EU fish populations recovering but key species struggling

The overall sustainability of EU fisheries continues to improve, with more fish stocks being fished at sustainable levels. Climate change continues to impact fishing communities, reducing the fish stocks they depend on for their livelihoods and leading to economic uncertainty. Therefore, efforts must continue to ensure the resilience of the fisheries sector and the long-term sustainability of key species across all sea basins.

Recent communication outlines the orientations for the upcoming Commission proposals for fishing opportunities for 2026, initiating the consultation process with interested stakeholders. The proposals will aim to keep fish stocks that have already reached sustainable levels at those levels, while helping other stocks recover.

Progress and decline

Fish stocks in the North-East Atlantic are on average within healthy ranges, with the most recent assessment showing improved sustainability. However, several key stocks remain under pressure as climate change is increasingly disrupting stock distribution and ecosystem dynamics. Additionally, a lack of comprehensive sharing arrangements with non-EU countries for shared stocks in the North-East Atlantic continues to pose a significant threat to the sustainability of fish stocks.

In the Mediterranean and the Black Seas, the state of stocks is gradually improving, with seven stocks having reached sustainable levels. However, fishing mortality is still too high for other key stocks. Here as well, continued commitment and efforts are necessary to allow key species and ecosystems to fully recover.

The state of the Baltic Sea remains a significant concern, as fish stocks continue to decline due to various pressures. Certain stocks in the Baltic Sea are no longer targeted and may only be landed as by-catch. The Commission will continue to propose measures to address all the various pressures on fish stocks and improving the ecosystems conditions in the Baltic Sea. It is therefore crucial that Member States implement existing EU legislation, also beyond fisheries to allow fish stocks to recover.

Looking ahead

Several fleet segments in major fisheries still face challenges. The latest analysis indicates that fleet segments depending on stocks fished sustainably and increasing their energy efficiency tend to perform better and generate higher salaries for their crews. This shows that major stock conservation and energy efficiency lead to positive economic performance for the EU fishing fleet.

Energy remains one of the major costs for the EU fishing fleet. The Commission intends to present a roadmap on the energy transition in fisheries and aquaculture in early 2026.

The Commission has launched an evaluation of the common fisheries policy (CFP) regulation to study how its instruments and measures have been performing over the last decade. Analysis of available data and of the responses received during the public consultation is underway. The evaluation will also assess how the CFP is shaping the EU’s relationship with non-EU countries.

Stakeholders, including Member States, Advisory Councils, the fishing industry, non-governmental organisations and interested citizens are encouraged to share their views on the state of play and future directions of the fishing opportunities for 2026 by 8 September.

Following the public consultation and based on scientific advice provided by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), as well as the economic analysis and scientific advice provided by the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), the Commission will present its three proposals for the 2026 fishing opportunities: in the Atlantic and North Sea, in the Baltic Sea, and in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. The proposals will implement EU legislation, including the EU multi-annual plans and will also incorporate adjustments stemming from the implementation of the landing obligation.

The Council will then discuss the Commission proposals to reach an agreement on the total allowable catches for 2026 at its meetings in October and December this year.

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