This Week in Fisheries — Brussels (#18, 2026)
Bluefin tuna management amended; Derogations extended for Slovenia, Spain fisheries; EU adopts IMO shipping climate stance; Staff exchange for import controls launched; Cohesion draft fund report.
May 10, 2026 to May 16, 2026
Bluefin tuna management amended; Derogations extended for Slovenia, Spain fisheries; EU adopts IMO shipping climate stance; Staff exchange for import controls launched; Cohesion draft fund report.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Bluefin Tuna Management Plan Amended for Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/497, published on 13 May 2026, amends Regulation (EU) 2023/2053 concerning the management of bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean. The changes transpose ICCAT Recommendation 25-04, revising provisions on quota carryover, the purse seine fishing season, and procedures for reporting infringements under the Joint Inspection Scheme. The regulation also updates minimum standards for video recording procedures in Annex X. The purse seine fishing period is now set from 19 May to 1 July, with specific derogations for the Cantabrian Sea and pilot projects in the Canary Islands. The amendments entered into force the day after publication.
Derogation Extended for Volantina Trawlers in Slovenian Waters
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1027 of 8 May 2026, published on 11 May 2026, extends the derogation from Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006 for 'volantina' trawlers in Slovenian territorial waters. The extension follows a Slovenian request and a positive assessment by the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), confirming that the updated management plan fulfills regulatory conditions. The derogation applies to vessels with a demonstrated track record and prohibits future increases in fishing effort. The regulation is valid from 28 March 2026 until 27 March 2029.
Derogation for Boat Seines in Balearic Islands Extended
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1026, adopted on 8 May 2026 and published on 11 May 2026, prolongs the derogation for boat seines fishing for transparent and Ferrer’s gobies and Lowbody picarel in the Balearic Islands under Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006. The extension is based on Spain's management plan and compliance with scientific recommendations from STECF. The derogation limits participation to 55 authorised vessels and prohibits new entrants or increased effort. It applies from 1 May 2026 until 30 April 2029.
EU Adopts Position for IMO MEPC 84 on Maritime GHG Emissions
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1067, published 12 May 2026, sets out the EU’s position at the International Maritime Organization’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) 84th session. The Decision covers support for the IMO Net-Zero Framework amendments to Annex VI of MARPOL and continued negotiations on greenhouse gas emissions reductions from shipping. The EU’s position reflects alignment with its previous submissions and relevant EU regulations, including (EU) 2015/757 and (EU) 2023/1805.
Staff Exchange Programme for Official Controls at EU Borders
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1023, adopted on 8 May 2026 and published on 11 May 2026, establishes a three-year programme for the exchange of staff from Member State authorities with expertise in official controls on animals and goods entering the Union. The decision, based on Regulation (EU) 2017/625, aims to promote knowledge sharing and harmonisation of border controls, with a European Union expert pool managed by the Commission. The programme will run until 14 May 2029.
EU Council
Upcoming General Affairs Council to Address Fisheries Budget Framework
The General Affairs Council, scheduled for 26 May 2026, will begin preparations for the June European Council and include a policy debate on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034, covering fisheries funding.
EP Committee Work
Draft Report on European Fund for Cohesion, Agriculture, Rural, Fisheries and Maritime Policy (2028-2034)
The Committee on Regional Development (REGI), with rapporteur Andrey Novakov, published a draft report on 11 May 2026 regarding 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 2028-2034. The report addresses amendments to Regulation (EU) 2023/955 and Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509, outlining funding priorities and mechanisms for the next financial period.
What We're Reading This Week
- EP Plenary SessionThe role of ocean diplomacy for the competitiveness of EU fisheries and aquaculture: EU lawmakers discuss how ocean diplomacy can strengthen the global position and economic potential of European fisheries and aquaculture.
