Berliner Tageblatt - EU Cuts Southern Hake Quotas by 20% for 2027 Amid Stock Concerns

The European Commission has proposed a substantial 20% reduction in southern hake fishing quotas for 2027, establishing a catch limit of 13,956 tonnes. This draft proposal will form the foundation for negotiations between member states and the Commission during the fisheries council scheduled for December.

Southern hake is a high-value species with significant demand among European consumers. The proposed cut reflects broader efforts to manage fish stocks, as the Commission also recommends a 15% reduction for sole due to low biomass levels indicated by scientific data.

Conversely, quotas for monkfish will increase by 22%, reaching 6,563 tonnes. For northern hake, limits remain pending agreement with the United Kingdom and are expected to be announced shortly. Recommendations for Bay of Biscay anchovy and Cantabrian langoustine are currently unavailable due to a lack of recent scientific data.

The limit for sea bass will remain unchanged at 3,884 tonnes, with national allocations determined by France, Spain, and Portugal. Additionally, given the critical status of European eel, the fishing ban will continue for six months, alongside a prohibition on recreational fishing.

O.Lorenz--BTB