EU fisheries ministers reach agreement on fishing opportunities in the Atlantic, the North Sea, the Mediterranean and the Black Seas for 2025. Photo: European Union
Fisheries ministers have reached a landmark political agreement setting out fishing opportunities for 2025 across the Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean, and Black Seas.
After two days of intensive negotiations, the agreement outlines total allowable catches (TACs) and fishing effort limits for key commercial fish stocks, balancing sustainability with the socioeconomic realities of coastal communities.
Balancing Sustainability and Industry Viability
The agreement reflects the EU’s commitment to sustainable fisheries while safeguarding marine ecosystems. István Nagy, Hungarian Minister for Agriculture, emphasised the challenges faced during this year’s negotiations, particularly concerning the Western Mediterranean, and praised the constructive compromises achieved.
“This year’s exercise of setting fishing opportunities was particularly challenging, but we managed to secure a balanced agreement. It will allow us to maintain fish stocks at sustainable levels and protect the marine environment, while also considering the viability of the sector,” Nagy said.
Commissioner Welcomes “Balanced and Responsible” Agreement
Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, said:
“For the Commission and me personally, it was important to reach an agreement that is both balanced and responsible – preserving fishers’ livelihoods in the long term and improving the chances for stock recovery. I would like to sincerely thank fishers for their remarkable efforts over the last years. Now, with the compensation mechanism, fishers in the Western Mediterranean can benefit from a substantial increase in fishing days if they commit to selectivity, closure areas and innovative fishing gears.”
Key Provisions by Region
Atlantic and the North Sea
For the Atlantic and the North Sea, the agreement covers 21 TACs managed autonomously by the EU. The number of TACs negotiated this year is lower since the Council agreed on a number of multiannual TACs in December 2023, to increase predictability and stability for the industry.
- Following positive scientific advice and the improved state of the stocks, ministers agreed to increase the catch limits for the following stocks:
- megrims (23%) and anglerfish (17%) in Atlantic Iberian waters
- common sole in the Bay of Biscay (1%)
- Norway lobster in the southern Bay of Biscay and Cantabrian Sea (134%)
To safeguard stocks, in line with scientific advice, while looking for a balance with socioeconomic considerations, ministers agreed to reduce catch limits for:
- cod in the Kattegat by 17%; this applies for 2025 and 2026 and is only allowed for by-catches
- red seabream in Iberian waters by 62%; this is also a multiannual TAC for 2025 and 2026
- Norway lobster in the Bay of Biscay 39%
- common sole in area 3a by 36%
For hake in Atlantic Iberian waters and plaice in the Kattegat, the Council agreed to maintain the same catch limits as for 2024.
Given the continued critical state of European eel, the Council decided to continue the six-month closure period for any commercial eel fishing activities, with certain exemptions already agreed for 2023 and 2024, and to keep prohibiting recreational fisheries.
Collaboration with Non-EU Partners
The agreement incorporates outcomes from consultations with the UK, Norway, and other regional partners. Notably, TACs for stocks shared with the UK were integrated into the agreement following the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
Looking Ahead
Following legal checks, the Council will formally adopt the regulations, with implementation set for 1 January 2025. The measures aim to ensure the ecological, economic, and social sustainability of EU fisheries, adhering to the principles of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
As Europe’s fishing industry faces growing pressures, this agreement underscores the importance of international cooperation and science-based decision-making to secure the future of marine resources and the communities that depend on them.
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.