The European Commission has released a comprehensive evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) Regulation, spanning the decade from 2014 to 2024. This landmark report assesses the policy's effectiveness in promoting sustainable fishing practices across the European Union while supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities. Launched amid growing concerns over marine ecosystem health and economic viability in the sector, the evaluation highlights both notable strides and persistent hurdles in achieving the CFP's ambitious goals.

The Common Fisheries Policy, established in its current form through Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, sets out a framework for managing EU fishing fleets, conserving fish stocks, and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability. It emphasizes the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) principle, aiming for fish stocks to be fished at levels that produce the highest possible yield without depleting populations. The policy also introduced the landing obligation to curb discards— the practice of throwing unwanted catch back into the sea— and promotes ecosystem-based management to protect marine biodiversity.

Background: A Decade of Reform and Ambition

The 2013 CFP reform was a response to decades of overfishing that had pushed many European stocks to the brink. Prior to 2014, around 80% of assessed stocks in the Northeast Atlantic were overfished. The new regulation mandated ending overfishing by 2015 where possible and by 2020 at the latest, alongside multi-annual management plans and stricter controls. Over the past ten years, the EU has invested heavily in monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) systems, including vessel tracking via Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) and electronic reporting.

This evaluation comes at a pivotal time, as climate change alters fish distributions, illegal fishing persists globally, and geopolitical tensions affect supply chains. The Commission's analysis draws on data from STECF (Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries), member state reports, and stakeholder consultations, providing a data-driven snapshot of progress.

Key Achievements: Steps Toward Sustainability

One of the report's positive highlights is the gradual improvement in stock status. Overfished stocks in the Atlantic have declined from 82% in 2014 to about 41% in 2024, with some species like Northeast Atlantic herring and blue whiting showing strong recoveries. Multi-annual plans have stabilized catches for key stocks, contributing to higher biomass levels. The landing obligation, phased in since 2015, has reduced discards by an estimated 50% in covered fisheries, promoting better resource use and providing valuable data on catches.

Environmental integration has advanced too, with marine protected areas (MPAs) expanding to cover 10% of EU waters under strict protection. Aquaculture production has grown 20%, offsetting some wild-capture declines and diversifying supply. Governance improvements include better international cooperation, with sustainable fisheries partnerships (SFPs) securing access to third-country waters while advancing global sustainability standards.

• Reduction in overfishing rates in the Mediterranean by 15% through targeted plans.
• Increased use of selective gear, cutting bycatch of juveniles and non-target species.
• EU fleet modernization, with 25% capacity reduction aiding efficiency.

Persistent Challenges: Overfishing and Economic Strain

Despite gains, the report flags slow progress toward full MSY compliance, with only 59% of stocks fished sustainably in 2024—short of the 2030 target of zero overfishing. In the Mediterranean, 62% of stocks remain overexploited, hampered by data gaps and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Discards persist at 10-15% due to choke species and quota inflexibility.

Economically, the sector faces headwinds. EU landings fell 18% since 2014, fleet numbers dropped 23%, and employment declined 20%, to 130,000 jobs. Profitability varies: profitable in the North Sea but marginal in the Mediterranean, where fuel costs and low prices exacerbate vulnerabilities. Climate change shifts stocks northward, stranding southern fleets, while post-Brexit access losses hit UK-related fisheries indirectly.

Implementation Gaps Across Member States

Uneven enforcement is a core issue. Northern states like Denmark and Sweden excel in MCS and comply with quotas, while southern counterparts struggle with administrative burdens and capacity. The report notes delays in adopting delegated acts and inconsistent application of the landing obligation. For more details on the full evaluation, see the Commission's press release.

Stakeholder consultations reveal frustration: small-scale fishers feel sidelined by industrial fleets, which capture 80% of quotas despite comprising 75% of vessels numerically.

Environmental and Climate Dimensions

The CFP's ecosystem approach has protected vulnerable habitats, but biodiversity loss continues. Bycatch of seabirds, marine mammals, and sharks remains high, and bottom trawling impacts seafloors. Climate resilience is emerging, with adaptive management plans incorporating stock shifts. A related study on fleet capacity underscores the need for green transitions.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Divergent Views

Industry groups like Europêche call for targeted revisions to simplify rules and boost competitiveness, citing bureaucratic overload. Environmental NGOs, including WWF and Seas At Risk, praise the framework but urge stricter enforcement over reform. WWF notes the policy is "fit for purpose" if implemented fully. Fishers highlight soaring fuel costs (up 40% post-energy crisis) and quota inflexibility.

• Small-scale fishers: Need priority access to inshore stocks.
• Large operators: Demand quota swaps and inter-species flexibility.
• Scientists: Push for real-time data and AI monitoring.

Economic Impacts and Viability

The EU fisheries contribute €22 billion annually, but viability scores average 6/10. High-value stocks like cod have rebounded, boosting revenues, yet low-price species dominate landings. Subsidies (€1.5 billion/year) support modernization, but critics argue they prop up overcapacity. Post-2026 fishing opportunities emphasize sustainability, with TACs (total allowable catches) set scientifically.

Case study: Baltic Sea herring stocks collapsed due to poor recruitment, prompting emergency closures and diversification into sprat.

Future Recommendations and Reforms

The Commission recommends no wholesale reform but targeted actions: streamline admin (reduce reporting by 25%), enhance MCS with digital tools, incentivize low-impact gear via EMFF funding (€6.1 billion 2021-2027), and integrate climate adaptation. A public consultation on CFP regulation runs through 2025, feeding into 2027 review. For NGO insights, check Seas At Risk's response.

Implications for Coastal Communities

With 4.5 million jobs linked to fisheries and aquaculture, balanced management is vital. The report stresses social sustainability, advocating training for green jobs and just transitions. Regions like Galicia (Spain) and Scotland show diversification success via tourism and aquaculture.

Global Context and EU Leadership

EU catches represent 12% globally, but influence extends via trade and RFMOs (Regional Fisheries Management Organizations). The CFP advances UN SDG 14, though IUU remains a threat. Partnerships with UK, Norway post-Brexit stabilize shared stocks.

Outlook: A Path Forward

The evaluation signals the CFP's resilience but underscores urgency. With MSY targets looming and climate pressures mounting, bolder implementation could secure healthy oceans and prosperous fisheries. Stakeholders anticipate dialogue leading to pragmatic enhancements, ensuring the policy endures for generations.

For deeper reading on fleet sustainability, explore the fleet capacity study.

Photo by Najib Chari on Unsplash