Each year the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) organises a science seminar, which brings together a wide range of stakeholders such as scientists, fishing industry, NGOs, and representatives of the European Commission, Parliament, Council and Member States, to discuss topical scientific developments and links to the implementation of the common fisheries policy. This seminar provides a platform for dialogue on the current and future science challenges, as well as a networking opportunity for all stakeholders, who have an opportunity to reflect on the state of the scientific advice and research on fisheries, and the challenges ahead. This in turn feeds into DG MARE’s internal reflections to shape future policies or adjust current ones, of further relevance ahead of the next Commission mandate. 

Following the opening and keynote, the seminar will be broken down into three thematic sessions, which will run in parallel, focusing respectively on: fisheries conservation and management, benefits and challenges for fishermen, and data collection and analysis. The breakout session will consist of presentations from selected speakers (2-3 per session) of about 10 minutes each. All sessions will be available for online audience to watch.

After the coffee break, on-site participants from each session will engage in discussion groups, moderated by DG MARE colleagues, reflecting on AI applications in fisheries. This will be an opportunity to gather participants views and expertise and to allow participants to exchange further with speakers about their research activities. Online participants will be given the opportunity to engage in an online discussion group cross-cutting the different sessions.

To better prepare the exchanges that will take place during the seminar, we compiled a survey with selected questions on AI and fisheries. The survey closed on 11 September 2024. The answers received will be used to guide the discussion among participants during the event and will be included in the seminar’s report.

The 2023 Fisheries Science Seminar focused on the role of Citizen Science in supporting fisheries science and management.  

The 2022 Fisheries Science Seminar focused on the implementation of an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM).

The 2021 Fisheries Science Seminar focused on Marine Protected Areas, and their possible benefits for attaining the objectives of the EU Biodiversity Strategy.