Council Regulation (EU) 2026/266 of 26 January 2026 fixing for 2026 the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Mediterranean and Black Seas

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 43(3) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

(1) The Council is to adopt measures on the fixing and allocation of fishing opportunities, including certain conditions functionally linked to those fishing opportunities, as appropriate. Article 16(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) provides that fishing opportunities are to be allocated to Member States in such a way as to ensure the relative stability of fishing activities of each Member State for each fish stock or fishery. Article 16(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 provides that fishing opportunities are to be fixed in accordance with the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy set out in Article 2(2) of that Regulation.

(2) Therefore, in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, the fishing opportunities for 2026 should be fixed on the basis of available scientific advice, taking into account biological and socioeconomic aspects whilst ensuring fair treatment between fishing sectors, as well as the opinions expressed during consultations with stakeholders.

(3) At its 47th annual meeting in 2024, the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) adopted Recommendation GFCM/47/2024/1 which establishes long-term management measures for European eel (Anguilla anguilla) as foreseen by Recommendation GFCM/46/2023/16 on a long-term management plan for European eel (GFCM geographical subareas (‘GFCM GSAs’) 1 to 27). Recommendation GFCM/47/2024/1 maintains for 2026 the six-month closure period for commercial fisheries and a ban on recreational fisheries. Furthermore, that Recommendation limits the commercial fishing activities for glass eels to a period of two months and allows such fishing only under certain conditions. Those measures are to apply to all marine waters of the Mediterranean Sea and to freshwaters, as well as to brackish waters, including estuaries, coastal lagoons and transitional waters, in accordance with that Recommendation. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.

(4) At its 47th annual meeting in 2024, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/47/2024/2 which establishes long-term measures for the sustainable exploitation of red coral (Corallium rubrum) as foreseen by Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/4 on a management plan for the sustainable exploitation of red coral in the Mediterranean Sea (GFCM GSAs 1 to 27). Recommendation GFCM/47/2024/2 maintains for 2026 the freezing of fishing effort expressed as a maximum number of fishing authorisations and harvest limits for red coral. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.

(5) At its 46th annual meeting in 2023, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/46/2023/14 on a multiannual management plan for the sustainable exploitation of common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) in the Mediterranean Sea (GFCM GSAs 1 to 27). That Recommendation introduced, consistent with the precautionary approach and for a transitional period of 2024 to 2026, a fleet capacity ceiling, a freeze on the capacity of fish aggregating devices (FADs) per vessel, a catch limit and a temporal closure. For recreational fisheries, Recommendation GFCM/46/2023/14 further provides that a daily bag limit is to be observed as well as a prohibition period. Those measures have been implemented in Union law since 2024 by means of Council Regulations (EU) 2024/259 (2) and (EU) 2025/219 (3). Those measures should continue to be implemented in Union law for 2026. Those measures are without prejudice to the management measures proposed by the Scientific Advisory Committee within GFCM for the long-term management plan for the period 2027 to 2031.

(6) Regulation (EU) 2019/1022 of the European Parliament and of the Council (4) established a multiannual plan for the fisheries exploiting demersal stocks in the western Mediterranean Sea (GFCM GSAs 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11). That plan sets out targets and measures for the long-term conservation and sustainable exploitation of stocks covered by it. This includes measures to reach and maintain the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) for target stocks, ensuring that exploitation of living marine biological resources restores and maintains populations of harvested species above levels which can produce the MSY.

(7) In accordance with Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2019/1022, fishing opportunities for stocks listed in Article 1(2) of that Regulation are to be fixed in accordance with the range of fishing mortality values resulting in MSY (ranges of FMSY), or at a lower level, and in accordance with the safeguards provided for in that Regulation. The ranges of FMSY are set out in the relevant advice of the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF). Where no adequate scientific information is available, fishing opportunities for stocks referred to in Article 1(2) and Article 1(3) of that Regulation are to be fixed in accordance with the precautionary approach to fisheries management, in accordance with Article 4(6) of that Regulation.

(8) Moreover, fishing opportunities are to be expressed as a maximum allowable fishing effort for trawlers and longliners, set in accordance with the fishing effort regime laid down in Article 7 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1022, and as maximum catch limits for blue and red shrimp (Aristeus antennatus) and giant red shrimp (Aristaeomorpha foliacea) in deep waters, set in accordance with scientific advice and Article 16(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.

(9) STECF was requested to simulate a wide range of effort management scenarios for different effort management units (EMU), namely EMU 1 (GFCM GSAs 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7) and EMU 2 (GFCM GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11), up to 2030. STECF provided advice showing that the selectivity efforts made in 2025 significantly reduce fishing mortality for some stocks and bring it closer to FMSY, while also highlighting the necessity of implementing additional management measures. However, STECF was unable to fully address the different outcomes of the selectivity measures in 2025. In order to allow for additional time for scientific review of the selectivity efforts made in 2025 and 2024, the fishing effort level should be maintained at the level set for 2025 by Regulation (EU) 2025/219.

(10) In 2025, STECF advised that longliners have an impact on European hake (Merluccius merluccius) spawners, in particular in GFCM GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11. In GFCM GSAs 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7, it is appropriate to maintain, for 2026, the maximum allowable fishing effort for longliners at the levels set for 2025 by Regulation (EU) 2025/219, on the basis of Article 7(5) of Regulation (EU) 2019/1022.

(11) In 2025, STECF advised that the fishing mortality of blue and red shrimp in GFCM GSAs 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 remains far from sustainable levels and that further management measures are thus required in addition to fishing effort reduction. In order to build on the measures adopted in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, and in accordance with Article 16(4) of the Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, it is therefore appropriate to complement the fishing effort regime with maximum catch limits and to set the maximum catch limits for blue and red shrimp in GFCM GSAs 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 at the level set for 2025 by Regulation (EU) 2025/219.

(12) In 2025, STECF advised that further management measures for blue and red shrimp in GFCM GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11 are required in addition to fishing effort reduction. It is therefore appropriate to complement the fishing effort regime with maximum catch limits, to build on the measures adopted in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, and in accordance with Article 16(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013. The maximum catch limits for blue and red shrimp in GFCM GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11 should be maintained at the level set for 2025 by Regulation (EU) 2025/219.

(13) In 2025, STECF advised that further management measures for giant red shrimp in GFCM GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11 are required in addition to fishing effort reduction. It is therefore appropriate to complement the fishing effort regime with maximum catch limits, in order to build on the measures adopted in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, and to set the maximum catch limits for giant red shrimp in GFCM GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11 at the level set for 2025 by Regulation (EU) 2025/219.

(14) In order to promote the use of selectivity of fishing gear and to establish efficient closure areas to protect juvenile fish and spawners, Council Regulation (EU) 2022/110 (5) established a compensation mechanism in relation to the effort regime for trawlers. As STECF continues to recommend for 2026 the further improvement of selectivity of fishing gear and of efficiency of closure areas to protect juvenile fish and spawners, and as those measures have a demonstrated impact on the fishing mortality, Member States should be able to allocate additional fishing days to a fishing vessel if it complies with at least one such measure set at national level. The Member State concerned should not allocate additional fishing days that would result in the level of fishing effort set for the relevant fishing effort group by Regulation (EU) 2024/259, that is, Annex III and Article 8, being exceeded.

(15) In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1022, where scientific advice shows that the spawning stock biomass of any of the stocks referred to in Article 1(2) of that Regulation is below the precautionary biomass reference point (BPA), or is below the limit biomass reference point (BLIM), remedial measures are to be taken to ensure the rapid return of the stocks to levels above those capable of producing MSY. In 2025, STECF concluded that seven of the stocks concerned have a spawning stock biomass outside safe biological limits, namely Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) in GFCM GSAs 6, 9 and 11, European hake in GFCM GSAs 1, 5, 6 and 7, European hake in GFCM GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11, blue and red shrimp in GFCM GSAs 6 and 7, and striped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus) in GFCM GSA 5. Therefore, remedial measures should be implemented in Union law, providing for catch limits for European hake for fishing vessels using gillnets and trammel nets, and for the introduction of a minimum conservation reference size for Norway lobster.

(16) At its 44th annual meeting in 2021, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/44/2021/20 on a multiannual management plan for the sustainable exploitation of small pelagic stocks in the Adriatic Sea (GFCM GSAs 17 and 18), which introduced from 2022 to 2029 a maximum level of catches and a related fleet capacity ceiling for purse seiners and pelagic trawlers targeting small pelagics. Those measures that relate to 2026 should be implemented in Union law.

(17) At its 48th annual session in 2025, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/48/2025/5 on a long-term fishing regime and the establishment of catch limits in 2026 for small pelagic stocks in the Adriatic Sea (GFCM GSAs 17 and 18), amending Recommendation GFCM/44/2021/20 and repealing Recommendations GFCM/42/2018/8, GFCM/40/2016/3, GFCM/39/2015/1, GFCM/38/2014/1, GFCM/37/2013/1 and GFCM/30/2006/1. Recommendation GFCM/48/2025/5 establishes for 2026 catch limits for anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardines (Sardina pilchardus), in line with the harvest control rules. The allocation of fishing opportunities among Member States should be based on the historical catches of each Member State concerned. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.

(18) At its 43rd annual meeting in 2019, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/5 on a multiannual management plan for sustainable demersal fisheries in the Adriatic Sea (GFCM GSAs 17 and 18), which introduced a fishing effort regime and a fleet capacity ceiling for certain demersal stocks, as well as an obligation to reach FMSY for the key stocks in 2026. Those measures that relate to 2026 should be implemented in Union law.

(19) At its 48th annual session in 2025, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/48/2025/6 on the implementation of a fishing effort regime for key demersal stocks in the Adriatic Sea (GFCM GSAs 17 and 18) in 2026, stemming from Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/5. Recommendation GFCM/48/2025/6 provides for a reduction of the fishing effort regime for otter-trawlers by 9,6 % and an increase of 3 % of the 2025 effort levels for beam-trawlers. In order to implement those measures in Union law, 9,6 % should therefore be deducted from the maximum allowable fishing effort for otter-trawlers set for 2025 by Regulation (EU) 2025/219 and the maximum allowable fishing effort for beam-trawlers should be increased by 3 % compared to 2025 levels.

(20) Taking into account the particularities of the Slovenian fleet and its marginal impact on the stocks of small pelagic and demersal stocks, and in accordance with paragraph 33 of Recommendation GFCM/44/2021/20 and paragraph 13 of Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/5, it is appropriate to preserve existing fishing patterns and to ensure access by the Slovenian fleet to a minimum quantity of small pelagic species and a minimum effort allocation for demersal stocks.

(21) At its 45th annual meeting in 2022, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/4 on a multiannual management plan for the sustainable exploitation of demersal stocks in the Strait of Sicily (GFCM GSAs 12 to 16), repealing Recommendations GFCM/44/2021/12 and GFCM/42/2018/5. Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/4 introduced an effort regime for European hake and catch limits for deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris), as well as a fishing capacity freeze. Those measures that relate to 2026 should be implemented in Union law.

(22) At its 48th annual session in 2025, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/48/2025/2 on the extension of the transitional period of the multiannual management plan for the sustainable exploitation of demersal stocks in the Strait of Sicily (GFCM GSAs 12 to 16), amending Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/4. Recommendation GFCM/48/2025/2 provides for the extension by one year of the transitional period of the management plan and maintains for 2026 the fishing opportunities set in 2025. In order to implement those measures in Union law, maximum level of catches set for 2025 by Regulation (EU) 2025/219 should therefore be maintained for 2026.

(23) At its 45th annual meeting in 2022, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/5 on a multiannual management plan for the sustainable exploitation of giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp stocks in the Strait of Sicily (GFCM GSAs 12 to 16), repealing Recommendations GFCM/44/2021/7 and GFCM/43/2019/6. Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/5 introduced a catch limit and a fishing capacity freeze. Those measures that relate to 2026 should be implemented in Union law.

(24) At its 48th annual session in 2025, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/48/2025/9 on the extension of the transitional period of the multiannual management plan for the sustainable exploitation of giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp stocks in the Strait of Sicily (GFCM GSAs 12 to 16), amending Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/5. For 2026, Recommendation GFCM/48/2025/9 provides for the extension by one year of the transitional period of the management plan and a reduction of 3 % of the catch limits for giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp. In order to implement those measures in Union law, 3 % should therefore be deducted from the maximum catch limits for giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp set for 2025 by Regulation (EU) 2025/219.

(25) At its 45th annual meeting in 2022, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/6 on a multiannual management plan for the sustainable exploitation of giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp stocks in the Ionian Sea (GFCM GSAs 19 to 21), repealing Recommendations GFCM/44/2021/8 and GFCM/42/2018/4. Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/6 introduced a catch limit and a fishing capacity freeze. Those measures that relate to 2026 should be implemented in Union law.

(26) At its 48th annual session in 2025, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/48/2025/3 on the extension of the transitional period of the multiannual management plan for the sustainable exploitation of giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp in the Ionian Sea (GFCM GSAs 19 to 21), amending Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/6. For 2026, Recommendation GFCM/48/2025/3 provides for the extension by one year of the transitional period of the management plan and a reduction of 3 % of the catch limits for giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp. In order to implement those measures in Union law, 3 % should therefore be deducted from the maximum catch limits for giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp set for 2025 by Regulation (EU) 2025/219.

(27) At its 45th annual meeting in 2022, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/7 on a multiannual management plan for the sustainable exploitation of giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp stocks in the Levant Sea (GFCM GSAs 24 to 27), repealing Recommendations GFCM/44/2021/6 and GFCM/42/2018/3. Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/7 introduced a catch limit and a fishing capacity freeze. Those measures that relate to 2026 should be implemented in Union law.

(28) At its 48th annual session in 2025, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/48/2025/4 on the extension of the transitional period of the multiannual management plan for sustainable demersal trawl fisheries targeting giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp in the Levant Sea (GFCM GSAs 24 to 27), amending Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/7. For 2026, Recommendation GFCM/48/2025/4 provides for the extension by one year of the transitional period of the management plan and a reduction of 3 % of the catch limits for giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp. In order to implement those measures into Union law, 3 % should therefore be deducted from the maximum catch limits for giant red shrimp and blue and red shrimp set for 2025 by Regulation (EU) 2025/219.

(29) At its 45th annual meeting in 2022, the GFCM adopted Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/3 on a multiannual management plan for the sustainable exploitation of blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) in the Alboran Sea (GFCM GSAs 1 to 3), repealing Recommendations GFCM/44/2021/4, GFCM/43/2019/2 and GFCM/41/2017/2. Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/3 introduced a maximum number of longliners and handliners authorised for fishing in Alboran Sea. That measure should be implemented in Union law.