Ahead of the meeting of EU fisheries ministers, later this year, the European Anglers Alliance (EAA) sent recommendations to the European Commission and EU Member States regarding sea bass measures for 2027.
- The EAA proposes a total catch that would stabilize SSB, ie 3431 tonnes in 2027. Bigger stocks and a more natural stock structure with more big fish serve anglers interests.
- Angling, together with small scale fisheries, has by far the largest socio-economic benefit to society while having a small environmental footprint. The EAA calls for this to be recognised and acknowledged when deciding on fishing opportunities for 2027.
- The EAA calls on the Commission to take note of the December 2025 Ifremer study that estimates that SSB will fall below Blim by 2031 if MSY policy continues.
- Future stock crashes that may be induced by this policy must be avoided with a timely adjustment to the seabass fishing opportunities policy.
- EAA opposes new gear types to enter the seabass fishery.
- The EAA opposes any further bycatch relaxations because contrary to claims to that effect, they have not lowered discards over the past years.
- EAA furthermore calls management to take the ‘unavoidable’ part of the legislation more seriously and implement alternative discard reduction strategies (more on that in our full paper).
- To avoid the targeting of vulnerable species such as sharks or other non-quota species to maximize seabass bycatch volumes, the EAA proposes to switch bycatch allowances to a landings value based percentage to avoid such unintended consequences.
- EAA calls upon the Commission to be pro-active and make sure management areas cover the fish wherever they go, anticipating the increasing effects of climate change on stock distribution.
