EFFOP urgently calls for sustainable and equitable management of Northeast Atlantic pelagic stocks

In recent correspondence to all key stakeholders involved in the Coastal States negotiations, EFFOP has called for urgent and decisive leadership to secure long-term, science-based quota sharing arrangements for pelagic stocks in the Northeast Atlantic – in particular mackerel, blue whiting and Atlanto-Scandian herring.

We recognize and commend the renewed efforts by Coastal States to re-engage in the dialogue and to take into account the scientific advice provided by ICES. However, partial progress falls short of what is needed. Continued disregard for science-based recommendations risks pushing these shared stocks to critical levels. The continued lack of a fair and comprehensive allocation framework not only threatens the sustainability of the stocks themselves but also undermines the integrity of the entire value chain, from pelagic fisheries to salmon farming, that relies on their responsible management.

EFFOP is firmly committed to responsible sourcing and the promotion of sustainable fisheries management. Our industry has a critical role to play in supporting low-carbon, nutritious food systems while protecting the health of our oceans. But these efforts cannot succeed without effective international cooperation. Continued reliance on unilateral quota setting undermines the credibility of Coastal States as responsible stewards of shared marine resources.

The consequences are real and growing. Certification schemes that are vital for market access and consumer confidence are at risk. Feed producers and salmon farmers who depend on a stable supply of certified fishmeal and fish oil may be forced to seek alternatives from more distant waters, weakening Europe’s strategic autonomy and increasing the environmental footprint of our supply chains. This outcome would represent a collective failure by leading fishing nations to protect shared resources. Certification is not a bureaucratic formality; it is a cornerstone for the entire value chain committed to delivering healthy, low-carbon marine proteins to European consumers.

EFFOP has therefore urged all delegation teams to show leadership and take an active and constructive stance in the upcoming rounds of Coastal State consultations. Now is the moment to deliver a lasting solution that protects both our environment and the resilience of Europe’s blue economy.

In June 2024, EFFOP joined the North Atlantic Pelagic Advocacy Group (NAPA) to urge all coastal states to reach an inclusive and enforceable agreement. Failure to do so could jeopardise certification schemes, harm Europe’s strategic autonomy, and damage the environmental integrity of the marine value chain. EFFOP is committed to promoting sustainable fisheries management and safeguarding healthy marine ecosystems.