This Week in Fisheries — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Delegated acts published on fisheries imports; Mediterranean swordfish recovery plan amended; Blue marlin discard rule in force; Upcoming Agriculture and Fisheries Council.
August 24, 2026 to August 30, 2026
Delegated acts published on fisheries imports; Mediterranean swordfish recovery plan amended; Blue marlin discard rule in force; Upcoming Agriculture and Fisheries Council.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Informal meeting of agriculture ministers: On September 06, the EU Council's Informal meeting of agriculture ministers configuration is scheduled to hold an informal meeting ministerial meeting in Brussels.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Entry Requirements for Fishery Products Updated
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1304 of 12 June 2026 amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2292 regarding requirements for the entry into the Union of certain dairy products, fishery products, and bivalve molluscs, echinoderms, tunicates, and marine gastropods. The changes update Combined Nomenclature and Harmonised System codes in various articles and introduce clarifications on hygiene and certification requirements for imported fishery goods. Live, chilled, frozen, or processed bivalve molluscs, echinoderms, tunicates, and marine gastropods from non-land-based aquaculture are now excluded from certain residue requirements. The regulation enters into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal.
Mediterranean Swordfish Recovery Plan Adjusted
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1281 of 12 June 2026 amends Regulation (EU) 2019/1154, updating the multiannual recovery plan for Mediterranean swordfish. The revision implements ICCAT Recommendation 25-09 concerning fishing gear, permitting the combined use of loops with hooks within a set maximum. Vessels are allowed up to 2,500 rigged hooks and loops, with a second set permitted for trips longer than two days if properly stowed. The regulation takes effect the day after publication.
Landing Obligation Revised for Blue and White Marlin
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1342 of 17 June 2026 amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/98 concerning international obligations under the ICCAT Convention. Under the new Article 5b, once quotas are reached, all blue marlin and white marlin/roundscale spearfish catches must be discarded, aligning Union law with ICCAT Recommendation 25-06. The amendment enters into force the day after publication in the Official Journal.
EU Council
Upcoming: Agriculture and Fisheries Council Informal Meeting
An informal meeting of agriculture ministers in the Agriculture and Fisheries Council configuration is scheduled for 6 September 2026.
