This Week in Fisheries — Brussels (#31, 2026)
Seychelles fisheries protocol signed; new Commission rules on weighing and control; New Zealand animal export health certification updated.
August 09, 2026 to August 15, 2026
Seychelles fisheries protocol signed; new Commission rules on weighing and control; New Zealand animal export health certification updated.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1933 allocates Seychelles fisheries opportunities
Council Regulation (EU) 2026/1933 of 13 July 2026 details the allocation of fishing opportunities under the Protocol implementing the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Seychelles for 2026–2030. Spain is allocated 17 tuna purse seine vessels and two surface longliners, France 12 purse seine vessels and four longliners, Italy one purse seine vessel, and Portugal two longliners. The Regulation became applicable from 27 July 2026. This ensures uninterrupted access for Union vessels to Seychelles waters, reflecting the protocol's economic importance to the EU fishing fleet.
Protocol on the implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement with Seychelles (2026–2030)
The Protocol on the implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Seychelles (2026–2030) sets out access rights for 30 Union tuna purse seine vessels and 8 longliners. The Protocol defines the fishing zones, financial arrangements—amounting to EUR 5.75 million annually including sectoral support—and conditions for access. Provisions cover data exchange, sectoral support, employment standards, and compliance with IOTC recommendations. Implementation starts from the date of signature for a period of four years.
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1934: Signing and provisional application of the Seychelles protocol
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1934 of 13 July 2026 authorises the signature and provisional application of the Protocol with Seychelles. The protocol takes provisional effect from 27 July 2026. This follows the expiry of the previous protocol and completes the negotiation mandate provided to the Commission.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1932 introduces detailed rules for CFP weighing and controls
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1932 of 10 August 2026 sets new requirements for the weighing, inspection, and control of fishery products, under Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009. The Regulation mandates approved weighing systems, sets conditions for weighing records, water and ice deduction, and sampling and control plans. Member States are required to ensure dedicated control programmes and unannounced inspections. The Regulation enters into force on 18 August 2026 and applies from 11 January 2027.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1936 updates New Zealand certification rules
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1936 of 5 August 2026 establishes certification rules and a model health certificate for entry of consignments of live animals and products of animal origin from New Zealand, based on equivalence with Union standards. The Decision repeals and replaces 2015/1901/EU. Transitional periods for certificate acceptance are set, with application beginning 3 September 2026 and full enforcement by 3 March 2027.
What We're Reading This Week
- Brittany's fishermen face battle to obtain fishing licenses: Fishermen in Brittany risk losing livelihoods as licensing hurdles threaten their access to local waters.
- Aquaculture is depleting the oceans: A farmed salmon can consume more than six times its weight in wild fish: Rising demand for farmed salmon is intensifying pressure on wild fish populations due to their high feed requirements.
