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REPORT (2025/2011(INI))

On the fisheries management approaches for safeguarding sensitive species, tackling invasive species and benefiting local economies

A-10-2026-0018

Committee on Fisheries · Rapporteur: André Rodrigues

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This resolution addresses safeguarding sensitive marine species, tackling invasive alien species (IAS), and supporting local economies. It calls for ecosystem-based fisheries management, better monitoring, and funding. It urges reducing bycatch, improving the IAS list, and supporting affected fishers and coastal communities.

Key points

  1. Urges the Commission and Member States to implement an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management, supporting fishers' prosperity and meeting EU goals on marine protected areas.
  2. Calls for reducing and eliminating incidental catches of sensitive species, ensuring they do not threaten conservation status.
  3. Stresses the importance of science-based MPA management plans and the EU target of protecting 30% of EU seas by 2030.
  4. Calls for full use of CFP tools, including technical measures, and fair compensation for fishers affected by loss of access to fishing grounds.
  5. Urges Member States to use Article 17 of the CFP Regulation to incentivise fishers to reduce bycatch, with attention to small-scale fleets.
  6. Calls for improved monitoring systems and comprehensive bycatch data to inform targeted mitigation measures.
  7. Regrets that the IAS list includes only two marine species and calls for its improvement based on scientific advice.
  8. Calls for regional monitoring systems and early warning strategies for alien species affecting economically relevant habitats.
  9. Recommends threshold-setting methodology for marine regions and enforcement of the Ballast Water Convention.
  10. Urges additional resources for the Mediterranean, which is warming faster and harbours many IAS.
  11. Calls for funding to support research, prevention, and eradication of IAS, and for compensation schemes for affected operators.
  12. Calls for recognition of the vulnerability of outermost regions and the potential of sustainable ecotourism.

Who is affected

  • Fishers and aquaculture operators, especially small-scale and artisanal ones, who may receive compensation and incentives.
  • Shellfish farmers and aquaculture producers affected by invasive species and predation.
  • Coastal communities in the EU, particularly in outermost regions, vulnerable to IAS and dependent on fisheries.

Figures and deadlines

  • 30% of EU seas to be protected by 2030.
  • 88 IAS are strictly regulated, including 47 animal and 41 plant species.
  • Only two marine species are on the IAS list of Union concern.
  • Mediterranean is warming 20% faster than the rest of the globe.

Legal basis: Article 43 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union