The eco-efficiency of fisheries in EU countries

Abstract

The main goal of this article was to (1) assess the dynamics of eco-efficiency of fisheries in EU countries and its components and (2) identify potential sources of inefficiencies and efficiency surpluses through slack analysis. The hybrid data envelopment analysis (DEA) model was used for the 2008-2019 period. Progress in eco-efficiency was found among 11 countries (out of 23), but the average eco-efficiency index for the sample was 0.988. Differences in the levels and dynamics of eco-efficiency between the studied countries were mainly driven by the efficiency change component, i.e. internal factors. The largest input-saving potential was found in relation to number of employees and gross tonnage of the vessel, suggesting that sample countries deal with the problem of overinvestment and overstaffing. We also found that greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by approximately a third.