Reform history

Each Member State with a bluefin tuna quota shall establish an annual fishing capacity management plan. In that plan, the Member State shall adjust the number of catching vessels and traps in a way that ensures that the fishing capacity is commensurate with the fishing opportunities allocated to catching vessels and traps for the relevant quota period. The Member State shall adjust the fishing capacity using the parameters defined in the applicable Union act for the allocation of fishing opportunities. The adjustment of Union fishing capacity for purse seine vessels shall be limited to a maximum variation of 20 % compared to the baseline fishing capacity of 2018.

It shall be prohibited for farm Member States to authorise the cage of bluefin tuna that are not accompanied by the documents required by ICCAT in the framework of the catch documentation programme of Regulation (EU) 2023/2833 (⁴). The documentation shall be accurate and complete, and shall be validated by the flag Member State or CPC of the catching vessels or the catching trap Member State or CPC.

For the purposes of Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council (⁶), this Regulation shall be deemed to be a multiannual plan within the meaning of Article 9 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.

1.Each Member State shall ensure the following capacity limitations are respected:

(a) The maximum number of its baitboats and trolling boats authorised to fish actively bluefin tuna to the number of the vessels participating in directed fishery for bluefin tuna in 2006.

(b) The maximum number of its artisanal fleet authorised to fish actively bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean to the number of the vessels participating in the fishery for bluefin tuna in 2008.

(c) The maximum number of its catching vessels authorised to fish actively bluefin tuna in the Adriatic Sea to the number of the vessel participating in the fishery for bluefin tuna in 2008.

Each Member State shall allocate individual quotas to the vessels concerned.

— no more than 7 % of its quota for bluefin tuna among its baitboats and trolling boats. In the case of France, a maximum of 100 tonnes of bluefin tuna weighing no less than 6,4 kg or 70 cm fork length may be caught by vessels flying the flag of France of a length overall of less than 17 metres operating in the Bay of Biscay,

— no more than 2 % of its quota for bluefin tuna among its coastal artisanal fishery for fresh fish in the Mediterranean,

— no more than 90 % of its quota for bluefin tuna among its catching vessels in the Adriatic Sea for farming purposes.

3.For a maximum of 7 % by weight of individuals of bluefin tuna caught in the Adriatic Sea for farming purposes by vessels flying its flag, Croatia may apply a minimum weight of 6,4 kg or 66 cm fork length.

4.Member States whose baitboats, longliners, handliners and trolling boats are authorised to fish for bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean shall institute tail tag requirements as follows: