Revising the fisheries control system [EU Legislation in Progress]

Written by Frederik Scholaert (5th edition, updated on 08.02.2024),

The EU has adopted a regulation introducing new rules on fisheries control. The act amends five regulations, of which Council Regulation (EC) 1224/2009 (the Control Regulation) forms the core of the EU fisheries control system. The revision is the result of a long process. In May 2018, the European Commission tabled the proposal as the last major component of the 2013 revision of the common fisheries policy. The European Parliament and the Council adopted their positions in March and June 2021 respectively, opening the way to interinstitutional negotiations. An agreement was reached at the 12th political trilogue held on 30 May 2023.

Some of the main changes introduced by the proposal and supported in the agreement include tracking of all fishing vessels, electronic reporting of all catches, monitoring of recreational fisheries, improving (digital) traceability along the supply chain and harmonising sanctions across the EU. On control of the landing obligation via on-board closed-circuit television cameras for vessels at high risk of non‑compliance, the co-legislators agreed that this provision would only apply to vessels of 18 metres length or more. Parliament and Council also agreed on more flexible tolerance margins as regards catch weight estimates on‑board, in particular for small pelagic and tuna species.

The agreement was approved by the European Parliament on 17 October 2023. After adoption by the Council, the act was signed by the co-legislators and published in the Official Journal of the EU on 20 December 2023. It entered into force 20 days later, on 9 January 2024. Most provisions apply after two or four years, to allow time for implementation.

Complete version

• February 2024:  ‘Revising the fisheries control system‘ (5th edition)