EU Commission on Fishing in 2026: MID’s Response to New Fisheries Communication

The European Commission has published its annual Communication “Sustainable fishing in the EU: state of play and orientations for 2026”, outlining both progress and challenges in the EU’s pursuit of sustainable fisheries. The report marks continued improvement across several sea basins, while stressing the need for ongoing effort in stock recovery, climate adaptation, and international cooperation.

We welcome the Commission’s recognition of the positive trends in the sustainability of EU fisheries, especially in the North-East Atlantic, where stocks on average are within healthy ranges. However, there are concerns raised regarding key stocks still under pressure, including the impact of climate change on stock distribution and ecosystem dynamics.

We share the Commission’s concern about the lack of comprehensive sharing arrangements with non-EU countries in the North-East Atlantic. As buyers of small pelagic species in bulk, Marine Ingredients Denmark strongly urges all coastal states to work towards effective, science-based, and equitable sharing agreements. This is vital to safeguard the long-term sustainability of these widely distributed stocks and the viability of the broader fishing industry.

In the Baltic Sea several commercial fish stocks continue to experience long-term declines due to a combination of pressures beyond fishing activity, including eutrophication, pollution, and climate-driven ecosystem changes. However, there are signs of improvement in some pelagic stocks, such as herring in the Central Baltic Sea and sprat. We support the Commission’s call for Member States to ensure the full implementation of existing legislation, not only within fisheries management but also across broader environmental and land-based policy areas.

Marine Ingredients Denmark remains committed to promoting sustainable fishing practices. We continue to ensure accurate recording and reporting of all catches, particularly for small pelagics, to support quota monitoring and sustainable management. In this regard, we urge the Commission to maintain a level playing field among all stakeholders in the industry.

On environmental contaminants such as PFAS, we have together with EFFOP taken proactive steps. We have compiled a comprehensive dataset covering 175 different batches of fishmeal. This work has informed discussions with journalists, policymakers, researchers, and the public and provides a solid basis for sound risk assessments and the development of mitigation strategies to manage future PFAS levels in feed.

Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our industry’s practices. We believe that the good state and availability of fish stocks are essential not only for our sector’s long-term viability but also for the health of marine ecosystems. Sound management must always be guided by the best available scientific advice from ICES.

Marine Ingredients Denmark will closely follow upcoming developments, including the Commission’s proposals for fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea (expected by end of August 2025). We will keep our members informed and continue to engage actively in consultation processes with policymakers and stakeholders.

From an economic perspective, the Communication highlights that fleet segments which rely on sustainably fished stocks and prioritize energy efficiency tend to achieve better financial results and generate higher salaries. The Commission also intends to present a roadmap on energy transition for fisheries and aquaculture in early 2026. We view this as a positive step and look forward to contributing to this initiative where relevant to our sector.

Read more about the communication here and find the full communication here.