North-East Atlantic fisheries grapple with conservation, compliance challenges  

UK – The 43rd annual meeting of the North-East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC), held from November 13 to 15 in London, concluded with heated discussions on sustainable fish stock management, control measures, and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. 

The meeting highlighted the challenges of achieving consensus among member parties, which include the European Union, Denmark (on behalf of the Faroe Islands and Greenland), Iceland, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the Russian Federation.  

A compliance report was not issued for the first time in NEAFC’s history, raising significant concerns from the European Union. 

The absence of this report means that serious infringements involving vessels from some NEAFC parties remain unaddressed.

These violations include illegal bottom fishing outside designated areas, particularly by Russian vessels, contravening NEAFC’s recommendations to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems.  

The EU criticised the lack of collective action to hold Russia accountable and called on NEAFC members to enforce stricter measures. 

“Decisive action is required to ensure the integrity of our regulations and protect marine resources,” a spokesperson for the EU delegation stated.  

Despite the challenges, NEAFC adopted several critical measures aimed at promoting sustainable fisheries management:  

1. Catch Limits for Key Stocks: Limits were set for mackerel, blue whiting, and Atlanto-Scandian herring, aligning with scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). However, disputes over sharing arrangements for Atlanto-Scandian herring remain unresolved, with the EU urging more cooperation.  
2. Redfish Fisheries Ban: To aid stock recovery, a prohibition on directed fisheries for redfish in the Irminger Sea will be enforced from 2025 to 2027. The EU led an initiative to restrict port access for Russian vessels fishing redfish, urging other parties to adopt similar restrictions to curb unsustainable practices.  
3. Protection of Vulnerable Species: Measures were implemented to safeguard porbeagle, spurdog, and orange roughy stocks, including prohibitions on directed fisheries and establishing catch limits.  

NEAFC reaffirmed its commitment to the sustainable management of fish stocks and protecting marine ecosystems. 

The EU, a prominent player in regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs), pledged to push for stricter compliance measures and enhanced cooperation among member states.  

Decisions regarding the IUU listing of vessels flagged under Panama and the Bahamas, as well as the potential granting of cooperating non-contracting party status to these countries, are expected in early 2025.  

As a regional fisheries management organisation, NEAFC plays a pivotal role in ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of fishery resources in the North East Atlantic. 

With six contracting parties and many cooperating non-contracting parties, its work is essential for maintaining marine biodiversity and supporting global food security.  

However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, particularly in achieving consensus and enforcing compliance. The outcomes of the 43rd meeting underscore the urgent need for collaborative action to uphold NEAFC’s mandate and safeguard the region’s marine ecosystems for future generations. 

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