The European Commission has proposed Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for 2026 covering 15 key fish stocks in the Atlantic and Skagerrak-Kattegat, with some limits extending into 2027 and 2028. The proposals are based on advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and aim to maintain sustainable fish stocks while safeguarding the future of Europe’s fishing communities.
The proposed TACs cover species including anglerfish, hake, horse mackerel, and megrims in Iberian waters. The Commission has reduced pollack by-catches in the Bay of Biscay, Cantabrian Sea, and Iberian waters to protect vulnerable stocks while keeping mixed fisheries open. Measures for the European eel remain in place, with a six-month fishing ban to protect the species’ critically endangered population.
Preventing overfishing
TACs set the maximum annual catch for each species to prevent overfishing and ensure marine ecosystems remain in balance. Where stocks are uncertain or at risk, the Commission applies a precautionary approach to avoid overexploitation. The Commission proposes multi-year TACs for several species, giving fleets predictability and helping coastal communities plan their activities sustainably.
The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) brings together independent marine scientists from across Europe. Each year, they analyse data collected by research vessels and national authorities to estimate the size and health of fish populations. Their findings provide the scientific basis for the Commission’s proposals, guiding the Commission to set TACs in line with maximum sustainable yield or, where necessary, follow a precautionary approach to safeguard fish stocks.
What’s next
EU Member States will examine and respond to the Commission’s proposals at the Agriculture and Fisheries (AGRIFISH) Council meetings in December, where fisheries ministers aim to reach a political agreement for 2026 and, in some cases, for subsequent years. Once the Council adopts the new TACs for all 15 species, they will apply from 1 January 2026, ensuring that EU fisheries operate within scientifically advised sustainable limits.
