07/04/2026 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 7 April, the European Commission adopted a regulation (https://aeur.eu/f/lgb ) strengthening conservation measures in the Nordvästra Skånes havsområde marine protected area (Kattegat Sea) to protect the harbour porpoise and other threatened species. This text, which amends a 2017 regulation, introduces a no-fishing zone and restricts the use of mobile and static fishing gear (gillnets, traps and longlines) in two other zones. Member States will be required to assess harbour porpoise incidental catch annually and adapt measures by the end of 2027. The measures are aimed at reducing by-catches and preserving habitats, in line with the directives on natural habitats and marine strategy. They are based on joint recommendations from Sweden, Denmark and Germany and on the opinion of the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF). The regulation will come into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. (LC)