A Member of the European Parliament has raised concerns over a significant increase in fishing pressure on squid and other unregulated species, questioning the European Commission on what measures it plans to take to address the issue. The move could impact EU fisheries stakeholders, including fishing fleets, seafood processors, and conservation groups, as well as national authorities responsible for quota management.
The parliamentary question, submitted on 28 April 2026, asks the Commission to clarify whether it is aware of the rising pressure on unregulated stocks and what actions it intends to propose to ensure sustainable exploitation. The MEP specifically highlights squid, a species not covered by traditional quota systems, leaving it vulnerable to overfishing.
The question contains concrete asks: the MEP requests data on current fishing levels and demands a timeline for potential regulatory measures. This indicates a push for stronger EU oversight of non-quota species, reflecting a broader policy orientation toward expanding the scope of fisheries management beyond regulated stocks.
Expected follow-up: The Commission is required to respond within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it shares the MEP's urgency and whether it plans to propose new monitoring or catch limits for squid and similar species, potentially setting a precedent for future regulation of unregulated fisheries.