CECAEN Rev 3
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Sections Correlation Guide About the Project Contact
Group 031

Maritime fishing

Maritime fishing means the capture of fish and other marine organisms directly from the ocean or sea, by specialized vessels. It is a traditional extractive activity, essential for supplying food and raw materials from the marine environment.

Included Activities & Applicability

  • ✅ Commercial sea and ocean fishing Fishing with trawls
  • ✅ fixed nets and gillnets Fishing with specialized vessels Collection and sorting of fish on board Auxiliary activities at sea (primary processing)

Excluded Activities & Restrictions

  • ❌ Freshwater fishing (stationary or flowing waters) Aquaculture (including mariculture) Industrial processing of fish (canning
  • ❌ freezing) Retail trade of fresh fish Marine scientific research activities

Subordinate Structure

0311 Maritime fishing
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0312 Freshwater fishing
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Detailed Analysis & Commercial Insights

Maritime fishing

Maritime fishing, classified under CAEN division 031, represents a strategic economic activity for Romania, especially in view of the Black Sea resources. Although the sector no longer has the magnitude of the communist period, it remains relevant for food security and for maintaining coastal traditions. Commercial offshore fishing involves vessels equipped with detection and capture technologies, from pelagic trawls to fixed nets, and the main catches include mackerel, turbot and other species specific to the Pontic basin. The macroeconomic importance of this niche is reflected in local value chains: from fishermen to the markets of Constanta and Tulcea, contributing to gastronomic tourism and the hospitality industry. Entrepreneurs face multiple challenges: depletion of fish stocks caused by overfishing and pollution, lack of investment in fleet modernization, bureaucracy related to fishing quotas and permits, as well as competition from imported products. However, there is development potential through sustainable practices, ecological certifications and cooperation with marine research institutes. To remain competitive, the Romanian fisherman must adapt to European regulations and traceability requirements, directly selling the catch in restaurants or through short supply chains. Thus, maritime fishing can once again become an economic driver of the coastal area, if managed responsibly and innovatively.