global ocean governance.

Let me first acknowledge the invaluable work you do as stewards of our ocean's living resources. Regional Fisheries Management Organisations are the backbone of sustainable fisheries governance. Your efforts in protecting vulnerable marine ecosystems, implementing spatial management measures, and mitigating the impacts of fishing on non-target species are important contributions to the conservation of biodiversity beyond national borders.

This is also a longstanding and key priority for the European Union, including in our European Ocean Pact, where we clearly recognised the need to position ocean governance and the need for global cooperation at the forefront of our ocean agenda.

It is therefore easy to see that the work of RFMOs is vital to the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement. Likewise, the clear objectives set out in the Agreement can help RFMOs to deepen and widen the significant ecosystem work they are already doing. Such strengthened collaboration and coherence is needed to improve ocean governance and it will reinforce the efficiency of both processes.

For the European Union, the BBNJ Agreement is not just a legal instrument; it is a promise. A promise to address gaps in the governance of marine biodiversity, to respect ecosystems, and to ensure the ocean's resources are managed sustainably. But commitments are only as strong as the partnerships that uphold them. That is why the European Union places such importance on working hand in hand with Regional Fisheries Management Organisations to ensure that the Agreement complements, rather than competes with, your vital work. The Agreement itself makes this clear: we must use our resources efficiently and build on the work already done. The goal is not to duplicate your efforts, but to complement them.

One of the European Union's key objectives is to ensure that the Agreement's area-based management tools, such as marine protected areas, are designed and implemented efficiently, contributing to the target of the Global Biodiversity Framework of protecting at least 30% of the high seas by 2030.

Area-based management tools must respect the competences of RFMOs in their respective convention areas and should reinforce existing spatial measures. By integrating your scientific expertise and operational insights into their development, we can create a governance framework that is both coherent and effective.

Environmental impact assessments are another pillar of the Agreement. These assessments are not just procedural requirements; they are our best defence against unintended harm to marine ecosystems.

The European Union is committed to ensuring that the Agreement's environmental impact assessments align with those conducted by RFMOs, avoiding duplication and enhancing coherence between fisheries management and biodiversity conservation. This alignment is not just practical—it is essential for ensuring that fisheries and environmental sustainability go hand in hand.

Of course, none of this can be achieved without robust scientific collaboration. Avoiding duplication and allowing enough time for in-depth scientific reviews are key to constructive collaboration between the Agreement and RFMOs.

We know that science rests on data. In this context, I want to highlight OceanEye, an initiative we launched in the EU and which we are now extending internationally.

OceanEye is an ocean monitoring and observation initiative that will help us collect the data needed to understand the state of the ocean. Our hope is that, in time, data from such an international ocean monitoring network can be the source of scientific work under both the BBNJ Agreement and RFMOs.

But science alone is not enough. We must also address the disparities in capacity that exist among Regional Fisheries Management Organisations. The European Union has long supported initiatives to strengthen the capacities of RFMOs and their members, including the least developed countries and small island developing states. Whether through supporting scientific research, data management, or strengthening institutions. We believe that strong RFMOs mean a strong ocean governance framework. And strong RFMOs are those that can engage effectively with the Agreement.

Now, I understand that the entry into force of the Agreement may raise questions about its operational implications for fisheries governance. Let me assure you that the European Union is committed to addressing these questions directly.

In fact, we are planning to convene a dedicated event in March 2027 to bring together representatives from Regional Fisheries Management Organisations and their members.

This event will provide a platform to assess the Agreement's implications, share best practices, and develop practical recommendations for enhancing coherence and cooperation between global and regional frameworks.

I also recognise that predictable and inclusive consultation processes are critical to ensuring that RFMOs can meaningfully participate in the implementation of the Agreement. The European Union supports the establishment of guidelines and timelines for consultation, ensuring that your expertise is integrated into decision-making processes from the outset.

Transparency is key to building trust, and the Agreement's Clearing House Mechanism will play a central role in facilitating the proactive sharing of information. At the same time, we encourage Regional Fisheries Management Organisations to provide regular updates on their conservation measures and scientific findings, fostering a two-way exchange of knowledge.

I know that many of you are eager to ensure that your spatial management measures are recognised and integrated into the Agreement's framework. The European Union fully supports this integration and believes that harmonising these measures will create a more cohesive approach to marine biodiversity conservation.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the concerns about food security. Sustainable fisheries are not just about conserving biodiversity; they are about feeding families, supporting livelihoods, and sustaining communities. The European Union is committed to ensuring that the measures adopted under the Agreement support the marine ecosystems that underpin sustainable fisheries, safeguarding food security for millions around the world.

In closing, I want to leave you with a call to action. Let us embrace this moment as an opportunity to forge stronger partnerships, to bridge gaps in governance, and to build a future where marine biodiversity and sustainable fisheries thrive side by side. Together, we can turn the ambitious goals of the BBNJ Agreement into tangible benefits for our oceans and for the people who depend on them.