The EU is strengthening control over fish stocks in third countries: the new rules also cover accompanying species.

The European Parliament approved a report on the proposal to amend Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012, which expands the EU's tools for managing fish resources, including in the Black Sea.

Photo credit: Hristo Anestiev

What does the current regulation foresee?

Regulation (EU) No. 1026/2012 does not list specific seas or oceans, but refers to "fish stocks of common interest" that occur both in EU waters and in the territories of third countries, where international cooperation is necessary for their conservation. This means that the Black Sea is also included. For the Black Sea, the special regional body is the GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean) and the working group for the Black Sea, which also covers this basin.

What is new in the proposal?

With the latest amendment, the definition of the scope of the regulation is expanded. In addition to the previous "stocks of common interest", so-called "associated species" that are part of the same ecosystem are now included. This is important because, for example, if sturgeons (which often end up as bycatch) are caught while fishing for other species, the new mechanism allows the EU to take measures for their protection.

What does this mean for third countries?

The text of the regulation specifically mentions "third countries" – that is, countries outside the EU. In the context of the Black Sea, this is fully applicable because the EU shares this basin with third countries such as Turkey, Georgia, Russia, and Ukraine.

If a third country does not assist in the conservation of stocks or allows illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing (IUU), the EU can trigger the mechanisms provided in the regulation. These include various restrictions to protect fish resources and marine ecosystems.

Why is it important for Bulgaria?

Bulgaria is directly interested because the Black Sea is crucial for our fishing and economy. The new rules enhance the EU's ability to respond in the absence of international cooperation and provide additional tools for protecting the ecosystem on which our fishing sector depends.