New sea bream fishing regulation in ICES zones 6-8: what changes for the Spanish fleet in 2026

Key data

Shipowners and skippers fishing sea bream in the northeast Atlantic have new rules to comply with since the entry into force of the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1915, published on 29 October 2026. This regulation modifies the Regulation (EU) 2019/1241, which is the general framework for technical fishing measures in the European Union, to specifically adjust the conditions for catching sea bream (Pagellus bogaraveo) in ICES subareas 6, 7 and 8.

These waters extend off the coasts of Ireland, the United Kingdom, France and northern Spain. For the Spanish fleet, the impact is direct: Galician and Basque vessels operating in these zones must review and adapt their operational practices to avoid sanctions.

What does this regulation establish?

The regulation introduces specific technical modifications for sea bream fishing in ICES subareas 6, 7 and 8. According to the published information, the areas of change are as follows:

The base regulation being modified is Regulation (EU) 2019/1241, which establishes the general framework of technical conservation measures for fishery resources in EU waters. This delegated regulation updates only the provisions relating to sea bream in the three ICES subareas indicated, without altering the rest of the technical framework.

ICES subareas 6, 7 and 8 comprise, respectively, waters west of Scotland and Ireland, the Celtic Sea and the Bay of Biscay, areas of great relevance for the Spanish deep-sea fleet.

Economic and operational impact

The impact of this regulation translates into direct operational changes for vessels catching sea bream in these waters. The main effects are:

• Adaptation of fishing gear: If the gear currently used is not among those permitted by the new regulation, shipowners will have to replace or modify them, with the investment cost that this entails.
• Adjustment of fishing zones and schedules: Possible geographic or temporal restrictions may reduce effective fishing days or force displacement to other zones, increasing fuel costs and time.
• Documentary compliance: New recording and catch declaration obligations represent additional administrative burden for skippers and shipowners.
• Risk of sanctions: Non-compliance with technical measures will be monitored by fishing control authorities in each Member State, exposing violators to administrative sanctions.

The Spanish fleet with the greatest exposure to this regulation is the Galician and Basque fleet, which traditionally operates in ICES subareas 6, 7 and 8 for sea bream fishing. Any restriction on sizes, gear or fishing seasons has a direct effect on the volume of marketable catches and, therefore, on campaign revenues.

Who does it affect?

• Shipowners of fishing vessels operating in ICES subareas 6, 7 and/or 8 and catching sea bream (Pagellus bogaraveo).
• Fishing skippers responsible for operational management on board in said zones.
• Galician and Basque deep-sea fleets with regular activity in the northeast Atlantic off Ireland, the United Kingdom, France and northern Spain.
• Shipowning companies and fishing cooperatives that manage vessels with licenses to operate in these waters.
• Advisors and fishing fleet managers who must update their clients' regulatory compliance plans.

Practical example

A Galician shipowner with a deep-sea vessel that regularly operates in ICES subarea 8 (Bay of Biscay) for sea bream fishing must, before the next campaign, verify whether the gear currently used remains authorized under the new regulation. If, for example, the gear used is no longer among those permitted for this species in this subarea, the shipowner will have to acquire or adapt the equipment before setting sail, under penalty of catches being considered illegal and subject to seizure and sanction by the Spanish fishing control authority.

Similarly, if new minimum catch sizes are introduced, the skipper must ensure that the on-board selection system (mesh size, selective grids, etc.) complies with the new requirements before each trip in ICES zones 6, 7 and 8.

What should companies do now?

1. Review the complete regulation: Access the full text of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1915 in the EU Official Journal to learn the exact changes in sizes, gear, closures and documentation.
2. Audit current fishing gear: Compare the gear regularly used with those authorized by the new regulation for ICES subareas 6, 7 and 8. Identify whether investment in adaptation or replacement is required.
3. Verify minimum catch sizes: Check that on-board selection systems (meshes, grids) comply with the new technical specifications for sea bream.
4. Update documentation procedures: Review the catch records and declarations required, and incorporate any new documentary requirements into on-board protocols.
5. Consult with the competent authority: Contact the General Secretariat for Fisheries or the corresponding autonomous community (Galicia, Basque Country) to confirm the exact date of entry into force and any transitional provisions.
6. Inform skippers and crews: Ensure that on-board personnel are aware of the new requirements before the next trip in the affected zones.

Official source

Consult complete regulation at official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601915