European Fisheries ministers reached an agreement on fishing quotas for 2025 after lengthy negotiations, balancing economic interests with sustainable practices. The consensus includes significant reductions in catches for certain species, particularly in the Mediterranean, while allowing flexibility for fishermen to regain quotas through selective fishing methods. Concerns remain about the implementation of new compensation measures, and discussions with non-EU countries like Norway also led to adjusted cod quotas. The agreement aims to protect fish stocks while supporting the fishing industry.
Agreement on Fishing Quotas for 2025 Reached by European Ministers
In a marathon session lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes, European Fisheries ministers came to a consensus on the ‘total allowable catches’ (TAC) and quotas for the upcoming year, 2025. This annual negotiation process is crucial as it determines the permissible catch limits for various fish species across different regions, including the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and English Channel.
Balancing Economic Activity with Resource Preservation
Each fishing area is evaluated, and scientists provide recommendations on sustainable catch limits based on the health of fish stocks. This established quantity, known as the ‘total allowable catches’ (TAC), is then allocated to member states, allowing them to fish within the limits set for each species.
This year’s discussions were particularly intense, driven by the European Commission’s push for significant cuts to fishing quotas for several species. French Minister of the Sea, Fabrice Loher, who participated in the negotiations, described the talks as ‘the negotiation of all dangers.’ By the end of the night, however, he deemed the outcome ‘a good agreement,’ even labeling it ‘historic.’
In the Mediterranean, fishermen are expected to adjust their catches. Tension was high as the Commission proposed a dramatic 41% reduction in allowable catches, which faced fierce opposition from France, Italy, and Spain, who advocated for their fishing fleets. French fishermen staged a ‘dead ports’ day to protest the EU’s plans.
Ultimately, while there will be a reduction in fishing, there is a pathway for fishermen to return to previous catch levels if they can demonstrate compensatory actions. The agreement stipulates a 66% reduction in fishing efforts by trawlers in Spanish and French waters (Gulf of Lion) and a 38% reduction in the waters around Corsica.
‘A win-win agreement,’ stated Fabrice Loher. Fishermen have the opportunity to increase their quotas if they adopt more selective fishing gear, such as modifying net mesh sizes to avoid juvenile fish or forgoing certain trawl types. While some fish stocks have shown recovery, others, like the Mediterranean hake, remain critically low, prompting the need for additional protective measures during breeding seasons.
Loher expressed that this agreement was vital for safeguarding the future of the fishing sector, which had been jeopardized by the Commission’s initial stance. The National Committee of Maritime Fisheries and Marine Aquaculture shared their relief, indicating that the outcomes were less severe than anticipated.
However, NGOs raised concerns regarding the implementation of the compensation measures. Giulia Guadagnoli from Oceana pointed out that uncertainties surrounding the new compensation mechanism may hinder sustainable fishing practices. She emphasized the need for swift and effective actions to ensure the recovery of fish stocks.
In the Atlantic, France aimed to avoid what they termed ‘double punishment’ for fishermen, who were already facing a fishing ban in the Bay of Biscay to protect dolphins. The fishing quota for bass in southern Brittany remains unchanged, while the langoustine quota will see a 25% reduction, less than the Commission’s initial proposal of 39%.
Additionally, negotiations were held with non-EU countries like the United Kingdom and Norway to establish fishing agreements. Loher described these discussions as ‘very difficult,’ but noted that a balance was achieved, particularly with Norway, where quotas for cod are set to increase.