European Commission issues new technical guidance to improve control of fishing vessel engine power ahead of 2028 continuous monitoring deadline
The European Commission has published two new technical guidance documents to help EU countries monitor and control the engine power of fishing vessels ahead of the 2028 deadline for continuous monitoring.
Engine power is one of the key measures used by the EU to manage fishing effort and to determine the overall capacity of Member States’ fleets. Reliable power data is vital to ensure compliance with the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and to prevent overfishing through the use of excessive propulsion power.
According to the Commission, the guidance aims to address weaknesses identified in its 2019 study on engine power verification and to respond to Member States’ requests for practical support. The documents have been developed with input from national experts, engine power certifiers, and other technical stakeholders.
New Guidance for Monitoring and Verification
The first document, Technical Guidance for the Monitoring, Certification and Verification of Engine Power in EU Fisheries Control, provides a framework for harmonising national procedures. It sets out common standards for verifying that engine power corresponds to the registered rating and that any modifications made to engines are properly certified and controlled.
The second document, Technical Specifications and Guidance for the Implementation of Devices for Continuous Monitoring of Catching Vessels’ Engine Power, outlines the requirements for the new real-time monitoring systems that will become mandatory on 10 January 2028. These systems will apply to certain categories of high-risk catching vessels under the revised EU Fisheries Control Regulation.
The guidance provides technical detail on device design, calibration, installation, and data transmission, with the goal of ensuring that all EU countries are able to adopt consistent approaches and achieve comparable levels of enforcement.
Importance of Accurate Power Data
Under the CFP, each Member State is subject to fleet capacity ceilings measured in both tonnage and kilowatts. The Commission said accurate engine power registration is fundamental to:
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Managing fishing capacity and effort across the EU.
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Preventing overfishing caused by undeclared engine modifications or excessive power.
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Ensuring a level playing field for all fishermen by applying harmonised control requirements.
The Commission stated that reliable power data will contribute directly to the sustainable management of marine resources and to the protection of vulnerable ecosystems from excessive fishing pressure.
Next Steps for Member States
Member States are being urged to begin implementing the new guidance immediately to prepare for the 2028 deadline. The Commission has also requested that countries report any difficulties or inconsistencies during rollout so that these can be discussed within the technical working group and addressed through coordinated follow-up actions.
The European Commission said the publication of the new guidance marks “an important step toward a more transparent, harmonised, and enforceable fisheries control regime across the Union.”
