Cork, 23 May 2025 – A brand-new video celebrating the work and impact of the EU Advisory Councils (ACs) was officially launched at the European Maritime Day 2025 in Cork. The video premiere was the highlight of a special workshop titled “Celebrating Advisory Councils’ Success in View of the Ocean Pact”, held to mark 20 years of stakeholder-driven dialogue in EU fisheries and aquaculture through the Advisory Councils.
The short video, realised thanks to European Commission funding, offers a compelling and accessible introduction to the Advisory Councils, illustrating how they bring together industry, civil society, and other interest groups (OIGs), such as environmental NGOs, to shape EU policy for a sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Unveiled to a diverse audience of stakeholders, EU officials, and sector representatives, the video set the tone for the workshop by powerfully illustrating the Advisory Councils’ role in how participatory governance strengthens socio-economic resilience and supports marine conservation.
The themes highlighted in the video resonated throughout the event, echoed in remarks from speakers and participants.
Commenting on the structure of the Advisory Councils, Alexandra Philippe, Chair of the North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC), underlined the importance of wide representation in the work of the ACs: “Using science as a basis for discussions between the fishing industry and the wider stakeholder base including environmental organisations, provides the ACs with a solid grounding in reality and allows for structured discussions leading to consensus decisions and advice to the European Commission and Member States.”
"Introducing the Advisory Councils to a wide audience using visual tools will raise awareness of the important work these stakeholder organisations have been carrying out over the past twenty years. The video will now serve as a key tool in raising awareness of the Advisory Councils' role and in encouraging new stakeholders to get involved in the dialogue shaping the future of our oceans” concluded Mo Mathies, Executive Secretary of the NWWAC at the end of the event.
Watch the video here: EU Fisheries Advisory Councils