2025 UK-EU Fishing Agreement Charts Dangerous Path

This year, UK and EU decision-makers have reached agreements on commercial fishing limits that threaten to push already overfished species closer to the edge of collapse.  

As sea anglers, we have witnessed dramatic declines in fish stocks and recognise the importance of fishing sustainably. The latest fishing limits set by the EU and UK for 2025, however, are putting that future at serious risk.  

After almost a decade of action to conserve bass and bring them back from the brink, the Angling Trust is disappointed in the UK-EU decision to increase commercial catch limits, especially bass bycatch allowances. This is a retrograde step which will undermine the progress that’s been made in protecting bass stocks. 

It’s not just bass that are at risk. Whilst some progress has been made, it is painfully slow. Last year only 42% of catch limits were set at sustainable limits, so the bar was already low. This year’s discussions have sparked even more concern, especially around stocks like Celtic Sea cod. The catch limit set for Celtic Sea cod exceeds the entire remaining population, further driving this species toward extinction.

Pollack continues to experience all-time lows. The Angling Trust will shortly be publishing voluntary guidelines for anglers on best practice to help recover the stock, including guidance on the use of descending devices to successfully release blown fish (barotrauma), which have shown promising post-release survival results through the Pollack FISP project so far. 

The problem is clear: if we keep pushing fishing limits based on short-term thinking, the results will be catastrophic, and our precious fisheries will continue to decline.  

At the first opportunity for fisheries, the new government has seemingly demonstrated that it is no different from its predecessor. We need action and ambition from this government, which they are currently failing to deliver. 

In November 2024, the Angling Trust, along with representatives from other environmental groups, met with the new Fisheries Minister, Daniel Zeichner MP, to highlight the importance of addressing overfishing and the need to adopt ecosystem-based management in order to recover fish stocks and support both coastal communities and the wider marine ecosystem. A shift in the management of fisheries to support this approach is more urgent that ever. 

The best-available scientific advice that decision-makers rely on currently doesn’t consider the bigger picture, such as the mounting pressures on fish stocks from climate change. Our seas are dynamic. The scientific advice used to inform decision-making regarding fishing opportunities should reflect this and be collected in collaboration with fishing communities. 

We will not give up. The Angling Trust, together with the recreational angling community, stand resilient in the fight for a better future for fish, fishing and the environment.  

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What are the UK-EU Fishing Agreements? 

The annual fishing bilateral discussions between the UK and EU are negotiations where both parties agree on the fishing limits for more than 70 shared fish stocks in the North-East Atlantic. You can read the Written Record of fisheries consultations between the United Kingdom and the European Union for 2025 here.

These limits determine how much fish each side (UK and EU) is allowed to catch from species that move between their waters. The discussions intend to balance fishing needs with conservation efforts, based on scientific advice about the health of fish populations.  

There are also trilateral agreements between the UK, EU and Norway. You can read the full statement from Fisheries Minister, Daniel Zeichner MP, here. 

As recreational sea anglers, it’s essential to stay informed and engaged in matters that directly impact the health of our ocean and the future of our sport. The Angling Trust is committed to fighting for fish, fishing and the environment.