Commission proposes fishing opportunities for 2025 in the Atlantic, Kattegat and Skagerrak

The Commission has published its proposal to set catch limits, or total allowable catches (TACs), for ten fish stocks in the EU waters in the Atlantic Ocean, Kattegat, and Skagerrak for 2025. The proposal is based on scientific advice and covers fish stocks managed solely by the EU in those sea basins.

Following the available scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), the Commission is proposing catch limits for eight stocks, in line with the objective of maximum sustainable yield (MSY), i.e. the maximum amount of fish that fishers can take out of the sea without compromising the regeneration and future productivity of the stock. For one stock, the Commission is proposing a by-catch TAC above MSY, to allow mixed fisheries to continue. The number of TACs proposed for 2025 is lower than last year, due to last year’s introduction of multiannual TACs. For certain stocks, TACs for 2025 were already set by Member States at the end of 2023.

Executive Vice President in charge of the European Green Deal Maroš Šefčovič said: “This proposal illustrates the Commission’s commitment to ensuring our fish stocks’ sustainability in the long term, while providing fishers with more fishing opportunities where feasible. The sustainability of our fisheries and the competitiveness of our sector go hand in hand. Fishers, member states, and the Commission must continue working together in the same direction. Thanks to our joint efforts, we can propose increases for several important fish stocks this year.”

The Council will discuss the Commission’s proposal on 9 and 10 December and establish fishing opportunities for 2025, and in some cases for 2026. The regulation should apply as of 1 January 2025. This proposal will be updated after the conclusion of the ongoing consultations with Norway and the United Kingdom on jointly managed stocks. Updates will also be needed for other stocks pending scientific guidance and regional management decisions.

You can find more information in this press release and Q&A document.

Share this article: