The European Union has enacted a comprehensive overhaul of its fisheries control regulations, bringing them in line with technological advancements and bolstering efforts to combat overfishing. The revised rules, effective from January 9, 2024, mark the culmination of five years of negotiations.
Key Changes and Objectives:
Preventing Overfishing: The updated regulations aim to prevent overfishing by implementing a more effective and harmonized fisheries control system applicable to both EU vessels and those operating in EU waters.
Technological Modernization: The rules embrace technological developments, mandating the complete digitalization of fishing activities. Geo-localization, electronic reporting, and vessel tracking systems will be gradually expanded to all fishing vessels, irrespective of size, streamlining the monitoring process from “the net to the plate.”
Digital Traceability: A groundbreaking move is the mandatory full digital traceability along the supply chain for fresh and frozen fishery and aquaculture products. This will enable authorities to combat illegal fishing more effectively and provide consumers with detailed information on the origin of products. The system will eventually include processed fishery and aquaculture products.
Compliance with Landing Obligation: Rules for the ‘landing obligation’ are strengthened with obligations for remote electronic monitoring, including onboard cameras for fishing vessels above 18 meters at high risk of non-compliance.
Harmonized Sanctions: Harmonized sanctions are introduced for breaching the rules of the common fisheries policy, particularly in the case of serious infringements.
Imported Fishery Products: Importers will be required to use the IT tool CATCH from January 9, 2026, streamlining the catch certification process for fishery products entering the EU market.
Implementation Timeline:
- January 9, 2024: Regulation enters into force with transitional provisions for adaptation.
- January 10, 2026: Most provisions apply, including the use of CATCH for imported fishery products.
- July 9, 2024: Derogations to the margin of tolerance apply.
- January 10, 2028: Some provisions, including remote electronic monitoring, apply.
- January 10, 2029: Traceability provisions for prepared and preserved fishery and aquaculture products or for algae apply
The European Commission will adopt necessary regulations in the coming months to ensure a harmonized implementation of the new rules across the EU. The reforms signify a crucial step in safeguarding marine resources and promoting sustainability in the fishing industry.
