EU fisheries is at a crossroads says the Pelagic Advisory Council as it calls for a unified action on small pelagic stocks
The Pelagic Advisory Council (PelAC) has raised pressing concerns about the sustainability of small pelagic fish stocks, urging the European Commission to take decisive action against unsustainable fishing practices by non-EU states.
The appeal was made during a recent preparatory meeting between Advisory Councils and the European Commission, where PelAC presented its roadmap for safeguarding these crucial stocks.
Threats to Key Pelagic Species
PelAC Chair Esben Sverdrup-Jensen highlighted the precarious state of small pelagic fish stocks, including mackerel, blue whiting, horse mackerel, and herring, which are critical to both the environment and the fishing industry. Overfishing by non-EU Coastal States, including Norway, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands, was identified as a major driver of stock depletion.
“The mackerel stock biomass is teetering just above critical thresholds. Without a comprehensive sharing arrangement, we risk a long-term collapse,” Sverdrup-Jensen warned.
The council noted that unilateral quotas set by non-EU states regularly exceed scientific recommendations, with mackerel quotas surpassing ICES advice by over 50% in 2023.
EU’s Measured Approach
Despite facing a 42% reduction in catch quotas, the EU pelagic sector has consistently adhered to sustainable fishing practices. PelAC commended the Commission’s proposal to revise Regulation 1026/2012, which aims to restrict market access for products originating from unsustainable fishing.
“This revision is a step in the right direction, but it requires urgent action by EU institutions,” Sverdrup-Jensen added.
Ecosystem Approach and Climate Change
PelAC Vice-Chair Merel den Held called for a more holistic approach to fisheries management, urging ICES to integrate climate change and ecosystem impacts into stock assessments.
“Small pelagic species are vital to maintaining healthy marine food webs. We must account for environmental changes to ensure sustainable management,” den Held stated.
The council also emphasized the need to protect critical habitats, such as gravel substrata essential for herring spawning, from non-fisheries activities like gravel extraction and offshore renewable energy developments.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Plans
PelAC has been actively collaborating with other Advisory Councils to address transboundary and emerging challenges. Key initiatives include:
- Advocating for a ban on deep-sea mining.
- Developing joint advice on integrating new data into ICES assessments.
- Establishing a working group to promote an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM).
The council plans to host a series of workshops in 2025 to deepen stakeholder engagement on the EU’s revised fisheries control regulations.
Looking Ahead
PelAC extended an invitation to the European Commission to participate in its next Executive Committee meeting in April 2025. The council reiterated its commitment to constructive dialogue and robust measures to safeguard Europe’s fisheries.
As PelAC continues its advocacy, the stakes are high for ensuring the long-term health of small pelagic stocks and the broader marine ecosystem. For the EU and its partners, the path forward demands collaboration, science-based decision-making, and unwavering commitment to sustainability.