The Estonian Long Distance Fisheries Association (ELDFA) has become the newest member of Europêche, the E.U.'s foremost fishing industry association.
ELDFA represents a range of fishing interests and firms which operate in international waters governed by the North Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) and the Northeast Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC). It is one of Estonia’s largest fishing organizations, the work of which spans multiple fisheries, including northern shrimp, Atlantic cod, and Greenland halibut.
“Europêche membership strengthens our ability to advocate for Estonian fishers and supports sustainable development across Europe,” ELDFA Director Mati Sarevet said. “In the face of common challenges, cooperation is essential to protect E.U. fishing rights and ensure fair, balanced resource management in the international waters of the Northeast Atlantic.”
Europêche is a fishing industry lobby which represents about 45,000 vessels and 80,000 fishers from 16 member organizations in 10 European nations. According to President Javier Garat, its “mission is to promote responsible and sustainable fishing practices that not only ensure a healthy and diverse marine environment but preserve an economically and socially sustainable fishing sector able to contribute to the growing world demand for healthy seafood.”
In a release, Europêche called the membership of the ELDFA “a significant step forward in amplifying the collective voice of Europe’s fishers.”
“The ELDFA is a dynamic and valuable part of Estonia’s fishing sector," Europêche Managing Director Daniel Voces said. “Their expertise, particularly in long-distance fisheries in North Atlantic waters, will be a significant asset as we continue to champion the interests of European fisheries at both the E.U. and international levels.”
