In a written answer on 29 June 2026, European Commissioner for Fisheries Kostas Kadis acknowledged concerns over increasing fishing pressure on non-quota stocks (NQS) such as squid, and reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to sustainable exploitation under the Common Fisheries Policy. The response, addressed to MEP Anja Hazekamp, signals that while catch limits are not the primary tool, the EU relies on technical measures and national actions, alongside cooperation with the UK on shared stocks.
The answer comes in response to a parliamentary question highlighting the ecological and socioeconomic importance of NQS, particularly for coastal communities. Kadis noted that the Commission works to improve scientific knowledge and management of these stocks, including those shared with the UK. For squid fisheries, current EU management relies mainly on technical measures, complemented where appropriate by national measures. The EU and UK are cooperating on scientific exchanges for species such as cuttlefish, whelks, and octopus, as well as ongoing work on Channel king scallops and brown crab.
Kadis also pointed to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, which requires Member States to achieve good environmental status for their marine waters. Under this directive, states must set threshold values for species groups including cephalopods, ensuring that population abundance and demographic characteristics are not adversely affected by anthropogenic pressures. The answer does not propose new numerical targets or deadlines, but reiterates a precautionary approach and the use of existing legal frameworks.
The response is largely declarative, confirming existing commitments rather than announcing new measures. Institutional follow-up is likely to focus on continued scientific cooperation with the UK and potential refinement of technical measures, though no specific timeline is given. Stakeholders most impacted include coastal fishing communities reliant on NQS, EU fisheries managers, and environmental NGOs monitoring stock sustainability. The answer balances conservation objectives with the socioeconomic role of these fisheries, avoiding any shift toward stricter catch limits.