EBI submitted a response to the EU Commission’s public call for evidence on the European Ocean Act. In parallel, the EU Commission also invited EBI to reply to a more detailed survey for selected stakeholders, reflecting the importance of recreational boating and nautical tourism in the discussions.

EBI’s response focuses on access to coasts and waters as a basic condition for water-based activities and for the sector’s ability to operate and grow, at a time when competition for sea space is increasing. It calls for the European Ocean Act to address this through the revision of the maritime spatial planning framework and through better coordination across borders and sea basins.

EBI supports keeping effective elements of the current Maritime Spatial Planning Directive, while proposing changes to make sure recreational boating and water sports are properly considered. This includes treating access to the sea for citizens as a core objective, introducing a clearer category for recreational and sporting activities alongside tourism, and using maritime spatial planning more consistently to anticipate infrastructure and connectivity needs, including for marinas and yards.

The response also stresses that SME-focused sectors need to be properly represented in decision-making structures and that simplification and reduced administrative burden should guide the revision process. Finally, it supports efforts to improve ocean observation governance and streamline reporting through standardised approaches and digital tools, provided requirements remain proportionate and practical for end users.