EU committed to growing our marine industry

Karmenu Vella, European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries seen here in Crosshaven, Co Cork, with then-Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney and Kevin Healy, lobster fisherman

Seas and oceans are important drivers for the European economy. They have great potential for innovation and growth. The blue economy accounts for nearly 4 per cent of the EU’s GDP, adding €550 billion in value to the European economy every year. Some five million people depend on the marine and maritime sectors for their jobs across Europe.

Karmenu Vella, EU Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, said: “Innovation will allow ...