NWWAC challenges small-scale fisheries definition in CFP review, warning Control Regulation burdens and funding gaps threaten fleet renewal
Advice Issued During CFP Regulation Evaluation
The North Western Waters Advisory Council published advice on 18 February 2026 on Small-Scale Coastal Fisheries as part of the ongoing evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy Regulation.
In its executive summary, the Council states that it developed the advice to contribute a regional perspective to the evaluation. It outlines challenges facing the small-scale sector and sets out recommendations for regulatory reform, modernised control measures and a supported energy transition.
Definition of Small-Scale Coastal Fisheries
The NWWAC states that the current definition of small-scale coastal fisheries used by the European Commission “is too rigid and does not reflect reality”.
The existing definition, set out in Article 3(2)(14) of Regulation No 508/2014, defines small-scale coastal fishing as fishing carried out by vessels of an overall length of less than 12 metres and not using towed fishing gear.
The Council states that it is critical to account for regional specificities when defining and managing small-scale coastal fisheries and that a “one-size-fits-all” approach is unsuitable going forward. It notes that fishing practices and operational contexts vary significantly between Member States and geographic regions and that even within 6-to-12-mile zones regional differences are substantial.
The NWWAC suggests updating the definition in full collaboration with stakeholders via the Advisory Councils and proposes that the following elements be considered:
• Owner-operator status, including models such as the French “artisanal” definition where the owner is physically on board regardless of vessel length criteria.
• A flexible multi-criteria approach, referring to the FAO fishing characterisation matrix set out in its 2024 handbook on small-scale fisheries governance.
• Regional specificity, reflecting differences between areas such as the English Channel and the Azores.
• Vessel tonnage and multi-purpose gear, noting that many vessels under 12 metres using towed gear such as dredges are excluded from the current classification despite their small-scale nature.
• Operational sustainability and impact, including vessels that only go to sea for a few hours a day.
• Technical and zone-based measures, including management based on specific fish stocks, geographic zones such as 6-mile or 12-mile limits, and technical restrictions such as crew size or number of nets and pots.
• Reflecting diversity within the fleet, including vessels up to 24 metres that do not fit a binary small-scale versus large-scale classification.
Unified Representation and Data Integration
The NWWAC emphasises the necessity of maintaining unified and inclusive representation for all fishermen to ensure cohesive policy dialogue.
It refers to a 2022 internal survey showing member organisations representing small-scale coastal or artisanal interests comprising:
• Belgium: 10 vessels
• France: 663 vessels
• Ireland: 11 vessels
• Spain: 69 vessels
• The Netherlands: 105 vessels
The advice states that one French member organisation has 200 members considered artisanal under the French definition because the owner is on board. However, many operate multipurpose vessels under 12 metres using towed gear and do not meet the European Commission’s strict small-scale coastal fisheries criteria.
It also states that one Irish member organisation has over 660 members, of which only 12 meet the Commission’s official definition of small-scale. The majority operate vessels under 24 metres that do not fit the description of large-scale fisheries.
The NWWAC advocates for the systematic collection of social and economic data to be integrated into fisheries management models and impact assessments. It states that reinforcing the ecosystem-based approach through better science, incorporating ICES and FAO definitions that account for human dimensions, is essential for a holistic management model.
Control Regulation and Administrative Burden
The NWWAC expresses serious concerns regarding the new Control Regulation and states that it imposes significant additional burdens on small-scale fishermen.
It highlights the proposed implementation of Vessel Monitoring Systems for smaller fleets and states that the cost and physical size of tracking devices are major obstacles. It suggests that tracking requirements should be flexible and account for vessel size, gear type and specific fishing areas.
The advice states that reporting fishing activities on a haul-by-haul basis is highly problematic, particularly in terms of safety, and incompatible with continuous monitoring at sea.
It also states that increased sampling requirements mean a significantly higher number of boxes must be sampled than under previous rules, resulting in a much larger percentage of a small-scale fisherman’s total catch being weighed or examined. The NWWAC states that this creates administrative burdens and risks deteriorating product quality, directly impacting economic value.
On penalties, the advice states that a deviation of more than 5% in box weight can lead to a six-month suspension of a vessel’s authorisation to weigh on board, while a 10% deviation results in a one-year suspension. Multiple suspensions can lead to permanent revocation. The NWWAC states that it is seeking justification for these measures.
The Council also calls for a reduction in bureaucratic hurdles, exclusion of fisheries from the Energy Taxation Directive and support for innovative “low-tech” solutions that require less energy, are more affordable and reduce dependence on technology.
Future Fleet, Generational Renewal and Energy Transition
The NWWAC states that the long-term viability of both large-scale and small-scale coastal fleets depends on synchronised modernisation, social equity and decarbonisation.
It states that attracting youth and women requires a fair standard of living, secure income and safe working environments, together with digital tools and modern safety equipment. It recommends EU-wide visibility campaigns, educational reform including a European Watchkeeper Certificate for vessels under 24 metres and career flexibility through validation of practical onboard skills.
The advice states that current Common Fisheries Policy capacity rules, specifically Article 22 tonnage ceilings, prevent improvements necessary for crew comfort, safety and inclusivity and constrain the installation of decarbonisation technologies such as hydrogen propulsion, which require additional storage space.
It estimates that renewing the European fleet over 12 metres will cost between €22 billion and €36 billion and states that current investment costs for complex vessels can reach up to €500,000 per metre.
To address this, the NWWAC calls for reformed State Aid and EMFAF rules to allow meaningful engine repowering and vessel replacement, increased involvement from the European Investment Bank and mobilisation of funds from Horizon Europe. It also calls for regulatory stability to protect early adopters and build investment confidence in low-carbon solutions.
The advice forms part of the NWWAC’s contribution to the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy Regulation and is accompanied by references to related advice issued between 2020 and 2025.