On 2 June 2026, European Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Costas Kadis addressed a high-level conference on synergies between Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) and the new Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). Kadis stressed that the BBNJ Agreement, which entered into force in early 2026, must complement rather than duplicate the work of RFMOs, and called for enhanced collaboration to improve global ocean governance.
Kadis outlined several concrete proposals to operationalise the interface between RFMOs and the BBNJ Agreement. He announced that the European Union plans to convene a dedicated event in March 2027 to bring together RFMO representatives and their members to assess the Agreement's implications, share best practices, and develop practical recommendations for coherence. He also highlighted the EU's OceanEye initiative, an ocean monitoring and observation programme now being extended internationally, which could provide shared scientific data for both RFMOs and the BBNJ Agreement.
The Commissioner emphasised that area-based management tools under the BBNJ Agreement, including marine protected areas, must respect RFMO competences and reinforce existing spatial measures. He also called for alignment of environmental impact assessments to avoid duplication, and for robust scientific collaboration with sufficient time for in-depth reviews. Kadis stressed the need to address capacity disparities among RFMOs, particularly for least developed countries and small island developing states, and supported the establishment of predictable consultation guidelines and timelines.
Kadis acknowledged concerns about food security, stating that sustainable fisheries underpin livelihoods and communities, and that BBNJ measures should support marine ecosystems that sustain fisheries. He also noted that the BBNJ Agreement's Clearing House Mechanism should facilitate proactive information sharing, and encouraged RFMOs to provide regular updates on conservation measures and scientific findings.
The speech did not include numerical targets or budget figures, but set a clear timeline for the March 2027 event and referenced the Global Biodiversity Framework's 30% high-seas protection target. Kadis's tone was conciliatory and cooperative, seeking to reassure RFMOs that the BBNJ Agreement would not override their authority but would instead build on their existing work.
Policy orientation and stakeholder impacts
The speech signals a moderate shift towards integrating biodiversity conservation with fisheries management under a coherent global framework. Kadis's proposals would increase coordination between RFMOs and the BBNJ Agreement, potentially strengthening environmental protection but also imposing new procedural requirements on RFMOs.
- RFMOs: Positive impact through recognition of their expertise and assurance of competence respect, but may face additional consultation and reporting obligations. - EU fisheries sector: Mixed impact – potential long-term sustainability benefits, but possible short-term constraints from new area-based management tools and environmental impact assessments. - Developing coastal states and small island developing states: Positive impact through capacity-building support and inclusion in scientific collaboration. - Environmental NGOs: Positive impact from strengthened biodiversity governance and alignment with the 30% protection target, though implementation details remain vague.
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