This Week in Fisheries — Brussels (#17, 2026)
New fisheries statistics regulation adopted; Derogation for Murcia transparent goby fishery extended; Council sets EU IMO negotiation positions.
May 03, 2026 to May 09, 2026
New fisheries statistics regulation adopted; Derogation for Murcia transparent goby fishery extended; Council sets EU IMO negotiation positions.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Decision on EU Position for IMO Marine Environment and Maritime Safety Committees
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1029 of 27 April 2026 establishes the European Union's position for the 84th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) and the 111th session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC). The Decision authorises Member States to support amendments to Annex VI of MARPOL, including the designation of the North-East Atlantic as an Emission Control Area and the improvement of the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database. It also covers amendments to SOLAS, HSC Codes, the ESP Code, the LSA Code, and the Load Lines Protocol, which relate to safety communications, remote inspection techniques, and enhanced safety requirements. The Decision entered into force upon adoption on 27 April 2026. (CELEX: 32026D1029)
Assistance Measure for Senegal Under the European Peace Facility
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1028, adopted on 5 May 2026, establishes a EUR 15 million assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF) to support the Armed Forces of Senegal in maritime security. The measure finances operational, educational, and mobility equipment for the Senegalese Navy, to be implemented by Fundación para la Internacionalización de las Administraciones Públicas over 36 months. Provisions include monitoring, reporting, and compliance with international law. (CELEX: 32026D1028)
Extension of Derogation for Boat Seines Fishing Transparent Goby in Murcia
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1002 of 5 May 2026 extends the derogation from Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006 regarding the minimum distance from the coast and depth for boat seines targeting transparent goby (Aphia minuta) in Spanish waters (Region of Murcia). The extension applies from 2 March 2026 until 15 March 2029, maintaining existing vessel and capacity limits and requiring regular reporting under the Spanish management plan. The derogation was assessed by STECF and found to fulfil regulatory conditions. (CELEX: 32026R1002)
EU Council
General Affairs Council to Prepare June European Council and Discuss EU Maritime Policy Financing
At its meeting on 26 May 2026, the General Affairs Council will begin preparations for the June European Council and hold a policy debate on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034, which includes funding for maritime and fisheries policy.
EP Committee Work
PECH Committee Adopts Draft Report on European Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics
The Committee on Fisheries (PECH), with rapporteur Sakis Arnaoutoglou (S&D), adopted its draft report on the proposal for a regulation on European fisheries and aquaculture statistics (PE781.323v02-00) on 8 May 2026. The report supports new harmonised rules for data collection and the repeal of five existing regulations dating from 2006 to 2009.
PECH Committee Meeting Reviews Fisheries Data, Regional Measures, and MFF Impacts
On 6 May 2026, the PECH Committee held an ordinary meeting covering the adoption of the fisheries statistics draft report, voting on implementation measures for Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (rapporteur: Thomas Bajada, S&D), and a public hearing on reducing regulatory burden. The agenda included discussion on the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund mid-term evaluation and the implications of the upcoming MFF for the fisheries sector.
PECH Public Hearing on Reducing Bureaucracy in Fisheries and Aquaculture
On 6 May 2026, the PECH Committee organised a public hearing in Brussels focused on increasing competitiveness in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors by reducing bureaucracy and regulatory burden. The session featured interventions from industry representatives, including José Basilio Otero Rodríguez (Spain), Addy Risseeuw (Netherlands), and Elena Ghezzi (Italy), as well as a European Commission representative.
PECH Committee Press Release: New Rules for EU Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics
A press release issued on 6 May 2026 by the PECH Committee details the adoption of a draft report to align and update data collection and statistical requirements for EU fisheries and aquaculture. The new regulation will combine and simplify existing rules, introduce harmonised socio-economic data requirements, and enable Eurostat to share data with international bodies, aiming to reduce administrative burden for operators.
What We're Reading This Week
- MARE - Commission welcomes Parliament support for better maritime planning: European Parliament backs new measures to improve maritime planning, aiming to boost sustainability and economic growth in EU seas.
- EU wants more home-grown fish despite public pushback: EU policymakers advance plans to boost domestic aquaculture, aiming to reduce seafood imports amid resistance from consumers and activists.
