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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The second Workshop on the Decarbonization of the Fishing Industry (WKDECA) was held online on 18–19 March 2025, bringing together 71 participants. The workshop reviewed ongoing efforts and innovative solutions aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of regional fisheries while ensuring marine sustainability. Participants emphasized the urgency of transitioning to low-emission fisheries, focusing on innovations in gear and engines, operational improvements, and the adoption of renewable energy sources. Case studies from different countries and projects highlighted promising measures such as gear modifications, optimized trawling operations, and energy-efficient technologies. Discussions stressed the importance of collecting comprehensive data on fuel consumption across fleets, using harmonized protocols (e.g. the GFCM one presented last year during the WGFiT 2024), and integrating monitoring systems with direct interviews with fishers. The WKDECA concluded by supporting the operationalization of the GFCM Platform on Decarbonization, Selectivity, and Vulnerable Species (DeSeVul), calling for increased awareness and stakeholder engagement to enhance the implementation of decarbonization initiatives and ensure alignment of efforts across the region. A collaborative and inclusive approach was recommended to accelerate progress toward a low-carbon future for Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries.