On Friday 5 June, the European Commission adopted a communication on the outlook regarding fishing quotas for 2027. It notes that the “insufficient adjustment of fishing capacity to fish stocks in certain fleet segments combined with reduced landings in several sea basins, continues to weigh on incomes and undermines long-term profitability”.
According to the Commission, fishing pressure is decreasing and a growing number of stocks are reaching maximum sustainable yield (MSY) levels. However, this progress has not translated into a general improvement in the status of stocks, as biomass remains insufficient in several regions.
From an economic perspective, the Commission observes that profitability is structurally under pressure. Despite positive performances in certain segments, the decline in landings, an ageing fleet and, above all, the high volatility of fuel prices are putting the sector at a long-term disadvantage.
The Commission warns in particular that soaring energy prices in 2026 could significantly reduce the European fleet’s profitability, with potential consequences for employment and coastal communities. The energy transition is considered too slow.
The document also highlights a persistent imbalance between fishing capacity and available resources. Despite a steady reduction in fleet size, a significant portion of the segments remain unbalanced, both economically and biologically.
The Commission further points to serious difficulties in implementing the landing obligation. The audits reveal the persistence of illegal discards and insufficient monitoring capacities within Member States. Current tools are deemed inadequate, leading the Commission to focus on new mechanisms, in particular remote electronic monitoring from 2028, to strengthen compliance.
Progress towards MSY remains highly uneven across fishing basins: overall improvement, but stagnation of biomass in the North-East Atlantic; a still fragile situation in the Mediterranean, despite some progress; and persistent degradation in the Baltic Sea, largely due to environmental factors.
At the international level, the Commission highlights the growing difficulties in managing shared stocks, particularly mackerel. Ongoing disagreements between the EU and several coastal states, including Norway, continue to jeopardise the overall sustainability of these fisheries.
For 2027, the Commission is prioritising stock recovery, by setting quotas based on scientific advice, accelerating recovery trajectories, strengthening international cooperation, improving control and discard prevention, as well as supporting the energy transition and fleet modernisation.
Link to the communication: https://aeur.eu/f/m71 (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)