New European Union fisheries control rules come into force on 10 January 2026 and will apply to UK fishing vessels operating in the waters of EU Member States, adding further regulatory requirements across gear marking, catch reporting and vessel monitoring.
The changes apply irrespective of the vessel’s flag and will be enforced by individual EU Member States within their own waters. UK authorities have acknowledged that the late confirmation of the measures creates additional pressure for the fishing sector, particularly where technical adjustments are required at short notice.
Mandatory Marking Of Passive Gear
Under Articles 12 to 18 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2196, all vessels fishing in EU waters beyond the 12 nautical mile baselines must comply with new passive gear marking requirements.
Nets must carry labels attached to footropes and to cords linking buoys to the gear, including one on the upper first row. Lines must be labelled on the mainline and on each float. Pots and traps must have labels attached to each unit and to the cords linking buoys to the gear. Where passive gear extends beyond one nautical mile, labels must be attached at regular intervals not exceeding one nautical mile.
Each label must be durable, securely fixed, clearly readable, not removable or concealed, and must permanently display the external registration letters and numbers of the catching vessel.
Haul By Haul Electronic Logbook Reporting
Amendments to Council Regulation 1224/2009 mean that masters of vessels of 12 metres overall length or more are now required to complete electronic logbooks on a haul by haul basis when fishing in EU waters.
This represents a significant shift from previous reporting practices and is expected to increase administrative workload onboard. The Marine Management Organisation has said further guidance will be issued once detailed operational requirements are agreed with other fisheries administrations.
Increased VMS Reporting In Restricted Areas
Article 23 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2196 also introduces more frequent Vessel Monitoring System reporting when vessels are operating in or near designated fishing restricted areas.
Position reports will be required at least every 30 minutes, compared with the current two-hour interval, including within a five-mile buffer zone around restricted areas. The full list of affected areas is still awaited from the EU.
Those already identified include the Dogger Bank Marine Protected Areas in Dutch and German waters and closed areas for the protection of sensitive habitats in Irish waters.
The MMO Fisheries Monitoring Centre is working with VMS suppliers to introduce geo-fenced software updates so that reporting frequency changes automatically when vessels enter restricted zones.
UK Authorities Seek Pragmatic Enforcement
Defra, the Marine Management Organisation and the UK fishing administrations have contacted the EU and individual Member States to seek clarity on enforcement approaches from 10 January, but responses are still pending.
Sean Douglas, Head of Regulatory Assurance at the MMO, said the late notice of the new requirements added to an already challenging period for the fishing sector. He said MMO had urged EU authorities to take a pragmatic approach to enforcement, while acknowledging that enforcement decisions ultimately rest with each Member State.
He added that updated guidance would be issued to industry as soon as possible.
Support Available For Impacted Vessels
UK fishing vessels requiring support are being advised to contact their relevant fisheries administration. MMO, the UK Fisheries Monitoring Centre and devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have all provided contact points to assist vessels navigating the new requirements.
For England MMO on 01900 508618 or [email protected]
For Scotland contact the UK FMC on 0131 244 2286 or [email protected]
For Northern Ireland contact 0300 200 7840
For Wales contact 03000 253500 or [email protected]
