EU Fisheries Ministers met at the AGRIFISH Council yesterday to discuss setting quotas for fishing opportunities in 2025. Photo: European Union
EU Proposes New Fishing Regulations for 2025-2026
The European Commission has put forward a proposal for a Council Regulation to set fishing opportunities for 2025 and 2026.
This regulation aims to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks in Union waters and for Union fishing vessels in certain non-Union waters. The proposal is grounded in the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) to maintain ecological, economic, and social sustainability in EU fisheries.
Key Highlights of the Proposal
1. Autonomous EU Stocks:
- Hake: The Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for hake in the Southern Bay of Biscay and Iberian waters is set at 17,445 tonnes.
- Anglerfishes: The TAC for anglerfishes in the same region has been increased by 17%.
- Megrims: The TAC for megrims has seen a significant increase of 23%.
- Norway Lobster: The TAC for Norway lobster in the Southern Bay of Biscay and Cantabrian Sea has been increased by a remarkable 134%.
2. Jointly Managed Stocks:
- The proposal includes stocks managed with the UK, Norway, and other non-EU countries, as well as those under regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs).
3. Management Measures:
- Landing Obligation: All catches must be landed and counted against quotas, with certain exemptions.
- Year-to-Year Flexibility: Allows for some flexibility in quotas to ensure sustainability.
- Recreational Fisheries: Measures are also proposed for recreational fisheries to ensure they do not negatively impact stock status.
4. Special Provisions:
- Eel: Due to the critical state of eel populations, the proposal includes a six-month closure period for eel fishing.
- Elasmobranchs: Zero catch advice for certain shark and ray species due to their poor conservation status.
Scientific Basis and Monitoring
The proposal relies heavily on scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) to set TACs and ensure sustainable fishing practices. Member States are responsible for allocating fishing opportunities to vessels flying their flag and ensuring compliance with the regulations.
Impact on Commercial Fishing
The proposed regulation is expected to have a significant impact on commercial fishing activities, particularly in regions where TACs have been increased. The measures aim to balance the need for economic viability in the fishing industry with the imperative of conserving fish stocks for future generations.
Next Steps
The proposal will be discussed and potentially adopted by the Council of the European Union. If approved, the new regulations will come into effect on 1 January 2025, providing a framework for sustainable fishing practices over the next two years.
For more detailed information on the specific TACs and management measures, stakeholders are encouraged to review the full proposal document.