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4.83. While there have been no major changes to the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) since the previous Review, regulations regarding the main funding vehicle for domestic support were revised (Section 4.2.2). The CFP aims to restore and maintain fish stocks at sustainable levels by 2020 and it also applies to aquaculture. According to the Commission , fisheries in the European Union have become more sustainable but fisheries resources require further protection. According to the FAO, most of the commercially important fish stocks in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea continue to be overfished, while around 27% of assessed fish stocks in the Northeast Atlantic were fished at biologically unsustainable levels in 2019. (...)

4.84. Overall, the conservation of marine biological resources and conclusion of international agreements remain the exclusive competence of the European Union, while the implementation of other fisheries policies and implementation of EU rules fall under shared competence. (...)

4.85. The European Union manages fish stocks in accordance with the principle of maximum sustainable yield and the annual establishment of total allowable catches (TACs) under multi annual management plans. All catches of regulated species (regarding size or TACs) have to be landed in Union ports and counted against the quotas, with the use of caught undersized fish regulated as well (landing obligation). The latest agreement on fishing rights in the Atlantic, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea for 2022 sets limits for over 200 commercial fish stocks, and that for the Baltic Sea for 10 fish stocks. Technical regulations to ensure targeted fishing and avoid undesired catches are spelled out in Regulation (EU) 2019/1241.

4.86. (...) Aiming to prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, including the marketing of fish and fish products so obtained, the EU IUU regulation applies to all vessels, landings, or transhipments, as well as trade in fish and fish products. (...)

4.87. Changes regarding environmental sustainability in the overall policy framework of the European Union also affect the fisheries sector. The European Green Deal calls for a sustainable blue economy [98] , and the Farm to Fork Strategy refers to sustainable fish and seafood production. In 2021, the Commission adopted new guidelines for a more sustainable and competitive EU aquaculture, reflecting priorities of the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy.
[98] In 2021, the Commission adopted a new approach for developing a sustainable blue economy, replacing the 2012 Blue Growth Strategy (European Commission Communication COM(2021) 240).

4.90. EMFAF [the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund] priorities support (i) sustainable fisheries and conservation of aquatic biological resources; (ii) sustainable aquaculture, processing, and marketing of fishery and aquaculture products; (iii) a sustainable blue economy and fishing and aquaculture communities; and (iv) strengthening international ocean governance and sustainable management. [103] Funds are also foreseen for the sustainable development of the outermost regions.
[103] To achieve these goals, focus areas include sector renewal, small-scale coastal fisheries, the elimination of overcapacity, aquaculture, the protection of marine biodiversity and ecosystems, and an efficient market for fisheries products.

4.92. (...) Certain exceptions to supporting the investment in fishing vessels, or the (temporary) cessation of fishing activities, remain foreseen where they contribute to sustainable fishing, energy efficiency, or promoting the adjustment of fishing capacity, with support to these activities not exceeding 15% of the total Union support.

4.93. At least 15% of Union financial support has to be allocated to fostering efficient fisheries control and enforcement, including fighting against IUU fishing, as well as reliable data for knowledge-based decision making.

4.94. Based on approved national programmes and according to the Commission, slightly more than 50% of funds under shared management (87% of the EUR 6.1 billion) are allocated to priority 1 (sustainable fisheries and aquatic biological resources) and an additional third to priority 2 (sustainable aquaculture, processing, and marketing) for the period 2021-27. (...)

4.102. (...) Moreover, in line with the IUU regulation, imports must be accompanied by a catch certificate validated by the flag state of the fishing vessel, demonstrating that fisheries products stem from legal sources. (...)