The European Union requested consultations with the United Kingdom under the dispute settlement mechanism of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) regarding the United Kingdom’s decision to prohibit the fishing of sandeel, with the aim of reaching a mutually agreeable solution. Effective since 26 March 2024, the closure of the sandeel fishery covers English […]
EU and Neighbourhood countries commit to enhanced fisheries management control in the Mediterranean and Black Sea
Among the main measures, the EU and neighbouring countries agreed within the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) to launch new tools to keep track of the activities of all fleets fishing in the Mediterranean and the Black Seas and sharing the various multiannual management plans (MAPs). The new mechanism will follow up on cases of non-compliance through appropriate and […]
EU ministers reach agreement on Baltic Sea catch limits for 2024
Fisheries Fishing opportunities for 2024 in the Baltic Sea Fisheries ministers reached a political agreement on next year’s total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas for the most commercially significant fish stocks in the Baltic Sea. The agreement is in line with the scientific advice provided by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and with […]
Agriculture and Fisheries Council: Ministers discuss fishing opportunities for 2024
Fisheries Annual fisheries consultations for 2024 Ministers exchanged views on the management of shared fishing stocks with the United Kingdom for 2024, which are the subject to annual bilateral negotiations. Following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, consultations between the EU and the UK on shared fish stocks are held annually, in line with the […]
How the European Union contributes to the protection of the oceans
Oceans are indispensable for achieving the European Union’s climate and environmental objectives. The seas and oceans are a source of natural and economic wealth for Europe. They provide us with a wealth of natural resources, keep our climate stable and, in addition, contribute to boosting our economy through activities such as fishing and tourism. However, […]
Negative trends for the Spanish fishing fleet
Predictions point to the Spanish fishing fleet continuing its negative trend in terms of fishing effort, landed weight and value in 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, although an increase in the value of landings appears to be recorded in 2022. In terms of operating costs, predictions point to a decrease in 2021. However, energy […]
European Parliament Fisheries Committee will evaluate how Ecuador fights against illegal fishing
A delegation from the EP Fisheries Committee will visit ports and factories in Ecuador and meet with industry representatives and national authorities from February 22-24. Seven MEPs led by committee chair Pierre Karleskind (Renew, France) will travel to Ecuador to examine its fisheries sector and international commitments to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, which […]
Fight against illegal fishing: Commission identifies Cameroon as a non-cooperating country
The Commission decided to identify Cameroon as a non-cooperating country in the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, giving it a so-called ‘red card’. From now onwards EU Member States shall refuse the importation of fishery products from Cameroon even when accompanied by catch certificates validated by the national authorities. The decision is based on the EU’s […]
Rules on limited access of EU fishing vessels’ to national waters extended
MEPs confirm existing restrictions for EU vessels fishing in national territorial waters of other EU countries. EU countries will be able to restrict access for fishing vessels of other member states to their national territorial waters within 12 nautical miles of their coast for another ten years. Access will remain granted only to vessels that […]