The EU Council of Ministers has approved an agreement reached with the UK on fishing opportunities for jointly managed stocks in 2025. Photo: European Union
The Council of the European Union has approved the 2025 fishing agreement with the United Kingdom, ensuring access and sustainability for over 80 shared fish stocks in the Atlantic and North Sea.
The deal, negotiated under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), provides stability and certainty for fishers in the region and highlights a commitment to sustainable fisheries management.
“I welcome the agreement we reached with the United Kingdom, which gives certainty to the sector for the coming year and secures economically important fishing opportunities for our fishers. The agreement shows that both parties are committed to ensuring the sustainability of our shared stocks and protecting our oceans,” said István Nagy, Hungary’s Minister for Agriculture.
Key Elements of the Agreement
The 2025 deal was informed by scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and aligns with the objectives of the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy.
- Sustainable Practices: The agreement aims to ensure ecological, economic, and social sustainability in fisheries management.
- Data Improvements: For stocks lacking sufficient data, the EU and UK pledged to improve scientific advice.
- By-catch Management: For stocks with zero catch advice, specific Total Allowable Catches (TACs) have been set to prevent unintended closures of fisheries due to by-catch, while allowing stocks to recover.
For three stocks with non-calendar-year scientific advice—sandeel (North Sea), sprat (North Sea and English Channel), and Norway pout—consultations will continue throughout 2025.
Next Steps
The Council will integrate these figures into broader fishing opportunities for the Atlantic and North Sea, which ministers will discuss during the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting on 9–10 December.
Once legal and linguistic experts finalise the text, it will be formally adopted and published, with provisions taking effect from 1 January 2025.
Background
Since Brexit, fish stocks jointly managed by the EU and UK are treated as shared resources under international law. The TCA governs how fishing rights and quotas are determined, with annual consultations ensuring the sustainability of shared marine resources.
The agreement for 2025 highlights continued collaboration through the Specialised Committee on Fisheries (SCF), which monitors and assists with fisheries management and promotes constructive dialogue between the EU and UK.
A Win for Sustainability and the Industry
The timely agreement secures fishing opportunities for the coming year, supporting the livelihoods of EU fishers while ensuring shared stocks are managed responsibly. The cooperation between the EU and UK underscores the importance of science-driven decision-making in preserving marine ecosystems and sustaining the fishing industry.