This Week in Fisheries — Brussels (#14, 2026)
Baltic Sea multiannual plan revision urged; Parliament pushes for increased fisheries budget; Maritime Spatial Planning Directive under review; Sea turtle conservation progress.
April 12, 2026 to April 18, 2026
Baltic Sea multiannual plan revision urged; Parliament pushes for increased fisheries budget; Maritime Spatial Planning Directive under review; Sea turtle conservation progress.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
EP Committee Work
Committee on Fisheries: Coordinators and Ordinary Meeting—Baltic Sea, Maritime Spatial Planning, International Agreements
On 15 April 2026, the European Parliament's Committee on Fisheries (PECH) convened in Brussels, covering a series of agenda items central to the fisheries sector. The committee adopted draft recommendations on the Protocol for the Fisheries Partnership Agreement with São Tomé and Príncipe (2025–2029) (Rapporteur: Nora Junco García, ECR) and the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement with the Cook Islands (2025–2032) (Rapporteur: Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Renew). PECH also adopted a draft report on the implementation of the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive 2014/89/EU in selected areas (Rapporteur: Stéphanie Yon-Courtin, Renew) and a draft report on the multiannual plan for the Baltic Sea (Rapporteur: Isabella Lövin, Verts/ALE). The agenda included exchanges with Commission representatives on fuel prices in the fisheries sector, cross-border illegal fishing in the Mediterranean, the state of play under Regulation (EC) No 1100/2007 on the recovery of European eel, and new generations of Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements. The committee also reviewed the state of negotiations on shared stocks with Northern coastal states (UK, Norway, Iceland, Faroe Islands) and considered opinions on the European Fund for cohesion, agriculture, rural, fisheries and maritime policy for 2028–2034 (Rapporteur for opinion: André Franqueira Rodrigues, S&D) and on the Global Europe instrument (Rapporteur for opinion: Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Renew). Delegated acts presentations included topics such as harbour porpoise protection and bluefin tuna management.
Committee on Fisheries Press Release: Baltic Sea Multiannual Plan—Call for Review and Action
On 15 April 2026, the Fisheries Committee adopted a report drafted by Isabella Lövin (Greens/EFA) calling for the European Commission and the Council to initiate a revision of the EU multiannual plan for the Baltic Sea (Regulation (EU) 2016/1139), citing its shortcomings in restoring stocks above maximum sustainable yield. The report urges an evaluation of quota distribution, increased support for affected communities, and the inclusion of automatic measures if stocks fall below precautionary thresholds. MEPs advocate for strengthened implementation of the landing obligation and the consideration of scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) on precautionary buffers. The committee also addresses cross-cutting challenges, including the management of predator species, unexploded ordnances from WWII, and the impact of the Russian shadow fleet and unilateral quota-setting. The report is scheduled for a plenary vote in May 2026.
Committee on Fisheries Press Release: Maritime Spatial Planning Directive—Sectoral Balance and Stakeholder Involvement
The Fisheries Committee adopted a report on 15 April 2026, drafted by Stéphanie Yon-Courtin (Renew), regarding the impact of the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive 2014/89/EU on fisheries. The report notes variations among Member States in legal status and implementation of maritime spatial plans and calls for improved coordination between the Common Fisheries Policy and EU environmental law, including the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. The committee finds that the current framework has not delivered expected results for fisheries and aquaculture, citing marginalisation by other sectors such as offshore energy. MEPs call for mechanisms to enhance stakeholder and coastal community influence in planning, and recommend that fisheries and aquaculture be recognised as strategic sectors. The text will proceed to a plenary vote in May 2026.
Committee on Fisheries—Sea Turtle Conservation: Proposal Empowering France to Join the Inter-American Convention
On 16 April 2026, the Committee on Fisheries (PECH) published its report on the proposal for a decision empowering France to accede to the Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles (Doc ID: A-10-2026-0095, Rapporteur: Mélissa Camara). The document outlines the legal and environmental context for France's accession, aligning national efforts with international conservation standards for sea turtles. The proposal is part of a joint committee procedure with the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), with Pierfrancesco Maran (S&D) and Mélissa Camara (Verts/ALE) as co-rapporteurs.
