EU measures against unsustainable fishing by non-EU countries
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Commission proposes revision of EU tools to address unsustainable fishing by non-EU countries
Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012 on certain measures for the purpose of the conservation of fish stocks in relation to countries allowing non-sustainable fishing
Update
The European Commission proposes to amend Regulation 1026/2012 and clarify conditions to identify and sanction countries that allow non-sustainable fishing practices on fish stocks of common interest.
Impacted Products
Fishery products (capture)
What is changing?
The EU's proposal clarifies certain conditions for identification of countries that allow unsustainable fishing. It defines “failure to cooperate” as the failure to engage in meaningful consultations, in good faith, in which both (or all) parties make substantial efforts to reach agreement on the adoption of necessary fishery management measures.
The proposal provides examples of failure to cooperate, and clarifies that a country may be considered as allowing non-sustainable fishing if it does not implement the necessary fishery management measures, including control measures to ensure the effective conservation and management of stocks of common interest.
Why?
The proposed changes aim to provide clearer guidelines to ensure that non-EU countries are aware of the specific conditions under which their fishing practices may lead to EU restrictive measures and sanctions, which can include import bans. The proposal also aims to ensure fair competition between operators in the EU and in non-EU countries.
Timeline
The Commission proposed this revision on 13 September 2024. It has been transmitted to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU for discussion.
What are the major implications for exporting countries?
Restrictions may be imposed on imports containing fish and fishery products from the stock of common interest caught under the control of a country that allows non-sustainable fishing (Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries 2024).
Background
Regulation 1380/2013 on the Common Fisheries Policy, Part VI (External Policy), provides for the EU to conduct its external fisheries in accordance with its international obligations and to base its fishing activities on regional fisheries cooperation.
Regulation 1026/2012 allows the Commission to adopt restrictive measures against non-EU countries allowing non-sustainable fishing that jeopardises the long-term conservation of fish stocks of common interest to the Union and non-EU countries.
Resources
Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 on the Common Fisheries Policy
Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (2024) Commission proposes a revision of EU tools to address unsustainable fishing practices by non-EU countries on fish stocks of common interest, News Announcement, 13 September.
Sources
Proposal for a Regulation amending Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012 on certain measures for the purpose of the conservation of fish stocks in relation to countries allowing non-sustainable fishing