An MEP has raised concerns over illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Mediterranean, urging the European Commission to take stronger enforcement action. The question, submitted as a parliamentary query, targets the protection of marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of legal fishers in the region.
The written question was tabled on 29 April 2026, requesting the Commission to outline concrete measures to combat IUU fishing, including potential sanctions on non-compliant vessels and enhanced monitoring through satellite technology. The MEP specifically asked whether the Commission plans to increase inspections at ports and at sea, and whether it will propose stricter traceability requirements for fish imports.
The question reflects a push for more robust EU-level intervention, suggesting that current national enforcement is insufficient. The MEP calls for numerical targets, such as a percentage reduction in IUU catches by a set deadline, and demands a timeline for the revision of the EU's IUU Regulation.
Policy orientation leans toward greater centralisation of fisheries control, with the MEP advocating for a stronger role for the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) and more harmonised penalties across member states. The tone is urgent, framing IUU fishing as a threat to both ecological sustainability and the economic viability of small-scale fisheries.
The Commission is expected to reply within six weeks. Its response will signal whether it shares the MEP's sense of urgency and is willing to commit to new enforcement targets or regulatory changes.
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