The EU Council has completed the legislative process for new rules that impose additional authorization, reporting, landing, and traceability obligations for fishing in the Black Sea. On October 13, all 27 member states voted unanimously in favor of the regulation, which primarily targets the fisheries for sprat and turbot. These measures were agreed upon within the framework of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) and mark a significant shift in the governance of these fisheries.
Under the new regulations, states will be required to identify authorized vessels for sprat fishing and to routinely collect data on their activities and catches. For turbot, the regulations will enhance the monitoring of authorized vessels, the designated landing points, and the control of the commercial chain. This structured approach aims to ensure more effective management of these key species and promote sustainable fishing practices in the region.
The new rules specifically impact the fleets and authorities of EU member states operating in the Black Sea, including Romania and Bulgaria. However, it’s important to note that the implementation of these regulations will not be immediate. The rules will come into effect 20 days after their publication in the Official Journal of the EU, allowing states and operators some time to adapt to the new requirements.
For sprat fishing, each member state will need to maintain lists of authorized vessels and report any significant changes. Vessels not included in the authorization system are prohibited from engaging in activities designated for the authorized fleet. Operators must also provide information that enables authorities to monitor both fishing efforts and total catches accurately. This comprehensive data collection allows for a more detailed analysis, enabling authorities to manage fish stocks more effectively instead of relying solely on declared landing quantities.
Similarly, for turbot, the regulations establish a stringent control framework that starts with the authorization of vessels and extends to the landing and commercialization of catches. Authorized vessels must be listed, and landings must occur at designated points, which facilitates more focused inspections by authorities. States are required to implement robust monitoring and surveillance measures that track fleet activities and verify reported catches.
The traceability of turbot is especially emphasized, ensuring that the origin of catches can be tracked throughout the commercial chain. This aims to make it difficult for fish obtained through unauthorized or unreported activities to enter the legal market. Thus, control efforts extend beyond mere inspections at sea; they continue on land during the landing and subsequent marketing processes.
It’s essential to clarify that the regulation does not set annual fishing quotas for Romania and Bulgaria; these will be determined through separate agreements typically established during the annual fishing opportunities exercise. The current regulation primarily introduces management and control measures necessary for implementing the GFCM’s recommendations.
The GFCM covers both the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, with binding recommendations for its contracting parties, including the EU and ten member states, like Romania and Bulgaria. When a GFCM recommendation is not already encompassed by EU law, the EU is obligated to incorporate it into applicable legislation for its operators.
The legislative package initiated in 2024 integrates several previous GFCM recommendations and is not limited to the Black Sea. While the elements concerning sprat and turbot have a direct regional impact, other provisions of the regulation pertain to fisheries in the Mediterranean and Adriatic regions.
The European Parliament and Council previously reached a compromise on the text, allowing the Council’s vote on October 13 to solidify the legislation’s approval with support from all member states. This transition transforms the item from a political agreement into officially adopted legislation.
The practical application of these regulations will begin following the publication of the final text in the Official Journal. The stipulated 20-day period before entering into force offers authorities and operators a brief timeframe to adapt their authorization and reporting systems to comply with the newly introduced obligations.
