Fishing industry emissions & impact: How regulations are changing

The fishing industry plays a critical role in global food supply, but it’s also responsible for a significant share of environmental impacts. As sustainability and emissions tracking become central to business and policy decisions, understanding the fishing sector’s carbon footprint is crucial for businesses, governments, and communities that rely on marine resources.

This blog explores the environmental impact of commercial fishing, the key contributors to its carbon emissions, and emerging solutions for a lower-carbon future, backed by leading industry insights and studies.

The carbon footprint of the fishing sector

Wild fish is often perceived as a low-carbon food source. On average, it emits between 1 and 5 kg of CO₂ per kg of fish, compared to 50–750 kg for red meat (MSC). However, this average masks huge variation depending on fishing methods, fuel efficiency, vessel size, and species caught.

One of the biggest contributors to emissions in the fishing sector is fuel. For some fisheries, fuel use accounts for up to 60% of total operating costs, directly impacting both environmental and financial sustainability (WWF).

Key sources of emissions

1. Fuel-intensive gear types

Bottom trawling, for example, is particularly fuel-intensive, disturbing marine sediments and releasing stored carbon in the process. Alternatives such as longlining or pot fishing offer significantly lower emissions (MSC Bottom Trawling FAQ).

2. Fleet energy use

The EU fishing fleet emitted over 7 million tonnes of CO₂ in a single year, and many vessels still rely on outdated, inefficient engines. Upgrading to hybrid or fully electric systems can slash emissions by as much as 40% (Francisco Blaha).

3. Aquaculture operations

While often seen as more sustainable, aquaculture also carries a carbon burden from feed production to waste management. Studies show significant reductions can be achieved through smarter feed strategies and low-impact system designs (Wiley).

Emerging solutions and technologies

1.  Fleet electrification & hybrid engines

Transitioning to electric and hybrid vessels is one of the most impactful steps the industry can take. Projects across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe are already piloting these solutions to reduce fuel dependency and improve long-term resilience (LIFE Platform).

2. Switching gear types

Switching from high-impact to low-fuel gear can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by between 4% and 61%, depending on the fishery (WWF).

3. Sustainable aquaculture

Responsible aquaculture practices such as integrated multi-trophic systems, reduced feed conversion ratios, and improved waste treatment are gaining traction as ways to meet demand without scaling emissions (Aquaculture Magazine).

4. Policy-driven change

Previously, the European Green Deal called for integrating climate criteria into how fishing opportunities were allocated, aligning emissions data with economic and ecological priorities (Oceana). However, the recent EU Omnibus Package, introduced in early 2025, proposes changes to several Green Deal-linked regulations.

These changes aim to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses, particularly SMEs, and include relaxing sustainability reporting thresholds and adjusting supply chain due diligence obligations. While the overall objectives of the Green Deal remain intact, the Omnibus changes may affect how and when emissions data is used in decision-making around fishing opportunities.

Find out how the EU Omnibus changes impact the fishing industry Download our free guide on emissions and regulatory adaptation for fleets, suppliers and aquaculture firms.

5. Digital emissions tracking

Advanced carbon tracking tools such as eco-shaper enable fishing businesses to monitor and report their carbon emissions with precision. The platform also offers AI-powered suggestions tailored to your company’s operational data, empowering businesses to make informed, sustainable decisions.

Why this matters for the future of fishing

According to a 2024 study published in Science of The Total Environment, carbon emissions from marine fisheries are declining overall, largely due to greater awareness and improved operational practices. At the same time, carbon sinks through healthier marine ecosystems are increasing (ScienceDirect).

Still, progress is not uniform. Small-scale, low-impact fisheries offer a clear path forward but often lack funding and policy support. Bridging this gap is essential to achieving both climate and biodiversity goals.

Conclusion

The fishing industry stands at a turning point. Emissions reduction is not just a climate imperative, it’s an opportunity for operational efficiency, brand value, and long-term food security.

From adopting cleaner gear to using digital tools like eco-shaper for carbon reporting, businesses in the fishing sector have more options than ever to reduce their impact. The time to act is now.

Further reading:

MSC: Climate Change and Fishing

WWF: Sustainable Fisheries Management

Aquaculture Magazine: Sustainability in Aquaculture

Francisco Blaha: Fishing Fleet Energy Transition

ScienceDirect: Carbon Emission Reduction in Marine Fisheries