The European Union strives to take over the leading policy over fisheries policy around the world. The fish stock is diminishing, and there is a need to establish a more rational use of the sea area. Although Common Fisheries Policy has begun to develop itself due to environment and fish stock threats, it has an increasing role in the purpose of employment and achievement of GDP growth. Common fisheries policy is defined by strict rules and regulations, but Member States are allowed national regulations that must be in line with common interests. The European Union endeavors to establish cross-sectoral and cross-border cooperation of all participants in the maritime economy in order to overcome numerous challenges of the European seas. Fishing and fisheries policy have undergone many reforms that were in line with the time when they came into force. Today's Common Fisheries Policy has the primary objective of striving for the recovery of fish stocks, the abolition of harsh harvest practices, the strengthening of the sector and the promotion of aquacultures. Aquaculture is the industry that has recorded the highest growth in recent years. Growth refers to aquaculture in Asia, while aquaculture in the European Union stagnates. Aquaculture today accounts for almost half of the world's supply of aquatic organisms for human nutrition. In Croatia and elsewhere in the world (except for exceptions like Iceland) fisheries does not "contribute" to the national production value with more than 1%. In order for the European Common Fisheries Policy to be competitive, the European Union has established funds that provide funding for fisheries development. The European Fund for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries is in force. The national operational programs set out the measures to be financed, and the Member States decide on how to allocate financial support to the Fund's priorities.