On 28 October 2025, the European Commission adopted its proposals for 2026 fishing opportunities for EU-managed stocks in the Atlantic and Skagerrak-Kattegat waters, with some measures extending into 2027 and 2028. These proposals aim to ensure the long-term sustainability of EU fisheries, balancing environmental protection with economic viability.
15 Total Allowable Catches (TACs) proposed, based on scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).
For 11 TACs, recommendations follow the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) approach; for the remaining 4, the precautionary approach applies.
Multiannual TACs introduced species such as plaice, sole, and pollack to provide stability for fishers.
Adjustments include:
Anglerfish (Iberian waters): -2%
Megrims (Iberian waters): +12%
Whiting (Bay of Biscay): -27%
Pollack by-catches: -26% (to avoid early closure of mixed fisheries)
Sole (Iberian waters): -28% (precautionary approach)
Additional Measures
Continued protection for European eel stocks, including a 6-month ban on all eel fishing and prohibition of recreational eel fisheries in EU marine and brackish waters.
Delegation of quota setting for seabass in the Bay of Biscay to Member States, aligned with MSY limits.
Next Steps
Fisheries Ministers will discuss the proposal during the AGRIFISH Council on 11–12 December 2025, aiming for a political agreement. The Council regulation is expected to apply from 1 January 2026.
These measures reflect the EU’s commitment under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) to manage fish stocks sustainably, ensuring healthy resources for future generations and supporting the economic resilience of EU fisheries.
Read the full press release here: European Commission – IP/25/2555