This Week in Fisheries — Brussels (#12, 2026)
Commission issues new guidance on Birds Directive; Council amends fishing opportunities for 2026-2028; EU position adopted for migratory species COP15; Draft opinion on fisheries funding 2028-2034.
March 29, 2026 to April 04, 2026
Commission issues new guidance on Birds Directive; Council amends fishing opportunities for 2026-2028; EU position adopted for migratory species COP15; Draft opinion on fisheries funding 2028-2034.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI): On April 08, the European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Chair’s announcements; Commission presentation of the EU Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ (The Mission Soil).
- Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI): On April 09, the European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Chair’s announcements; Commission presentation of the EU Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ (The Mission Soil).
European Commission
Commission issues guidance for pragmatic and proportionate rules on protecting wild birds
On 30 March 2026, the European Commission published guidelines to support the practical implementation of the Birds Directive (Directive 2009/147/EC) across Member States. The document provides advice on applying Articles 5 and 9, notably regarding prohibitions on deliberate killing and derogations for socio-economic purposes, including fisheries. The guidance addresses recurring issues such as the management of migratory routes and clarifies existing flexibilities, aiming to reduce administrative burden for stakeholders, including fishers. Two annexes detail approaches for the Barnacle Goose and Great Cormorant, whose populations have increased and created conflicts with economic sectors. The Commission states that the guidelines provide examples to help Member States avoid misinterpretation that could delay infrastructure projects or economic activities. The document will be translated into all EU languages and is not legally binding. Commissioner Jessika Roswall described the guidance as a means to provide legal certainty, balancing protection with practical rules.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/786 amending fishing opportunities for 2026-2028
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/786 of 30 March 2026 amends Regulation (EU) 2026/249 on fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks for 2026, 2027, and 2028. The amendments incorporate outcomes from bilateral consultations with the United Kingdom and Norway, updates from regional fisheries management organisations, and adjustments to quotas for stocks such as cod, whiting, sole, mackerel, and bluefin tuna. Measures for cod and whiting in the Irish Sea, and sole and plaice in the Channel, are deferred to 1 September 2026 pending UK procedures. The regulation also revises closure periods for tuna fisheries in line with ICCAT and IATTC decisions. The regulation applies retroactively from 1 January 2026. (CELEX: 32026R0786)
Council Decision (EU) 2026/733: EU position for CMS COP15
Council Decision (EU) 2026/733 of 19 March 2026 sets the EU position at the fifteenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). The Decision mandates EU support for proposals to amend Appendices I and II to the Convention, including the inclusion of various fish and marine species. The EU does not support the removal of Cervus elaphus yarkandensis from Appendix I, citing criteria not met. (CELEX: 32026D0733)
EP Committee Work
Draft opinion on the 2028-2034 European Fund for cohesion, agriculture, rural, fisheries and maritime policy
On 30 March 2026, the European Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) published a draft opinion on the proposal for a regulation establishing the European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture and rural, fisheries and maritime, prosperity and security for the period 2028-2034. Rapporteur Thomas Bajada addresses the fund's framework and its amendments to Regulation (EU) 2023/955 and Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509. The draft opinion considers implications for fisheries and maritime sectors within the broader funding approach.
What We're Reading This Week
- EURL Guidance On Minimum Method Performance Requirements (MMPRs) For Specific Pharmacologically Active Substances In Specific A: New EURL guidance clarifies testing standards for detecting certain pharmacologically active substances in animal-derived products.
- Opening Remarks by Commissioner Kadis at the First Meeting of the High-Level Expert Group “European Ocean Board”: Commissioner Kadis emphasizes collaborative action and policy innovation as the European Ocean Board convenes for its inaugural session.
- Energy transition in the EU fisheries and aquaculture: EU fisheries and aquaculture sectors ramp up efforts to adopt cleaner energy sources, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and boost sustainability.
- European Maritime Days 2026: European Maritime Days 2026 will gather stakeholders to discuss sustainable blue economy initiatives and maritime policy advancements across Europe.
- EU guidance targets energy transition in aquaculture sector: New EU guidelines aim to accelerate the shift to renewable energy and sustainability in European aquaculture operations.
