Review of the 5% limit on bycatch for purse seine fishing

Question for written answer E-003829/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Jorge Buxadé Villalba (PfE)

In purse seine fishing, although there is a specific target species - sardines, for instance - small quantities of other species such as mackerel or horse mackerel will inevitably be caught since they often coexist in the same school. Under current rules, however, the maximum bycatch of these species is 5%. Exceeding this limit can incur penalties for shipowners, even when the catches are unintentional.

The fishing industry claims that this percentage does not reflect the biological reality of mixed pelagic fisheries and is unfair on fishermen since they are being penalised for something beyond their control.

Can the Commission therefore say:

• 1.Whether it is willing to review the 5% limit on bycatch for purse seine fishing?
• 2.Whether it is considering increasing it to reflect the reality of mixed shoals of sardines, horse mackerel and mackerel and to stop unfairly penalising fishermen for something that is no fault of their own?

Submitted: 1.10.2025