European Commission replies to Advisory Councils’ advice on the new Fisheries Control Regulation, addressing concerns on implementation, clarity, and harmonisation. Photo: DFPO
Vitcheva issues formal reply to the Advisory Councils
European Commission Director‑General Charlina Vitcheva has formally responded to the North Western Waters AC, Pelagic AC and North Sea AC following their joint submission on the implementation of the revised Fisheries Control Regulation.
In their advice, the Advisory Councils set out extensive concerns about how the revised Control Regulation would be implemented. They argued that several provisions risked becoming unworkable at sea if not clarified or adapted.
Their submission followed a February workshop involving multiple ACs, where widespread uncertainty was expressed around interpretation, enforcement and operational feasibility of forthcoming rules taking effect in 2026 and 2028.
What the Advisory Councils said about key implementation issues
The ACs highlighted a series of operational and regulatory problems across multiple areas:
They warned that Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) lacked clear guidelines, risked fragmented implementation, and could repeat past failures where incompatible systems cost fishermen time and money.
They said the new electronic logbook rules would force skippers to enter data after each fishing operation, creating serious workload, safety and compliance issues for vessels conducting multiple hauls per day.
They raised concerns about weighing procedures, sampling requirements and Margin of Tolerance rules, arguing that these measures could be unworkable in mixed pelagic catches and risk unfair penalties through sampling errors.
They questioned the practicality of separate stowage rules for demersal species, noting the steep increase in the number of stocks now subject to mandatory separation.
They also criticised the lack of clarity around engine power monitoring, digital traceability systems, small‑scale fleet tracking requirements and the limited availability of EMFAF funding for larger vessels needing to comply with costly new systems.
Vitcheva addresses incorporation of AC recommendations into acts
Vitcheva stated that the ACs’ recommendations on these issues — including REM, electronic reporting, weighing, Margin of Tolerance, engine power monitoring and EMFAF access — were taken into account in preparing the Commission’s delegated and implementing acts.
She confirmed that the acts had already been adopted and published ahead of the January 2026 entry into force of several provisions.
Vitcheva responds to AC concerns about consultation and clarity
Vitcheva acknowledged the ACs’ praise for the Commission’s engagement and said the February workshop demonstrated the value of collaboration in solving implementation issues.
She said the Commission remains open to attending a second workshop organised jointly by the ACs to continue addressing unresolved questions.
Vitcheva clarifies the request for a consolidated regulation
Responding to the ACs’ request for a consolidated version of the revised Control Regulation, Vitcheva said the Commission cannot produce one because consolidation falls under the Council Secretariat and the Publications Office.
She said an updated version is expected in 2026 once upcoming provisions are fully in force.
Commission signals willingness to continue structured dialogue
Vitcheva closed by expressing willingness to meet again to discuss the ACs’ input in detail and said the Commission looks forward to further exchanges as implementation continues.