EU Commission lists ports eligible for margin of tolerance derogation, easing logbook rules for unsorted pelagic landings
The European Commission has approved the first list of ports eligible for a margin of tolerance derogation under the updated Fisheries Control Regulation, marking a major change for skippers landing unsorted small pelagic species.
Published today, Wednesday 15 May 2025, the Commission Implementing Regulation identifies seven ports — six in Denmark and one in Latvia — where unsorted pelagic landings may now benefit from more flexible catch reporting obligations, provided strict control measures are in place.
Under Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1474, the margin of tolerance derogation permits a larger allowable discrepancy between the estimated weight of catches recorded in logbooks and the actual weight determined at landing — but only at approved ports with certified monitoring infrastructure.
The newly listed ports are:
-
Skagen, Hirtshals, Hanstholm, Thyborøn, Hvide Sande, and Grenå (Denmark)
-
Ventspils (Latvia)
The derogation applies to unsorted landings from small pelagic and tropical tuna purse seine fisheries, addressing long-standing concerns about the difficulty of making precise catch estimates at sea. The change reduces the administrative burden on vessel masters and supports better compliance through verified landing procedures.
To qualify, each port demonstrated robust control capacity, including:
-
Remote electronic monitoring (CCTV)
-
Certified weighing systems (e.g. weighbridges, hopper or pallet scales)
-
Independent authorised weighers
-
Nationally approved sampling and control plans
Denmark and Latvia submitted detailed technical applications to the Commission, outlining compliance with the strict criteria set out in the implementing regulation. The Commission confirmed that the listed ports meet all control standards required under the revised EU rules.
The regulation enters into force immediately and represents a tangible response to repeated industry calls for more practical and proportionate logbook rules for mixed pelagic fisheries.
The list of eligible ports may be updated upon request by Member States, subject to further assessment. The Commission also retains the power to remove ports from the list if they fail to maintain control standards.
This development follows the revision of the EU Fisheries Control Regulation in late 2023, which aimed to modernise fisheries enforcement while recognising operational realities at sea. The margin of tolerance derogation was introduced as part of that broader reform.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the change, citing it as a practical step toward aligning regulatory expectations with the realities of bulk pelagic fishing.
Source: EU Commission
