There is a critical overcapacity in the European fishing fleet. Over-fishing can have serious consequences for the entire marine environment. Certain trawling techniques, for example, cause damage to the highly important seabed habitat. At the other end of the food chain, seabirds, seals, whales and other marine mammals will be left with nothing to eat.

The key question is whether Europe can avoid 'fishing out' its remaining stocks and instead develop an industry that is sustainable for both the environment and those making a living from it. This section looks at the reform of the EU's Common Fisheries Policy, which is designed to make that happen, and presents studies of fish stocks, fishing fleet activity, and potential alternatives, such as fish farming.