EAPO attacks EU fisheries control consultation as rushed, flawed, and detached from fishing realities, warning of unworkable rules and loss of trust
EAPO Condemns EU Fisheries Control Consultation as Rushed, Flawed, and Detached from Reality
The European Association of Fish Producers Organisations (EAPO) has delivered a scathing critique of the European Commission’s latest consultation on detailed rules for fisheries control and enforcement, branding it as a rushed process that sidelines the fishing industry, imposes unworkable obligations, and risks damaging operational viability across EU fleets.
The consultation, launched on 12 July with a deadline of 12 August, has been described by EAPO as “unacceptable” in both timing and scope. The group says the four-week response window, falling in the peak summer holiday period, makes it impossible for fishermen, national administrations, and producer organisations to analyse, coordinate, and provide informed feedback.
“Such an approach is incompatible with genuine stakeholder engagement,” EAPO’s submission states. “When rules of this level of detail are proposed, with significant operational and economic consequences, an appropriate consultation timeframe is essential.”
Lack of sector dialogue and practical testing
EAPO, which represents 31 producer organisations across 12 Member States and more than 4,000 vessels, says there has been no structured discussion with the fishing sector on how the proposed control rules would work in real-world conditions. The organisation argues that without field testing and detailed cost–benefit analysis, Brussels risks adopting measures that are “legally inconsistent, operationally impractical, and economically damaging.”
EAPO President Esben Sverdrup-Jensen warned: “The process so far has represented an unacceptable limitation on stakeholder engagement. We urge the Commission to work alongside Member States and the sector to design rules that are realistic, proportionate, and operationally sound.”
Detailed objections to proposed rules
In its 12-page response, EAPO outlines multiple points where the draft rules could cause serious difficulties:
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Administrative overload: The proposed documentation, reporting, and record-keeping obligations, particularly for small-scale and mixed fisheries, risk creating excessive bureaucracy. “The draft is far too prescriptive,” EAPO argues, warning that smaller operators could face disproportionate compliance costs.
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Prior notification rules: The requirement for vessels to submit highly detailed prior notifications for landings, even in local or frequent port calls, is described as “operationally disruptive and unnecessary.” EAPO calls for flexibility based on vessel size, fishing type, and distance to port.
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Electronic monitoring: While not opposed in principle, EAPO stresses that remote electronic monitoring (REM) systems should only be mandated after proven pilot testing and with financial support for installation, data management, and maintenance.
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Onboard observers: EAPO warns that the blanket application of observer coverage quotas without considering vessel design, crew safety, and operational space could compromise both fishing operations and safety standards.
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Legal inconsistencies: Several provisions in the implementing rules do not align with the overarching EU Fisheries Control Regulation, creating potential legal disputes.
Traceability and small-scale fleets
The organisation is particularly critical of the traceability provisions, which would require the same level of electronic documentation for small inshore vessels as for large-scale industrial operators.
“This one-size-fits-all approach will penalise small-scale coastal fisheries without demonstrably improving control outcomes,” the EAPO submission says, calling instead for proportionate measures based on risk and scale.
Risk to trust and compliance
EAPO warns that the current approach risks undermining trust between EU institutions and the fishing sector, which is essential for effective compliance.
“Fishermen are not opposed to control and enforcement,” the association states. “But measures must be developed in partnership with the sector, proportionate to the risks, and backed by adequate financial and technical support.”
Call for a reset and structured engagement
The association is calling on the Commission to “reset” the process by:
- Extending the consultation period to allow meaningful feedback.
- Holding stakeholder workshops in cooperation with Member States.
- Conducting real-world trials of proposed measures.
- Publishing a full assessment of the operational, legal, and economic impacts before finalising any rules.
EAPO concludes: “The goal of fisheries control should be to support sustainable fishing while ensuring fair and proportionate enforcement. This draft, in its current form, falls short on both counts.”