EU fish stocks recover, yet significant challenges persist as more effort’s needed for sustainable fisheries and species. Photo: Cepesca
More Action Needed For Sustainable Fisheries
The overall sustainability of EU fisheries continues to show signs of improvement, with a growing number of fish stocks now being exploited at sustainable levels. However, climate change continues to exert pressure on fishing communities, diminishing the fish stocks upon which their livelihoods depend and consequently leading to economic uncertainty. Therefore, sustained efforts are imperative to ensure the resilience of the fishing sector and the long-term sustainability of vital species across all European sea basins.
Today, the European Commission released a Communication outlining orientations for its forthcoming proposals concerning fishing opportunities for 2026. This action officially initiates the consultation process with relevant stakeholders. The aim of these proposals will be to maintain fish stocks that have already achieved sustainable levels, while simultaneously facilitating the recovery of other struggling stocks.
Uneven Progress Across European Seas
Fish stocks in the North-East Atlantic are, on average, within healthy ranges, with the most recent assessments confirming improved sustainability. Nevertheless, several key stocks in this region remain under considerable pressure, as climate change increasingly disrupts stock distribution and the wider ecosystem dynamics. Furthermore, the persistent absence of comprehensive sharing arrangements with non-EU countries for shared stocks in the North-East Atlantic continues to pose a substantial threat to the long-term sustainability of these fish populations.
In the Mediterranean and Black Seas, the state of fish stocks is exhibiting a gradual improvement, with seven stocks now having attained sustainable levels. Despite this progress, fishing mortality rates remain excessively high for other crucial stocks within these areas. Here, too, a steadfast commitment and continued efforts are necessary to enable key species and marine ecosystems to achieve full recovery.
The condition of the Baltic Sea remains a profound concern, as its fish stocks continue their decline due to a multitude of environmental pressures. Certain stocks in the Baltic Sea are no longer deliberately targeted by fishermen and may now only be landed as unavoidable by-catch. The Commission has affirmed its intention to continue proposing measures specifically designed to address the various pressures on fish stocks and to improve ecosystem conditions throughout the Baltic Sea. Consequently, it is critically important that Member States rigorously implement existing EU legislation, extending beyond mere fisheries regulations, to facilitate the recovery of these fish stocks.
Economic Benefits From Sustainability And Efficiency
Analysis indicates that several fleet segments within major fisheries continue to face inherent challenges. However, the latest data suggests that fleet segments reliant on sustainably fished stocks and those demonstrating increased energy efficiency tend to perform more favourably, often generating higher salaries for their crews. This evidence strongly indicates that significant stock conservation efforts and improved energy efficiency translate directly into positive economic performance for the European fishing fleet.
Energy costs continue to represent one of the primary financial burdens for the EU fishing fleet. In response, the Commission intends to unveil a comprehensive roadmap detailing the energy transition within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in early 2026.
Common Fisheries Policy Under Evaluation
The Commission has initiated a formal evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) regulation. This assessment aims to scrutinise the performance of the CFP’s various instruments and measures over the past decade. Analysis of currently available data and the responses gathered during the public consultation process is ongoing. The evaluation will also critically assess how the CFP is influencing the EU’s relationships with non-EU countries in fisheries matters.
Opportunities For Stakeholder Input
Stakeholders, including Member States, Advisory Councils, the fishing industry, non-governmental organisations, and interested citizens, are strongly encouraged to submit their perspectives on the current state and future directions of fishing opportunities for 2026. The deadline for sharing these views is 31 August.
Following the conclusion of the public consultation, and drawing upon scientific advice furnished by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), alongside economic analysis and scientific advice from the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), the Commission will present its three distinct proposals for the 2026 fishing opportunities. These proposals will cover the Atlantic and North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the Mediterranean and Black Seas. The proposals will meticulously implement existing EU legislation, including the EU multi-annual plans, and will also incorporate adjustments stemming from the ongoing implementation of the landing obligation.
Subsequently, the Council will deliberate on the Commission’s proposals, aiming to achieve an agreement on the total allowable catches for 2026 during its meetings scheduled for October and December of the current year.
Background To Annual Communication
Each year, the Commission issues a Communication that serves to update stakeholders on the current state of EU fisheries and formally initiates a public consultation on the prevailing situation and prospective directions for fishing opportunities in the forthcoming year. This Communication routinely reports on progress made towards sustainable practices within the EU, evaluates the balance between fishing capacity and available fishing opportunities, examines the socio-economic performance of the sector, and monitors the implementation of the landing obligation. The Communication compiles data from various sources, incorporating the latest available supporting information. Notably, the most recent fish stock data included in the report for stock status analysis dates from 2023.
Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis said: “I am pleased to see fewer stocks being overfished in the EU. However, despite this progress, several challenges remain and climate change is adding pressure to ecosystems, thus we must stay vigilant. Fish stock sustainability is not just an environmental goal – it is the cornerstone of a resilient and competitive fishing sector, providing well-paid jobs in coastal communities, and fresh, nutritious food to EU citizens.”
Source: EU Commission