New Advice on the Implementation of the EU Fisheries Control Regulation

Over recent years, most of the Advisory Councils (ACs) have actively engaged with the revision of the EU Control Regulation, providing detailed recommendations throughout the co-decision process. Following the adoption and publication of the revised regulation in January last year, the ACs have shifted their focus toward its implementation, calling for a collaborative approach involving all relevant stakeholders.

On 5 February 2025, the North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) hosted a joint workshop on the implementation of the revised Control Regulation. This event brought together seven other ACs—Pelagic AC (PelAC), North Sea AC (NSAC), Baltic Sea AC, Mediterranean AC, Long Distance AC, Outermost Regions AC, and South Western Waters AC – highlighting the broad interest in ensuring effective implementation of the new rules.

EFFOP – Marine Nutrients Europe, a member of several ACs, also participated in the workshop on 5 February.

Among the topics addressed in the ACs’ advice on the Control Regulation is the issue of weighing procedures. NWWAC, PelAC, and NSAC have expressed their support for the European Commission’s commitment to standardising protocols and procedures related to landings, species identification, sampling, and catch weighing across the EU. The ACs stress the importance of requiring all actors involved in these processes – whether national authorities, designated personnel, or certified inspectors – to comply with clear and consistent standards that ensure independence, reliability, proportionality, impartiality, and alignment with best practices. This approach will help promote transparency and consistency across Member States. Similar standards should also be pursued in cooperation with third countries.

At EFFOP, we strongly support this advice. It has been – and continues to be – a priority for us to ensure that all parties involved in landings and weighing adhere to these principles of independence and impartiality.

Read the full advice here.