EU fisheries is showing progress but requires more effort for sustainability, finds a recently adopted European Commission Communication
The European Commission has reported a gradual improvement in the sustainability of EU fisheries, with fewer stocks being overfished.
This is detailed in the recently adopted Commission Communication, “Sustainable fishing in the EU: state of play and orientations for 2025.” The report highlights the ongoing need for efforts to ensure the resilience of the fisheries sector and the long-term sustainability of key species across all sea basins.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The Communication outlines the orientations for the Commission’s proposals for fishing opportunities for 2025, initiating a consultation process with stakeholders. These proposals, to be adopted after summer, aim to maintain sustainable fish stock levels while aiding the recovery of other stocks. The recommendations are based on independent scientific assessments, focusing on sustainable fishing practices.
Regional Stock Health
North-East Atlantic
Fish stocks in the North-East Atlantic are reported to be within healthy ranges, showing the best sustainability results to date. This indicates that EU sustainable fisheries management decisions and fishers’ efforts are yielding positive outcomes. However, the report notes that several species essential for ecosystem balance and commercial purposes continue to underperform.
Mediterranean and Black Seas
In these regions, stocks are slowly improving, but fishing mortality remains too high. Although at its lowest recorded level, fishing mortality is still 20% above the recommended rate for sustainability. Continued efforts and greater commitment are necessary to allow key species and ecosystems to fully recover.
Baltic Sea
The situation in the Baltic Sea is particularly concerning, with fish stocks continuing to decline due to various pressures. Four out of ten stocks are no longer targeted and may only be landed as by-catch. The Commission emphasizes the need for Member States to fully implement EU legislation to reverse this decline.
Impact of Climate Change and IUU Fishing
The Communication also addresses the impact of climate change on fishing communities, noting that declining fish stocks lead to uncertainties affecting livelihoods. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing further hampers resource availability. The Commission calls for intensified efforts to combat IUU fishing and ensure compliance with conservation and control measures, including those involving non-EU countries.
Next Steps
The Commission encourages Member States, Advisory Councils, the fishing industry, non-governmental organisations, and citizens to share their perspectives on the current state and future direction of fishing opportunities for 2025. The public consultation will remain open until August 31, 2024.
Following the consultation, the Commission will present three proposals for the 2025 fishing opportunities: one each for the Atlantic and North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the Mediterranean and Black Seas. These proposals will be based on multi-annual fisheries management plans and scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF). They will also incorporate adjustments resulting from the implementation of the landing obligation.
Common Fisheries Policy Evaluation
In parallel, the Commission is preparing an evaluation of the common fisheries policy to analyse its performance over the past decade. This evaluation will also consider the dynamics of fishing relations with non-EU countries. Contributions to this evaluation can be made via the “Have Your Say” portal.
Background
Each year, the Commission releases a Communication providing updates on the state of EU fisheries, initiating a public consultation on the situation and the direction of fishing opportunities for the coming year. The 2024 Communication reports on advancements in sustainable practices, assesses the balance between fishing capacity and opportunities, examines the socio-economic performance of the sector, and monitors the implementation of the landing obligation.
The latest data used in the Communication come from 2022 for the North-East Atlantic and from 2021 for the Mediterranean and Black Seas.