2025 UK-EU Fishing Agreement: No Progress on Sustainability

Once again, UK and EU decision-makers have set commercial fishing limits that gamble with the future sustainability of UK fisheries and coastal communities.

Despite ongoing concerns from environmental groups and sea anglers, the proportion of commercial catch limits set in line with sustainable scientific advice for 2025 remains at only 42%—unchanged from 2024. This failure to improve represents yet another missed opportunity to put fisheries on a path to long-term recovery.

Sea anglers have long witnessed the dramatic decline of fish stocks and understand the critical importance of sustainable fishing. Yet the latest fishing limits for 2025 show little progress in reversing this worrying trend. Stocks such as haddock in the Celtic Sea and hake in the North Sea have shifted from following scientific advice to now failing to do so. Other important species, including cod and pollack, continue to be overfished beyond sustainable recommendations, deepening concerns about their future viability.

In its first annual UK-EU fishing opportunities negotiations, the new UK government had an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in fisheries management but has instead chosen to follow the same short-term approach as its predecessors. The need for bold action and ecosystem-based management has never been greater, yet decision-makers continue to drag their feet.

The UK Government’s inaction on other critical issues—such as rolling out Remote Electronic Monitoring, effectively enforcing existing fisheries legislation, and prohibiting bottom trawling across the UK’s Marine Protected Area network—also continues to hinder progress toward world-class fisheries.

The Angling Trust remains steadfast in its mission to protect fish stocks, recreational angling, and the wider marine environment. We will continue to fight for a future where sustainable fisheries are prioritised over short-term gains.

What is the UK-EU Fishing Agreement?

The annual bilateral fishing discussions between the UK and EU determine 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 establish how much fish each side (UK and EU) is allowed to catch from species that migrate between their waters. The discussions aim 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.

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As recreational sea anglers, staying informed and engaged in issues that directly impact our oceans and the future of our sport is essential. The Angling Trust is committed to fighting for fish, fishing, and the environment.

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