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
TITLE I — GENERAL PROVISIONS
Scope
1. This Regulation applies to Union fishing vessels operating in the Mediterranean and Black Seas and exploiting the following fish stocks:
(a)
European eel ( Anguilla anguilla ), red coral ( Corallium rubrum ) and common dolphinfish ( Coryphaena hippurus ) in the Mediterranean Sea;
(b)
blue and red shrimp ( Aristeus antennatus ), deep-water rose shrimp ( Parapenaeus longirostris ), giant red shrimp ( Aristaeomorpha foliacea ), European hake ( Merluccius merluccius ), Norway lobster ( Nephrops norvegicus ) and red mullet ( Mullus barbatus ) in the western Mediterranean Sea;
(c)
anchovy ( Engraulis encrasicolus ) and sardine ( Sardina pilchardus ) in the Adriatic Sea;
(d)
European hake ( Merluccius merluccius ), Norway lobster ( Nephrops norvegicus ), common sole ( Solea solea ), deep-water rose shrimp ( Parapenaeus longirostris ) and red mullet ( Mullus barbatus ) in the Adriatic Sea;
(e)
European hake ( Merluccius merluccius ) and deep-water rose shrimp ( Parapenaeus longirostris ) in the Strait of Sicily;
(f)
giant red shrimp ( Aristaeomorpha foliacea ) and blue and red shrimp ( Aristeus antennatus ) in the Strait of Sicily, in the Ionian Sea and in the Levant Sea;
(g)
blackspot seabream ( Pagellus bogaraveo ) in the Alboran Sea;
(h)
sprat ( Sprattus sprattus ) and turbot ( Scophthalmus maximus) in the Black Sea.
2. This Regulation also applies to other Union fishing activities, including recreational fisheries, where such fishing activities are expressly referred to in the relevant provisions.
Definitions
For the purposes of this Regulation, the definitions laid down in Article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 apply. In addition, the following definitions apply:
(a)
‘international waters’ means waters falling outside the sovereignty or jurisdiction of any State;
(b)
‘recreational fisheries’ means non-commercial fishing activities exploiting marine living aquatic resources for recreation, tourism or sport;
(c)
‘total allowable catch’ (TAC) means:
(i)
in fisheries subject to the exemption of the landing obligation as laid down in Article 15(4) to (7) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, the quantity of fish that can be landed from each stock each year;
(ii)
in all other fisheries, the quantity of fish that can be caught from each stock over the period of a year;
(d)
‘quota’ means a proportion of the TAC allocated to the Union or a Member State;
(e)
‘Union autonomous quota’ means a catch limit autonomously allocated to Union fishing vessels in the absence of an agreed TAC;
(f)
‘analytical quota’ means a Union autonomous quota for which an analytical assessment is available;
(g)
‘analytical assessment’ means a quantitative evaluation of trends in a given stock, based on data about the stock’s biology and exploitation, which scientific review has indicated to be of sufficient quality to provide scientific advice on options for future catches;
(h)
‘fish aggregating device’ (FAD) means any anchored equipment floating on the sea surface with the objective of attracting fish.
Fishing zones
For the purposes of this Regulation, the following fishing zone definitions apply:
(a)
‘GFCM geographical subareas’ (GFCM GSAs) means the areas set out in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2023/2124 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( 7 ) ;
(b)
‘Mediterranean Sea’ means the waters in GFCM geographical subareas 1 to 27, as set out in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2023/2124;
(c)
‘western Mediterranean Sea’ means the waters in GFCM geographical subareas 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, as set out in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2023/2124;
(d)
‘Adriatic Sea’ means the waters in GFCM geographical subareas 17 and 18, as set out in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2023/2124;
(e)
‘Strait of Sicily’ means the waters in GFCM geographical subareas 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16, as set out in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2023/2124;
(f)
‘Ionian Sea’ means the waters in GFCM geographical subareas 19, 20 and 21, as set out in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2023/2124;
(g)
‘Levant Sea’ means the waters in GFCM geographical subareas 24, 25, 26 and 27, as set out in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2023/2124;
(h)
‘Alboran Sea’ means the waters in GFCM geographical subareas 1, 2 and 3, as set out in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2023/2124;
(i)
‘Black Sea’ means the waters in GFCM geographical subarea 29, as set out in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2023/2124.
TITLE II — FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS
Chapter I — Mediterranean Sea
European eel
1. This Article applies to the GFCM geographical subareas 1 to 27, to brackish waters and to freshwaters. Brackish waters include estuaries, coastal lagoons and transitional waters.
2. It shall be prohibited to engage in commercial fishing activities for European eel (Anguilla anguilla ) of an overall length of more than 12 cm, either as a targeted species or as incidental by-catch, for a period of at least six months in 2026. To that effect, each Member State concerned shall determine one or more closure periods subject to the following:
(a)
where appropriate, the closure period or periods may differ within one Member State from one fishing area to another in order to take account of the geographical and temporal migration pattern of European eel at its different life stages;
(b)
the closure period or periods shall last either at least six consecutive months, or a total of six months in accordance with the conditions set out in paragraph 3; and
(c)
the closure period or periods shall be consistent with the conservation objectives set out in Council Regulation (EC) No 1100/2007 ( 8 ) , with national management plans in place and with the temporal migration patterns of European eel at the respective life stage in the Member State concerned.
3. The closure period shall be from 1 January to 31 March 2026, and an additional closure period of three months shall be established by each Member State concerned to take place between 1 April and 30 November 2026.
4. Commercial fishing activities for European eel of an overall length of less than 12 cm shall be authorised annually for a period of two months, and those fishing activities shall be monitored by a designated scientific institution which shall supervise data collection and analyses.
5. The maximum number of fishing authorisations and the maximum number of passive gears authorised to target European eel of an overall length of less than 12 cm for commercial purposes shall not exceed the levels set out in Annex I.
6. Recreational fisheries of European eel at all life stages shall be prohibited.
7. Each Member State concerned shall inform the Commission of:
(a)
the closure period or closure periods that it has determined in accordance with paragraphs 2 and 3 by 1 March 2026;
(b)
the national measures relating to the closure period or closure periods that it has determined in accordance with paragraphs 2 and 3, within two weeks of their adoption; and
(c)
the period authorised to fish for European eel of an overall length of less than 12 cm in accordance with paragraph 4, by 1 March 2026.
Red coral
1. This Article applies to all activities by Union fishing vessels harvesting red coral ( Corallium rubrum ) in the Mediterranean Sea.
2. For targeted fisheries, the maximum number of fishing authorisations and the maximum quantities of red coral stocks harvested by Union fishing vessels and Union harvesting activities shall not exceed the levels set out in Annex II.
Common dolphinfish
1. This Article applies to all commercial pelagic fishing activities by Union fishing vessels targeting common dolphinfish ( Coryphaena hippurus ) by using FADs in the Mediterranean Sea. It also applies to recreational fisheries of common dolphinfish in the Mediterranean Sea.
2. The maximum fleet capacity, expressed in number of vessels, kW and gross tonnage (GT), of Union fishing vessels authorised to fish for common dolphinfish is set out in Annex III.
3. The maximum number of FADs per vessel authorised to fish for common dolphinfish is set out in Annex III.
4. The maximum level of catches of common dolphinfish shall not exceed the levels set out in Annex III.
5. Recreational fisheries of common dolphinfish shall be allowed from 15 August to 31 December and the maximum number of catches shall be limited to 10 kg or five fish of any size per person per day.
Chapter II — Western Mediterranean Sea
Demersal stocks
1. This Article applies to all fishing activities by Union fishing vessels and other Union fishing activities catching demersal stocks referred to in Article 1(2) of Regulation (EU) 2019/1022 in the western Mediterranean Sea.
2. The maximum allowable fishing effort for trawlers and longliners is set out in Annex IV to this Regulation. Member States shall manage the maximum allowable fishing effort in accordance with Article 9 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1022 and Articles 26 to 34 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.
3. The maximum catch limits for deep-water shrimp in the Alboran Sea, Balearic Islands, Northern Spain and Gulf of Lion are set out in Annex IV.
4. The maximum catch limits for deep-water shrimp in Corsica Island, Ligurian Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea and Sardinia Island are set out in Annex IV.
5. The allocation of fishing opportunities among Member States as set out in Annex IV shall be without prejudice to:
(a)
exchanges made pursuant to Article 16(8) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013;
(b)
deductions and reallocations made pursuant to Article 37 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009;
(c)
additional landings allowed under Article 3 of Council Regulation (EC) No 847/96 ( 9 ) or under Article 15(9) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013;
(d)
quantities withheld in accordance with Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 or transferred under Article 15(9) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013;
(e)
deductions made pursuant to Articles 105, 106 and 107 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.
Compensation mechanism
1. For the fleet segment concerned, a Member State may adopt national legislation on a compensation mechanism in order to grant in 2026 to eligible vessels flying its flag an additional allocation of fishing days as provided for in paragraph 2 and calculated in accordance with paragraphs 7 and 8, provided that the vessel receiving the additional allocation fulfils one or more of the following conditions set at national level:
(a)
the vessel uses a trawl net with a square mesh codend of at least 45 mm when fishing in the continental shelf and upper slope;
(b)
the vessel uses a trawl net with a square mesh codend of at least 50 mm when fishing in the continental shelf and upper slope and in deep-waters;
(c)
the vessel’s activity is subject to a closure period prohibiting fishing activities for trawlers at depths between 100 m and 500 m for at least six consecutive weeks between February and September;
(d)
the vessel’s activity is subject to a closure period prohibiting fishing activities for trawlers in GFCM GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11 for at least four consecutive weeks between March and October;
(e)
the vessel’s activity is subject to a closure period prohibiting fishing activities for trawlers in GFCM GSAs 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 for at least four consecutive weeks between March and October;
(f)
at least 5 % of the vessel’s fishing grounds at depths between 100 m and 500 m fall within an area that is subject to a 12-month closure period prohibiting fishing activities;
(g)
the vessel’s fishing grounds fall within a temporary closure area established in order to reduce by at least 20 % catches of spawners of European hake;
(h)
the vessel’s fishing grounds fall within a temporary closure area established in order to reduce by at least 25 % catches of juvenile fish of all demersal species or by at least 20 % catches of spawners of all demersal species;
(i)
the vessel’s fishing grounds are subject to a permanent closure for fishing activity with trawlers fishing for blue and red shrimp and giant red shrimp in deep-waters at a depth below 600 m;
(j)
the vessel’s fishing grounds are subject to a permanent closure for fishing activity with trawlers fishing in deep-waters at a depth below 800 m;
(k)
the vessel uses a trawl with flying, mid-waters doors, low-contact otter boards or other doors which reduce the contact of the doors and the gear with the seabed, to preserve the essential fish habitats of the demersal species;
(l)
the vessel uses highly selective gear the technical specifications of which results in, according to a study by STECF, a reduction of at least 25 % of catches of juvenile fish of all demersal species or at least 20 % of spawners of all demersal species compared to 2020, such as a sorting grid with 20 mm spacing;
(m)
at least 10 % of the vessel’s fishing grounds at depths between 300 m and 600 m fall within an area that is subject to a permanent closure for fishing activity with trawlers fishing for Norway lobster in GFCM GSAs 6, 9 or 11;
(n)
the Member State concerned implements a permanent cessation of 5 % to 10 % of the fleet concerned or implements a permanent cessation of more than 10 % of the fleet concerned.
2. The allocation of additional fishing days referred to in paragraph 1 shall be calculated as follows:
(a)
if a vessel fulfils the condition set out in paragraph 1, point (a), a Member State may increase the allocation of fishing days by 9,3 %, unless:
—
the vessel concerned is implementing that measure before 1 May 2026, in which case the allocation of fishing days may be increased by 18,6 %,
—
the vessels that are implementing that measure before 1 May 2026 represent in total more than 40 % of the fleet of the Member State concerned in the EMU, in which case the allocation of fishing days may be increased by 25 %,
—
the measure applies to all vessels of the Member State concerned in the EMU before 1 May 2026, in which case the allocation of fishing days may be increased by 30 %, or
—
the vessel concerned has already implemented that measure in 2025 and continues to implement it in 2026 without interruption, in which case the allocation of fishing days for that vessel may be increased by 37 %; the percentages referred to in this point may not be cumulated;
(b)
if a vessel fulfils the condition set out in paragraph 1, point (b), a Member State may increase the allocation of fishing days by 15,4 %, unless:
—
the vessel concerned is implementing that measure before 1 May 2026, in which case the allocation of fishing days may be increased by 30,8 %,
—
vessels that are implementing that measure before 1 May 2026 represent in total more than 40 % of the fleet of the Member State concerned in the EMU, in which case the allocation of fishing days may be increased by 40 %,
—
the measure applies to all vessels of the Member State concerned in the EMU before 1 May 2026, in which case the allocation of fishing days may be increased by 50 %, or
—
the vessel concerned has already implemented that measure in 2025 and continues to implement it in 2026 without interruption, in which case the allocation of fishing days for that vessel may be increased by 55 %; the percentages referred to in this point may not be cumulated;
(c)
if the vessel’s activity is subject to the condition set out in paragraph 1, point (c), a Member State may increase the allocation of fishing days by 10 %, unless the vessel concerned has already been subject to that condition in 2025 and continues to be subject to it in 2026, in which case the allocation of fishing days for that vessel may be increased by 12 %; the percentages referred to in this point may not be cumulated;
(d)
if the vessel’s activity is subject to the condition set out in paragraph 1, point (d), a Member State may increase the allocation of fishing days by 15 %, unless the vessel concerned has already been subject to that condition in 2025 and continues to be subject to it in 2026, in which case the allocation of fishing days for that vessel may be increased by 18 %; if the closure is extended continuously for additional weeks, the allocation of fishing days of that vessel may be increased by 2 % for each additional week; the percentages referred to in this point may not be cumulated;
(e)
if the vessel’s activity is subject to the condition set out in paragraph 1, point (e), a Member State may increase the allocation of fishing days by 15 %, unless the vessel concerned has already been subject to that condition in 2025 and continues to be subject to it in 2026, in which case the allocation of fishing days for that vessel may be increased by 18 %; if the closure is extended continuously for additional weeks, the allocation of fishing days of that vessel may be increased by 2 % for each additional week; the percentages referred to in this point may not be cumulated;
(f)
if the vessel’s is subject to the condition set out in paragraph 1, point (f), a Member State may increase the allocation of fishing days by 4 %;
(g)
if the vessel’s activity is subject to the condition set out in paragraph 1, point (g), a Member State may increase the allocation of fishing days by 13 %, unless the vessel concerned has already been subject to that measure in 2025 and continues to be subject to it in 2026, in which case the allocation of fishing days for that vessel may be increased by 15 %; the percentages referred to in this point may not be cumulated;
(h)
if the vessel’s activity is subject to the condition set out in paragraph 1, point (h), a Member State may increase the allocation of fishing days by 3 %;
(i)
if the vessel’s activity is subject to the condition set out in paragraph 1, point (i), a Member State may increase the allocation of fishing days by 6 %;
(j)
if the vessel’s activity is subject to the condition set out in paragraph 1, point (j), a Member State may increase the allocation of fishing days by 3 %, which may be increased to 5 % if that measure was already implemented in 2025;
(k)
if a vessel fulfils the condition set out in paragraph 1, point (k), a Member State may increase the allocation of fishing days by 3 %;
(l)
if a vessel fulfils the condition set out in paragraph 1, point (l), a Member State may increase the allocation of fishing days by 3 %;
(m)
if the vessel’s activity is subject to the condition set out in paragraph 1, point (m), a Member State may increase the allocation of fishing days by 8 %;
(n)
if the vessel’s activity is subject to the condition set out in paragraph 1, point (n), a Member State may increase the allocation of fishing days by 15 %, unless a permanent cessation applies to more than 10 % of the fleet concerned, in which case the Member State may increase the allocation of fishing days by 30 %.
3. The Member State concerned shall submit to the Commission the draft national legislation relating to the selected conditions for the compensation mechanism referred to in paragraph 1 at least one month before its adoption.
4. The Member State concerned shall submit to the Commission the following information:
(a)
the list of vessels flying its flag that fulfil any of the conditions for compensation referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2; and
(b)
the related number of additional fishing days.
5. The notification of the additional allocation of fishing days shall be submitted to the Commission by 31 July 2026. If the Member State concerned submits to the Commission its notification of additional allocation of fishing days after 31 July 2026, the percentages specified in paragraph 2 shall be halved.
6. The Member State concerned shall separately submit every month to the Commission the effort deployed to be counted against the additional allocation referred to in paragraph 2, using the specific reporting codes designated for that purpose.
7. The Member State concerned shall calculate the additional allocation of fishing days on the basis of the baseline corresponding to the maximum allowable fishing effort fixed by Regulation (EU) 2024/259, proportionally to the relevant number of eligible vessels concerned by the conditions listed in paragraphs 1 and 2.
8. The Member State concerned shall not allocate additional fishing days that would result in the maximum allowable fishing effort set for the relevant fishing effort group in Regulation (EU) 2024/259, that is, Annex III and Article 8, being exceeded.
9. The Member State concerned shall enhance the monitoring, control and surveillance of fishing vessels referred to in this Article in order to ensure compliance with the eligibility conditions laid down in paragraph 1 and corresponding national measures.
10. The Member State concerned may transfer additional days allocated in accordance with this Article between vessels implementing the same conditions, provided that it applies a conversion factor which is supported by the best available scientific advice.
11. If the vessel concerned fulfils the conditions set out in paragraph 1, points (a) and (b), the number of additional fishing days allocated to that vessel pursuant to paragraph 2, points (a) and (b), may be cumulated.
Remedial measures for European hake in GFCM GSAs 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 and Norway lobster in GFCM GSA 6
1. This Article applies to fishing activities by Union vessels catching European hake ( Merluccius merluccius ) in GFCM GSAs 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 and Norway lobster ( Nephrops norvegicus ) in GFCM GSA 6.
2. The maximum catch limit of European hake for Union fishing vessels using gillnets and trammel nets (GNS, GTR, GND) in Union waters of the Western Mediterranean Sea is set out in Annex IV.
3. Member States shall adopt a minimum conservation reference size for Norway lobster of at least 25 mm carapace length (CL).
4. This Article shall not apply to fishing operations conducted for the exclusive purpose of scientific investigations, provided that those investigations are carried out in compliance with Article 25 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( 10 ) .
Remedial measures for European hake in GFCM GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11 and Norway lobster in GFCM GSA 9 and 11
1. This Article applies to fishing activities by Union vessels catching European hake (Merluccius merluccius ) in GFCM GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11 and Norway lobster ( Nephrops norvegicus ) in GFCM GSAs 9 and 11.
2. The maximum catch limit of European hake for Union fishing vessels using gillnets and trammel nets (GNS, GTR, GND) in Union waters of the Western Mediterranean Sea is set out in Annex IV.
3. It shall be prohibited to use otter-twin gear for trawlers fishing in GFCM GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11.
4. Member States shall adopt a minimum conservation reference size for Norway lobster of at least 25 mm carapace length (CL).
5. This Article shall not apply to fishing operations conducted for the exclusive purpose of scientific investigations, provided that those investigations are carried out in compliance with Article 25 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1241.
Data recording and transmission
1. Member States shall record and transmit the fishing effort data to the Commission in accordance with Articles 33 and 34 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 and Articles 146c, 146d and 146e of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 404/2011 ( 11 ) .
2. When Member States submit to the Commission data relating to fishing effort pursuant to Articles 33 and 34 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009, they shall use the fishing effort group codes set out in Annex IV to this Regulation.
Chapter III — Adriatic Sea
Small pelagic stocks
1. This Article applies to all fishing activities by Union fishing vessels catching sardine ( Sardina pilchardus ) and anchovy ( Engraulis encrasicolus ) in the Adriatic Sea.
2. The maximum level of catches of sardine and anchovy shall not exceed the levels set out in Annex V.
3. The maximum fleet capacity, expressed in number of vessels, kW and GT, of Union fishing vessels authorised to fish small pelagic stocks is set out in Annex V.
4. Articles 3 and 4 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply where a Member State uses the year-to-year flexibility provided for in Article 15(9) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.
Demersal stocks
1. This Article applies to all fishing activities by Union fishing vessels catching European hake ( Merluccius merluccius ), Norway lobster ( Nephrops norvegicus ), common sole ( Solea solea ), deep-water rose shrimp ( Parapenaeus longirostris ) and red mullet ( Mullus barbatus ) in the Adriatic Sea.
2. The maximum allowable fishing effort for those demersal stocks and the maximum fleet capacity within the scope of this Article is set out in Annex V.
3. Member States shall manage the maximum allowable effort in accordance with Articles 26 to 35 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.
Data transmission
When, pursuant to Articles 33 and 34 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009, Member States submit data relating to landings and fishing effort to the Commission, they shall use the stock codes and fishing effort group codes set out in Annex V to this Regulation.
Chapter IV — Strait of Sicily
European hake and deep-water rose shrimp
1. This Article applies to all activities by Union fishing vessels and other Union fishing activities catching European hake ( Merluccius merluccius ) and deep-water rose shrimp ( Parapenaeus longirostris ) in the Strait of Sicily.
2. The maximum fleet capacity, expressed in number of vessels, kW and GT, of bottom trawl vessels authorised to fish for demersal stocks within the scope of this Article is set out in Annex VI.
3. The maximum allowable fishing effort for European hake (expressed in number of fishing days), for bottom otter-trawl vessels (OTB) targeting European hake is set out in Annex VI.
4. The maximum level of catches of deep-water rose shrimp shall not exceed the levels set out in Annex VI.
5. Member States shall manage the maximum allowable fishing effort in accordance with Articles 26 to 35 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.
Deep-water shrimps
1. This Article applies to all fishing activities by Union fishing vessels and other Union fishing activities catching giant red shrimp ( Aristaeomorpha foliacea ) and blue and red shrimp ( Aristeus antennatus ) in the Strait of Sicily.
2. The maximum fleet capacity, expressed in number of vessels, kW and GT, of bottom trawl vessels authorised to fish the demersal stocks within the scope of this Article is set out in Annex VI.
3. The maximum level of catches shall not exceed the levels set out in Annex VI.
Data transmission
When, pursuant to Articles 33 and 34 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009, Member States submit data relating to landings of quantities of stocks caught to the Commission, they shall use the stock codes set out in Annex VI to this Regulation.
Chapter V — Ionian Sea and Levant Sea
Deep-water shrimps
1. This Article applies to all fishing activities by Union fishing vessels and other Union fishing activities catching giant red shrimp ( Aristaeomorpha foliacea ) and blue and red shrimp ( Aristeus antennatus ) in the Ionian Sea and in the Levant Sea.
2. The maximum fleet capacity, expressed in number of vessels, kW and GT, of bottom trawl vessels authorised to fish for demersal stocks within the scope of this Article is set out in Annex VII.
3. The maximum level of catches shall not exceed the levels set out in Annex VII.
Blackspot seabream
1. This Article applies to commercial and recreational fishing activities by Union fishing vessels catching blackspot seabream ( Pagellus bogaraveo ) with longlines and handlines in the Alboran Sea.
2. The maximum level of catches shall not exceed the levels set out in Annex VIII.
3. The maximum number of longliners and handliners authorised to fish for blackspot seabream is set out in Annex VIII.
4. A temporal closure shall be established with a view to protecting the key stock during spawning for periods of no less than 60 continuous days. Such closure shall last for at least two months and shall take place during the period from January to March 2026 and shall cover the key areas of distribution of blackspot seabream in the Alboran Sea.
5. Recreational fisheries for blackspot seabream shall be prohibited.
Sprat
1. This Article applies to all activities by Union fishing vessels and other Union fishing activities catching sprat ( Sprattus sprattus ) in the Black Sea.
2. The Union autonomous quota for sprat is set out in Annex IX.
3. Articles 3 and 4 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply where a Member State uses the year-to-year flexibility provided for in Article 15(9) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.
Turbot
1. This Article applies to all activities by Union fishing vessels and other Union fishing activities catching turbot ( Scophthalmus maximus) in the Black Sea.
2. The TAC for turbot applicable in Union waters in the Black Sea, the allocation of such TAC among Member States and the conditions functionally linked thereto, where appropriate, are set out in Annex IX.
3. Articles 3 and 4 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply where a Member State uses the year-to-year flexibility provided for in Article 15(9) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.
Management of fishing effort for turbot
Union fishing vessels authorised to fish for turbot within the scope of Article 21, irrespective of the vessels’ overall length, shall not exceed 180 fishing days per year.
Closure period for turbot
It shall be prohibited for Union fishing vessels to carry out any fishing activity for turbot, including transhipment, retaining on board, landing and first sale of turbot in Union waters in the Black Sea from 15 April to 15 June 2026.
Special provisions on allocations of fishing opportunities in the Black Sea
The allocation of fishing opportunities among Member States as set out in Annex IX to this Regulation shall be without prejudice to:
(a)
exchanges made pursuant to Article 16(8) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013;
(b)
deductions and reallocations made pursuant to Article 37 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009;
(c)
deductions made pursuant to Articles 105 and 107 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.
Data transmission
When, pursuant to Articles 33 and 34 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009, Member States submit to the Commission data relating to landings of quantities of stocks of sprat and turbot caught in Union waters in the Black Sea, they shall use the stock codes set out in Annex IX to this Regulation.
TITLE III — FINAL PROVISIONS
Entry into force and application
This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union .
It shall apply from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026.
Supplementary provisions
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION COMMERCIAL FISHING ACTIVITIES FOR GLASS EELS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE GFCM MULTIANNUAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR EUROPEAN EEL IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA
ANNEX ISupplementary provisions
ANNEX I
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION COMMERCIAL FISHING ACTIVITIES FOR GLASS EELS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE GFCM MULTIANNUAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR EUROPEAN EEL IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA
The tables in this Annex set out the maximum allowable number of fishing authorisations and the maximum numbers for fishing gear authorised for commercial fishing activities targeting European eel of an overall length of less than 12 cm.
For the purposes of this Annex, the following comparative table of Latin names and common names of fish stocks is provided:
Scientific name
Alpha-3 code
Common name
Anguilla anguilla
ELE
European eel
Table 1
Maximum number of fishing authorisations
Member States
European eel
ELE
Spain
153
Table 2
Maximum number of fishing gears
Member States
Fishing gear
Gear code
Units
Spain
Pots and traps
EPO
249
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE GFCM MULTIANNUAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR RED CORAL IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA
ANNEX IISupplementary provisions
ANNEX II
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE GFCM MULTIANNUAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR RED CORAL IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA
The tables in this Annex set out the maximum allowable number of fishing authorisations and the maximum level of harvested quantities of red coral in the Mediterranean Sea.
References to fishing zones are references to the GFCM GSAs.
For the purposes of this Annex, the following comparative table of Latin names and common names of fish stocks is provided:
Scientific name
Alpha-3 code
Common name
Corallium rubrum
COL
Red coral
Table 1
Maximum number of fishing authorisations
( *1 )
Member States
Red coral
COL
Greece
12
Spain
0 ( *2 )
France
32
Croatia
0 ( *2 )
Italy
40
Table 2
Maximum level of harvested quantities expressed in kilograms live weight
Species:
Red coral
Corallium rubrum
Zone:
Union waters in the Mediterranean Sea – GSAs 1-27
COL/GF1-27
Greece
1 844
Spain
0
( ** )
France
1 400
Croatia
0
( ** )
Italy
1 378
Union
4 622
TAC
Not relevant
( *1 ) Representing number of vessels or divers, or both, or a pair of one diver with one vessel, authorised to harvest red coral.
( *2 ) In accordance with the current temporal ban for red coral fisheries established in Spanish waters and in Croatian waters, pending possible changes.
( ** ) In accordance with the current temporal ban for red coral fisheries established in Spanish waters and in Croatian waters, pending possible changes.
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE MANAGEMENT OF COMMON DOLPHINFISH IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA
ANNEX IIISupplementary provisions
ANNEX III
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE MANAGEMENT OF COMMON DOLPHINFISH IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA
The tables in this Annex set out the maximum number, kW and GT of Union fishing vessels authorised to fish for common dolphinfish by using FADs in the Mediterranean Sea and the maximum level of catches.
References to fishing zones are references to GFCM GSAs.
For the purposes of this Annex, the following comparative table of Latin names and common names of fish stocks is provided:
Scientific name
Alpha-3 code
Common name
Coryphaena hippurus
DOL
Common dolphinfish
Table 1
Maximum fleet capacity of vessels targeting common dolphinfish by using FADs in the Mediterranean Sea (GSAs 1-27)
Member State
Number of vessels
kW
GT
Italy
261
21 061
1 986
Malta
130
16 662
1 296,28
Spain
45
2 105,73
153,34
Table 2
Maximum number of FADs per vessel authorised to target common dolphinfish in the Mediterranean Sea (GSAs 1-27), as well as a daily bag limit for anglers targeting common dolphinfish
Member State
Number of FADs per vessel
Italy
100
Malta
200
Spain
50
Recreational fisheries
Angling – daily bag limit = 10 kg or 5 fish/person/day
Table 3
Maximum level of catches in tonnes live weight caught in the Mediterranean Sea (GSAs 1-27)
Species:
Common dolphinfish
Coryphaena hippurus
Zone:
Union and International waters of GSAs 1-27
(DOL/MED)
Italy
1 174
Maximum level of catches
Malta
517
Spain
127
Union
1 818
TAC
Not relevant
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE MANAGEMENT OF DEMERSAL STOCKS IN THE WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA
ANNEX IVSupplementary provisions
ANNEX IV
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE MANAGEMENT OF DEMERSAL STOCKS IN THE WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA
The tables in this Annex set out the maximum allowable fishing effort (in fishing days) by stock groups, as defined in Article 2, point (13), of Regulation (EU) No 2019/1022, maximum catch limits and overall length of vessels for all types of trawls ( 1 ) and demersal longliners fishing for demersal stocks in the western Mediterranean Sea.
All fishing opportunities set out in this Annex shall be subject to the rules set out in Article 7 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1022 and Articles 26 to 35 of Regulation (EC) 1224/2009.
References to fishing zones are references to GFCM GSAs.
For the purposes of this Annex, the following comparative table of Latin names and common names of fish stocks is provided:
Scientific name
Alpha-3 code
Common name
Aristaeomorpha foliacea
ARS
Giant red shrimp
Aristeus antennatus
ARA
Blue and red shrimp
Merluccius merluccius
HKE
European hake
Mullus barbatus
MUT
Red mullet
Nephrops norvegicus
NEP
Norway lobster
Parapenaeus longirostris
DPS
Deep-water rose shrimp
1.
Maximum allowable fishing effort (in fishing days)
(a)
Number of fishing days for trawlers in the Alboran Sea, Balearic Islands, Northern Spain and Gulf of Lion (GSAs 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7)
Stock group
Overall length of vessels
Spain
France
Italy
Fishing effort group code
Additional allocation code
Red mullet in GSAs 1, 5, 6 and 7; European hake in GSAs 1, 5, 6 and 7; deep-water rose shrimp in GSAs 1, 5 and 6; Norway lobster in GSAs 5 and 6
< 12 m
317
0
0
EFF1/MED1_TR1
EFF1/MED1_TR1_AA
≥ 12 m and < 18 m
3 400
0
0
EFF1/MED1_TR2
EFF1/MED1_TR2_AA
≥ 18 m and < 24 m
6 379
2 023
0
EFF1/MED1_TR3
EFF1/MED1_TR3_AA
≥ 24 m
2 247
2 462
0
EFF1/MED1_TR4
EFF1/MED1_TR4_AA
Blue and red shrimp in GSAs 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7
< 12 m
0
0
0
EFF2/MED1_TR1
EFF2/MED1_TR1_AA
≥ 12 m and < 18 m
160
0
0
EFF2/MED1_TR2
EFF2/MED1_TR2_AA
≥ 18 m and < 24 m
1 615
0
0
EFF2/MED1_TR3
EFF2/MED1_TR3_AA
≥ 24 m
1 297
0
0
EFF2/MED1_TR4
EFF2/MED1_TR4_AA
(b)
Number of fishing days for trawlers in Corsica Island, Ligurian Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea and Sardinia Island (GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11)
Stock group
Overall length of vessels
Spain
France
Italy
Fishing effort group code
Additional allocation code
Red mullet in GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11; European hake in GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11; deep-water rose shrimp in GSAs 9, 10 and 11; Norway lobster in GSAs 9 and 10
< 12 m
0
138
1 202
EFF1/MED2_TR1
EFF1/MED2_TR1_AA
≥ 12 m and < 18 m
0
551
18 064
EFF1/MED2_TR2
EFF1/MED2_TR2_AA
≥ 18 m and < 24 m
0
138
12 148
EFF1/MED2_TR3
EFF1/MED2_TR3_AA
≥ 24 m
0
138
1 622
EFF1/MED2_TR4
EFF1/MED2_TR4_AA
Giant red shrimp in GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11
< 12 m
0
83
199
EFF2/MED2_TR1
EFF2/MED2_TR1_AA
≥ 12 m and < 18 m
0
333
1 465
EFF2/MED2_TR2
EFF2/MED2_TR2_AA
≥ 18 m and < 24 m
0
83
1 180
EFF2/MED2_TR3
EFF2/MED2_TR3_AA
≥ 24 m
0
83
158
EFF2/MED2_TR4
EFF2/MED2_TR4_AA
(c)
Number of fishing days for demersal longliners in Alboran Sea, Balearic Islands, Northern Spain and Gulf of Lion (GSAs 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7)
Stock group
Overall length of vessels
Spain
France
Italy
Fishing effort group code
European hake in GSAs 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7
< 12 m
9 433
6 432
0
EFF1/MED1_LL1
≥ 12 m and < 18 m
2 148
93
0
EFF1/MED1_LL2
≥ 18 m and < 24 m
74
0
0
EFF1/MED1_LL3
≥ 24 m
29
0
0
EFF1/MED1_LL4
(d)
Number of fishing days for demersal longliners in Corsica Island, Ligurian Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea and Sardinia Island (GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11)
Stock group
Overall length of vessels
Spain
France
Italy
Fishing effort group code
European hake in GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11
< 12 m
0
1 436
28 873
EFF1/MED2_LL1
≥ 12 m and < 18 m
0
44
4 131
EFF1/MED2_LL2
≥ 18 m and < 24 m
0
0
23
EFF1/MED2_LL3
≥ 24 m
0
0
0
EFF1/MED2_LL4
2.
Maximum catch limits for deep-water shrimps
(a)
Fishing opportunities for blue and red shrimp ( Aristeus antennatus ) in the Alboran Sea, Balearic Islands, Northern Spain and Gulf of Lion (GSAs 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7), expressed as maximum level of catches in tonnes live weight
Species:
Blue and red shrimp
Aristeus antennatus
Zone:
GSAs 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7
(ARA/GF1-7)
Spain
708,3
Maximum level of catches
France
45,9
Italy
0
Union
754,2
TAC
Not relevant
(b)
Fishing opportunities for blue and red shrimp ( Aristeus antennatus ) and giant red shrimp ( Aristaeomorpha foliacea ) in Corsica Island, Ligurian Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea and Sardinia Island (GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11), expressed as maximum level of catches in tonnes live weight
Species:
Blue and red shrimp
Aristeus antennatus
Zone:
GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11
(ARA/GF8-11)
Spain
0
Precautionary catch limit
Maximum level of catches
France
8,5
Italy
221,9
Union
230,4
TAC
Not relevant
Species:
Giant red shrimp
Aristaeomorpha foliacea
Zone:
GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11
(ARS/GF8-11)
Spain
0
Analytical catch limits
Maximum level of catches
France
4,9
Italy
323,4
Union
328,3
TAC
Not relevant
3.
Maximum catch limits for European hake
(a)
Fishing opportunities for European hake ( Merluccius merluccius) caught by static gear (GNS, GND and GTR) in the Alboran Sea, Balearic Islands, Northern Spain and Gulf of Lion (GSAs 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7), expressed as maximum level of catches in tonnes live weight.
Species:
European hake
Merluccius merluccius
Zone:
GSAs 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7
(HKE/GF1-7)
Spain
49,1
Analytical catch limit
Article 3(2) and 3(3) of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply.
Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply.
Article 15(9) of Regulation (EC) No 1380/2013 shall not apply.
Maximum level of catches
France
122,2
Italy
0
Union
171,3
TAC
Not relevant
(b)
Fishing opportunities for European hake ( Merluccius merluccius ) caught by static gear (GNS, GND and GTR) in Corsica Island, Ligurian Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea and Sardinia Island (GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11), expressed as maximum level of catches in tonnes live weight
Species:
European hake
Merluccius merluccius
Zone:
GSAs 8, 9, 10 and 11
(HKE/GF8-11)
Spain
0
Analytical catch limit
Article 3(2) and 3(3) of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply.
Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply.
Article 15(9) of Regulation (EC) No 1380/2013 shall not apply.
Maximum level of catches
France
0,2
Italy
261,5
Union
261,7
TAC
Not relevant
( 1 ) TBB, OTB, PTB, TBN, TBS, TB, OTM, PTM, TMS, TM, OTT, OT, PT, TX, OTP and TSP.
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE ADRIATIC SEA
ANNEX VSupplementary provisions
ANNEX V
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE ADRIATIC SEA
The tables in this Annex set out the fishing opportunities by stock or vessel effort groups and, where appropriate, the conditions functionally linked thereto, including the maximum number of Union fishing vessels authorised to fish small pelagics.
All fishing opportunities set out in this Annex shall be subject to the rules set out in Articles 26 to 35 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.
References to fishing zones are references to GFCM GSAs.
For the purposes of this Annex, the following comparative table of Latin names and common names of fish stocks is provided:
Scientific name
Alpha-3 code
Common name
Engraulis encrasicolus
ANE
Anchovy
Merluccius merluccius
HKE
European hake
Mullus barbatus
MUT
Red mullet
Nephrops norvegicus
NEP
Norway lobster
Parapenaeus longirostris
DPS
Deep-water rose shrimp
Sardina pilchardus
PIL
Sardine
Solea solea
SOL
Common sole
1.
Small pelagic stocks – GSAs 17 and 18
(a)
Maximum level of catches expressed in tonnes live weight
Species
Small pelagic species
(anchovy and sardine)
Zone:
Union and International waters of GSAs 17 and 18
Engraulis encrasicolus
(ANE/GF1718)
Sardina pilchardus
(PIL/GF1718)
Italy
14 154,5
8 062,3
Croatia
9 542,5
32 625,7
Slovenia
111
189
Union
23 808
40 877
TAC
Not relevant
(b)
Maximum fleet capacity of trawlers and purse seiners actively fishing for small pelagics
Member State
Gear
Number of vessels
kW
GT
Croatia
PS
249
77 145,52
18 537,72
Italy
PTM, OTM and PS
187
64 655
14 065
Slovenia ( *1 )
PS
4
433,7
38,5
2.
Demersal stocks – GSAs 17 and 18
(a)
Maximum allowable fishing effort (in fishing days) by types of trawls and fleet segment fishing for demersal stocks in GSAs 17 and 18 (Adriatic Sea).
Fishing Days 2026
Gear type
Geographical area
Stocks concerned
Overall length of vessels
Effort group code
Italy
Croatia
Slovenia
Trawls (OTB)
GSAs 17 and 18
Red mullet; European hake; deepwater rose shrimp, and Norway lobster
< 12m
EFF/MED3_OTB _TR1
2 507
8 988
( *2 )
≥ 12 m and
< 24 m
EFF/MED3_OTB _TR2
56 347
20 939
( *2 )
≥ 24 m
EFF/MED3_OTB _TR3
4 937
1 880
( *2 )
Beam trawls (TBB)
GSA 17
Common sole
< 12m
EFF/MED3_TBB _TR1
200
0
0
≥ 12 m and
< 24 m
EFF/MED3_TBB _TR2
3 744
0
0
≥ 24 m
EFF/MED3_TBB _TR3
3 723
0
0
(b)
Maximum fleet capacity of bottom trawler and beam trawl vessels authorised for fishing demersal stocks
Member State
Gear
Number of vessels
kW
GT
Croatia
OTB
495
79 867,99
13 267,99
Italy
OTB and TBB
1 363
260 618,37
47 148
Slovenia ( *3 )
OTB
11
1 813,00
168,67
( *1 ) The provision under paragraph 28 of Recommendation GFCM/44/2021/20 shall not apply to national fleets of less than 10 purse seiners or pelagic trawlers actively fishing for small pelagic stocks, as recorded both in national and GFCM registers in 2014, as in the case of Slovenia. In such case, the capacity of the active fleet may increase by not more than 50 % in number of vessels and in terms of gross tonnage (GT), gross registered tonnage (GRT) and kW.
( *2 ) Slovenia shall not exceed the effort limit of 3 000 fishing days per year in accordance with paragraph 13 of Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/5.
( *3 ) The provisions of paragraphs 9(c) and 28 of Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/5 shall not apply to national fleets operating with trawls (OTB) and fishing for less than 1 000 days during the reference period mentioned in paragraph 9(c) of Recommendation GFCM/43/2019/5. The fishing capacity of the active fleet operating with trawls (OTB) shall not increase by more than 50 % with respect to the reference period.
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE STRAIT OF SICILY
ANNEX VISupplementary provisions
ANNEX VI
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE STRAIT OF SICILY
The tables in this Annex set out the fishing opportunities by stock or vessels’ effort groups and, where appropriate, the conditions functionally linked thereto, including the maximum number of Union fishing vessels authorised to fish demersal species and deep-water shrimps.
All fishing opportunities set out in this Annex shall be subject to the rules set out in Articles 26 to 35 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.
References to fishing zones are references to GFCM GSAs.
For the purposes of this Annex, the following comparative table of Latin names and common names of fish stocks is provided:
Scientific name
Alpha-3 code
Common name
Merluccius merluccius
HKE
European hake
Parapenaeus longirostris
DPS
Deep-water rose shrimp
Aristaeomorpha foliacea
ARS
Giant red shrimp
Aristeus antennatus
ARA
Blue and red shrimp
1.
Demersal stocks
(a)
Maximum fleet capacity, expressed in number of vessels, kW and GT, of bottom trawl vessels authorised to fish demersal stocks in the Strait of Sicily (GSAs 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16)
Member State
Gear
Number of vessels
kW
GT
Cyprus
OTB
1
265
105
Spain
OTB
1
100
118
Italy
OTB
594
144 175
36 856
Malta
OTB
15
5 562
2 007
(b)
Maximum level of fishing effort (in number of fishing days), for bottom otter-trawl vessels (OTB) targeting European hake ( Merluccius merluccius ) in the Strait of Sicily (GSAs 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16)
Member State
Gear
Vessel length
Effort group code
Fishing days 2026
Cyprus
OTB
T-12
EFF4/MED4_OTB4
51
Italy
OTB
T-07
EFF4/MED4_OTB1
90
Italy
OTB
T-10
EFF4/MED4_OTB2
188
Italy
OTB
T-11
EFF4/MED4_OTB3
19 366
Italy
OTB
T-12
EFF4/MED4_OTB4
3 657
Malta
OTB
T-11
EFF4/MED4_OTB3
338
Malta
OTB
T-12
EFF4/MED4_OTB4
165
(c)
Maximum level of catches of deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris ) in the Strait of Sicily (GSAs 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16) expressed in tonnes live weight
Species:
Deep-water rose shrimp
Parapenaeus longirostris
Zone:
GSAs 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16
(DPS/GF12-16)
Cyprus
1
Analytical catch limit
Italy
2 020
Malta
5
Union
2 026
TAC
Not relevant
2.
Deep-water shrimps
(a)
Maximum fleet capacity, expressed in number of vessels, kW and GT, of bottom trawl vessels authorised to fish deep-water shrimp stocks in the Strait of Sicily (GSAs 12, 13 14, 15 and 16)
Member State
Gear
Number of vessels
kW
GT
Cyprus
OTB
1
265
105
Spain
OTB
2
440,56
218,78
Italy
OTB
239
76 232
22 672
Malta
OTB
15
5 562
2 007
(b)
Maximum level of catches of giant red shrimp ( Aristaeomorpha foliacea ) in the Strait of Sicily (GSAs 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16) expressed in tonnes live weight
Species
Giant red shrimp
Aristaeomorpha foliacea
Zone:
GSAs 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16
Spain
0,9
Analytical catch limit
Italy
794,4
Cyprus
0
Malta
33,7
Union
829
TAC
Not relevant
(c)
Maximum level of catches of blue and red shrimp ( Aristeus antennatus ) in the Strait of Sicily (GSAs 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16) expressed in tonnes live weight
Species
Blue and red shrimp
Aristeus antennatus
Zone:
GSAs 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16
(ARA/GF12-16)
Spain
0,9
Precautionary catch limit
Italy
91,9
Cyprus
0
Malta
7,1
Union
95
TAC
Not relevant
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE IONIAN SEA AND THE LEVANT SEA
ANNEX VIISupplementary provisions
ANNEX VII
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE IONIAN SEA AND THE LEVANT SEA
The tables in this Annex set out the maximum number of Union fishing vessels authorised to fish for demersal stocks in the Ionian Sea and the Levant Sea and the maximum level of catches.
References to fishing zones are references to GFCM GSAs.
For the purposes of this Annex, the following comparative table of Latin names and common names of fish stocks is provided:
Scientific name
Alpha-3 code
Common name
Aristaeomorpha foliacea
ARS
Giant red shrimp
Aristeus antennatus
ARA
Blue and red shrimp
1.
Ionian Sea
(a)
Maximum fleet capacity, expressed in number of vessels, kW and GT, of bottom trawl vessels authorised to fish deep-water shrimp stocks in the Ionian Sea (GSAs 19, 20 and 21)
Member State
Gear
Number of vessels
kW
GT
Greece
OTB
240
69 281
23 101
Italy
OTB
291
72 383
16 853
Malta
OTB
15
5 562
2 007
(b)
Maximum level of catches of giant red shrimp ( Aristaeomorpha foliacea) in the Ionian Sea (GSAs 19, 20 and 21) expressed in tonnes live weight
Species
Giant red shrimp
Aristaeomorpha foliacea
Zone:
GSAs 19, 20 and 21
(ARS/GF19-21)
Greece
31,3
Analytical catch limit
Italy
285,7
Malta
42
Union
359
TAC
Not relevant
(c)
Maximum level of catches of blue and red shrimp ( Aristeus antennatus ) in the Ionian Sea (GSAs 19, 20 and 21) expressed in tonnes live weight
Species
Blue and red shrimp
Aristeus antennatus
Zone:
GSAs 19, 20 and 21
(ARA/GF19-21)
Greece
13,8
Analytical catch limit
Italy
228,2
Malta
0
Union
242
TAC
Not relevant
2.
Levant Sea
(a)
Maximum fleet capacity, expressed in number of vessels, kW and GT, of bottom trawler vessels authorised to fish deep-water shrimp stocks in the Levant Sea (GSAs 24, 25, 26 and 27)
Member State
Gear
Number of vessels
kW
GT
Cyprus
OTB
6
2 048
618
Italy
OTB
34
15 345
5 542
(b)
Maximum level of catches of giant red shrimp ( Aristaeomorpha foliacea ) in the Levant Sea (GSAs 24, 25, 26 and 27) expressed in tonnes live weight
Species
Giant red shrimp
Aristaeomorpha foliacea
Zone:
GSAs 24, 25, 26 and 27
(ARS/GF24-27)
Italy
44,3
Precautionary catch limit
Cyprus
10,7
Union
55
TAC
Not relevant
(c)
Maximum level of catches of blue and red shrimp ( Aristeus antennatus ) in the Levant Sea (GSAs 24, 25, 26 and 27) expressed in tonnes live weight
Species
Blue and red shrimp
Aristeus antennatus
Zone:
GSAs 24, 25, 26 and 27
(ARA/GF24-27)
Italy
9,4
Precautionary catch limit
Cyprus
5,6
Union
15
TAC
Not relevant
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE ALBORAN SEA
ANNEX VIIISupplementary provisions
ANNEX VIII
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE ALBORAN SEA
The tables in this Annex set out the maximum number of Union fishing vessels authorised to fish for blackspot seabream in the Alboran Sea and the maximum level of catches.
References to fishing zones are references to GFCM GSAs.
For the purposes of this Annex, the following comparative table of Latin names and common names of fish stocks is provided:
Scientific name
Alpha-3 code
Common name
Pagellus boraraveo
SBR
Blackspot seabream
(a)
Maximum level of catches carried out by longliners and handliners expressed in tonnes live weight
Species
Blackspot seabream
Pagellus boraraveo
Zone:
Union waters in the Alboran Sea – GSAs 1, 2 and 3
(SBR/GF1-3)
Spain
9,1
Maximum level of catches
Union
9,1
TAC
Not relevant
(b)
Maximum number of longliners and handliners authorised for fishing in Alboran Sea (GSAs 1, 2 and 3)
Member State
Blackspot seabream in GSAs 1, 2 and 3
Spain
82
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE BLACK SEA
ANNEX IXSupplementary provisions
ANNEX IX
FISHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UNION FISHING VESSELS IN THE BLACK SEA
The tables in this Annex set out TACs and quotas expressed in tonnes live weight by stock and, where appropriate, the conditions functionally linked thereto.
All fishing opportunities set out in this Annex shall be subject to the rules set out in Articles 26 to 35 of Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009.
References to fishing zones are references to GFCM GSAs.
For the purposes of this Annex, the following comparative table of Latin names and common names of fish stocks is provided:
Scientific name
Alpha-3 code
Common name
Sprattus sprattus
SPR
Sprat
Scophthalmus maximus
TUR
Turbot
Species
Sprat
Sprattus sprattus
Zone:
Union waters in the Black Sea – GSA 29
(SPR/F3742C)
Bulgaria
8 032,50
Analytical TAC
Article 3(2) and 3(3) of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply.
Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply.
Romania
3 442,50
Union
11 475
TAC
Not relevant
Species:
Turbot
Scophthalmus maximus
Zone:
Union waters in the Black Sea – GSA 29
(TUR/F3742C)
Bulgaria
86,3
Analytical TAC
Article 3(2) and 3(3) of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply.
Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 shall not apply
Romania
88,3
Union
174,6
( *1 )
TAC
890
( *1 ) No fishing activity, including transshipment, retaining on board, landing and first sale, shall be permitted from 15 April to 15 June 2026.
Source: EUR-Lex (Publications Office of the EU), © European Union, reuse permitted under Commission Decision 2011/833/EU.
