Republished with full copyright permissions from The San Francisco Press.

The European Union Council recently reached a significant agreement on fishing opportunities for 2024, covering fish stocks managed by the EU in the Atlantic, Kattegat and Skagerrak, as well as the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius emphasized the importance of a balanced and responsible agreement, with the goal of preserving fishers’ livelihoods in the long term and promoting stock recovery and healthier stocks. He expressed gratitude to fishers for their dedication to sustainable fishing practices.

In the North-East Atlantic, the Council implemented 14 total allowable catches (TACs) in alignment with maximum sustainable yield (MSY) advice, including increases for various fish species like megrims, anglerfish, hake, and horse mackerel in the Iberian waters, along with undulate rays. Notably, measures were put in place to protect cod by setting low TAC levels for Norway lobster in Skagerrak and Kattegat, as well as for plaice in Kattegat.

Conversely, the Bay of Biscay saw agreed decreases for Norway lobster, sole, seabass, pollack, and whiting, accompanied by specific measures for recreational catches of pollack. The agreement also addresses the closure period for eels in the Northeast Atlantic, ensuring the coverage of the peak migration period in marine waters across the EU.

The Fishing Opportunities Regulation encapsulates outcomes from pre-Council agreements with Norway and the UK, as well as from negotiations with other coastal states, resulting in fishing opportunities for the EU of over 1.6 million tonnes and nearly €2.2 billion.

In the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, the Council committed to continuing the implementation of various multiannual management plans established by the General Fisheries Commission of the Mediterranean (GFCM), emphasizing sustainable management practices for the regions.

The Ministers also affirmed their commitment to the EU multiannual management plan for demersal stocks in the Western Mediterranean, emphasizing reductions in trawling fishing efforts and the implementation of additional management tools.

Moreover, the agreement integrates sustainable management measures for common dolphinfish and European eel in the Mediterranean, signifying a comprehensive approach to fisheries management.