French industry body CNPMEM (National Committee for Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture) is again voicing concerns about the method of setting TACs, following this year’s December Council, declaring that this approach remains untenable.
‘Every year, all the rules governing the activities of hundreds of businesses are called into question, plunging the sector into a state of great uncertainty,’ a CNPMEM representative stated, commenting that this lack of future visibility prevents forward planning and weakens businesses.
‘No one can manage a business with visibility limited to eleven months, and production conditions that depend less on scientific findings than on diplomatic positions. Every year the industry finds itself unable to fully defend its positions in a calm and reasoned manner. Talking about food sovereignty and European protection of the sector makes little sense in such instability.’
The TACs decided present a mixed bag for the French fishing industry. Certain policies, particularly those concerning sea bass or within the framework of the WestMed plan, offer elements of stability and short-term economic prospects. Conversely, significant reductions in key species such as mackerel and pollack in the Bay of Biscay will have major repercussions for all links in the supply chain.
This year the Council confirmed the continuation of the WestMed framework for 2026, maintaining the 2025 fishing effort levels. Measures provide some short-term stability, they do not allay the concerns of a Mediterranean fleet that remains under significant pressure.
2026 begins with a provisional French nackerel quota of 2427 tonnes until June. This provisional TAC is set in the absence of a sharing agreement between the European Union and the coastal states. As the Hague Preferences will not be applied this year, this avoids a further reduction in the French mackerel quota, but these will also not apply to whitefish species such as haddock, cod, and plaice.
The planned reduction in the Bay of Biscay pollack TAC for 2026–2027 has been mitigated, from -26% to -13%, with the 2025/2026 Interannual Flexibility maintained at 104 tonnes. CNPMEN states that the quota remains highly restrictive and insufficient to ensure the economic viability of many fishers, particularly small-scale fishers.
French fishermen see increased catch limits for sea bass in the Bay of Biscay expected to be up 48% compared to 2025, including the recreational share (13%). This development is based on particularly positive scientific opinions, reporting an improvement in the stock of over 130%.
‘The decisions taken for 2026 are mixed. While some offer short-term prospects, the reductions in quotas for key species such as mackerel and pollack will have a significant impact on fishermen and the entire industry,’ said CNPMEM president Olivier Le Nézet.
‘It is now essential to move towards a more predictable, stable, and well-planned approach to setting TACs and quotas in order to protect businesses, jobs, and the vitality of our coastal areas.’
CNPMEM is now calling for increased support from public authorities and a thorough review of the process for setting TACs and quotas.
