Commission seeks feedback on fisheries multiannual plans

The European Commission is seeking feedback on fisheries Multiannual Management Plans (MAPs) across the EU's sea basins. The call for evidence is open for a four-week period on the Commission's Have Your Say portal.

The Commission asks EU countries, the fishing sector, scientific institutions, non-governmental organisations, regional authorities and coastal communities to give their views and to send scientific, ecosystem and economic data on fisheries MAPs.

The MAPs are the main tool the EU uses to manage its most important fish stocks in the EU sea basins. Several of their provisions have, however, proven difficult to apply. Therefore, the Commission is particularly interested in gathering specific evidence:

• For the Western Mediterranean. The Commission aims to receive feedback on the implementation and impact of the 'most vulnerable stock' in setting fishing opportunities and on options for a more balanced approach to mixed fisheries.
• For the Baltic Sea, the North Sea and the Western Waters. The Commission aims to receive feedback on the '5% rule', on how rebuilding trajectories could be set for fishers who depend on stocks in poor condition so that the fluctuations between the years can decrease, helping fishers have a more stable income.

In line with the Commission's communication on a simpler, clearer and better-enforced EU rulebook, the objective is to make the implementation of the plans easier and to improve legal clarity, without undermining the key milestones of the common fisheries policy (CFP), including the achievement of the objective of reaching and maintaining the MSY exploitation rate.

Background

In the Western Mediterranean, the definition of the 'most vulnerable stock' has made it difficult to manage mixed fisheries in a balanced way. The 'most vulnerable stock' concept is a rule where a single species with the lowest population in a shared area could dictate the fishing limits for all other species. Because different fish are caught together in the same nets, fishing for populations with high numbers is restricted or stopped to prevent the accidental catch of the one struggling stock. This requirement binds managers to a single ecological metric, stopping them from adjusting fishing opportunities to support the economic stability of fishing fleets.

In the Baltic Sea, the North Sea and the Western Waters, the so-called '5% rule' can trigger abrupt, year-on-year cuts in fishing opportunities and overlap with other measures, creating legal uncertainty. The 5% rule is a legal safety brake that prevents fish stocks from collapsing. It mandates that annual fishing quotas must be set so there is a less than 5% chance of a fish population dropping below its safe biological limit. If scientists find the risk is any higher, quota cuts are legally required to guarantee the species can naturally reproduce.

In addition to the experience gathered on the implementation of the MAPs, calls to amend the plans have come from several stakeholders. In December 2025, 15 EU countries tabled a joint statement at the AGRIFISH Council asking the Commission to act swiftly; the Advisory Councils have also called for changes, and the Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Fisheries has signalled willingness to work on a proposal.

More information

Call for evidence - Have Your Say portal

Multiannual plans

Communication - A Simpler, Clearer and Better Enforced EU Rulebook