EFFOP sourcing statement following the expiry of the North-East Atlantic FIPs

Europe needs secure supplies of high-quality protein and essential long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Blue whiting, mackerel and Atlanto-Scandian herring contribute to that supply in different ways.

The North-East Atlantic FIPs brought together actors from across the seafood and feed value chains around a shared objective: supporting the coastal states in reaching comprehensive and lasting sharing arrangements for blue whiting, mackerel and Atlanto-Scandian herring. While comprehensive sharing arrangements have not yet been achieved, the FIPs have played an important role in maintaining pressure for greater cooperation. EFFOP remains committed to that objective and to management based on ICES scientific advice.

As the FIPs expire, it is important to distinguish between the end of a time-limited fisheries improvement mechanism and the responsible sourcing and utilisation of these important marine resources.

EFFOP continues to call for comprehensive sharing arrangements between the coastal states while we ensure that the resources which are harvested are used as efficiently and responsibly as possible.

Blue whiting

EFFOP members will continue to source blue whiting for marine ingredient production. Blue whiting is an important European marine resource and a major source of high-quality protein and essential amino acids for the feed and food value chains. Importantly, this stock is currently in a very strong biological position. With a spawning stock biomass that is estimated to be 5.6 million individuals,  it is 2.5 times above its MSY Btrigger level.

Our position on its management is equally clear. For 2027, ICES advises catches of no more than 1,064,191 tonnes under the agreed long-term management strategy. EFFOP therefore states unequivocally that the total agreed catch for 2027 should not exceed the ICES scientific advice.

Mackerel and Atlanto-Scandian herring

Mackerel and Atlanto-Scandian herring have a different role within our supply chain. Both are important food species, while their processing for human consumption also generates substantial volumes of by-products that provide valuable raw material for fishmeal and fish oil production. These are resources that have already been harvested. Using heads, frames, trimmings and other by-products does not create an additional fishery or additional fishing pressure. It allows more of the protein, energy, minerals and essential EPA and DHA contained within each fish to remain within the food production system.

By-products

Concerns have been raised regarding the potential redirection of whole fish into the by-product category. It is important to recognise that the by-product pathway is not an uncontrolled route but subject to defined eligibility criteria, independent assessment and traceability requirements designed to distinguish by-products from material that should be assessed as whole fish. Where material demonstrably meets the requirements for a by-product, the expiry of a FIP does not change the origin or nature of that material, nor should it remove a legitimate pathway for its responsible use in marine ingredient production.

The expiry of the FIPs changes the assurance landscape, but it does not change the underlying principles of responsible resource use.