Fisheries and Seafood

EU Commission Adopts Delegated Regulation on Fisheries Restrictions in Nordvästra Skånes Havsområde (Kattegat)

The European Commission has adopted new fisheries conservation measures for the Kattegat region, introducing year-round no-take zones and seasonal gear restrictions effective from April 2026. Operators must adapt to stricter gear requirements, including mandatory acoustic deterrents and electronic monitoring, as part of a broader EU push to align commercial fishing with biodiversity and marine protection targets.

9 Apr 2026, 17:48ec.europa.euEuropean UnionSweden

Croatia Presents Seven Draft Ordinances on Agriculture, Land Use, Fisheries and Strong Alcoholic Beverages

Croatia has introduced seven draft ordinances targeting land use, fisheries, and the spirits sector, notably proposing new annual reporting for ethyl alcohol production. Impacted operators should prepare for enhanced supply chain transparency requirements and tighter land-use restrictions as these proposals transition into formal regulation.

5 Apr 2026, 19:20poljoprivreda.gov.hrCroatia

Norway Consultation: Amendments to Animal Hygiene Regulation Implementing EU Regulation 2025/1449

Norway is consulting on aligning national animal hygiene rules with EU Regulation 2025/1449, introducing stricter temperature controls for tuna and clarifying the status of animal-derived additives. Operators should evaluate the impact of enhanced seafood monitoring requirements and the clarified regulatory status of highly processed ingredients, including insect-based materials.

5 Apr 2026, 04:57hoering.mattilsynet.noNorwayEuropean Union

EU Commission Issues Guidance on Protecting Wild Birds Under the Birds Directive

The European Commission has issued new guidance to streamline the implementation of the Birds Directive, clarifying derogation rules and permitting processes for recurring activities like forestry. Companies should anticipate more standardized national enforcement and a shift toward risk-based environmental assessments for land-use projects.

3 Apr 2026, 18:29environment.ec.europa.euEuropean Union

US FDA Seeks Public Input on Market Name Change for Certain Rockfish (Sebastes spp.)

The US FDA is evaluating a potential market-name change for 18 Sebastes rockfish species, with public comments on the proposal due by May 1, 2026. A revision would necessitate significant updates to product labeling, allergen disclosures, and HACCP food-safety plans to maintain compliance and avoid misbranding.

3 Apr 2026, 10:12federalregister.govUnited States

Norway Fisheries and Ocean Minister Invites Input Meeting on Future Aquaculture Regulation

The Norwegian government is initiating stakeholder consultations in May 2026 to overhaul aquaculture regulations, specifically targeting salmon lice management and sector governance. This signals a shift toward stricter environmental and operational standards, requiring producers to anticipate potential changes in licensing and biosecurity requirements.

29 Mar 2026, 06:20regjeringen.noNorway

France Announces Immediate Energy-Crisis Support Plan for Transport, Fishing and Agriculture

France has launched a €70 million emergency support package for April 2026 to mitigate energy price spikes for the transport, agriculture, and fishing sectors. Businesses should note the temporary fuel-aid relief and France's push for EU-level CBAM exemptions on fertilisers, signaling potential shifts in carbon-cost pass-through risks.

29 Mar 2026, 06:15presse.economie.gouv.frFrance

V4, Bulgaria And Romania Agriculture Ministers Adopt Joint Declaration On Future CAP, EU Budget And Lead Use In Ammunition And Fishing

Six EU member states adopted a joint declaration in March 2026 to influence future agricultural funding and rework proposed lead restrictions in ammunition and fishing tackle. This coordinated political push indicates a shift toward prioritizing national flexibility and technical feasibility, potentially delaying or softening upcoming REACH chemical bans.

28 Mar 2026, 17:06mze.gov.czEuropean UnionCzechiaHungaryPolandSlovakiaBulgariaRomania

UK Parliament Introduces Marine Mammals (Protection) Bill

The UK Parliament has introduced the Marine Mammals (Protection) Bill to strengthen legal protections for seals, whales, and dolphins under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. While specific text is pending, marine operators and fisheries should prepare for potentially stricter enforcement and licensing requirements regarding activities impacting marine wildlife.

28 Mar 2026, 16:06bills.parliament.ukUnited Kingdom

European Parliament Adopts Position on EU-US Turnberry Tariff Deal, Setting Conditions for Lowering Tariffs on US Products

The European Parliament has adopted its position on the EU-US Turnberry trade deal, establishing strict conditions for the elimination of tariffs on US industrial, agricultural, and seafood products. Businesses should prepare for potential tariff volatility, as MEPs have introduced robust suspension and "sunrise" clauses that tie EU market access directly to US reciprocal actions on steel and aluminum duties.

28 Mar 2026, 16:04europarl.europa.euEuropean UnionUnited States

US NMFS Proposes 2026–2028 Catch and Trip Limits for Northeast Skate Complex Fishery

The US NMFS has proposed updated 2026–2028 catch and trip limits for the Northeast Skate Complex fishery, with comments due by April 10, 2026. Increased limits suggest stable supply for the wing and bait markets, though firms should account for a planned 10% precautionary reduction in 2028.

28 Mar 2026, 09:34federalregister.govUnited States

Norway Sets 15 June 2026 Registration Deadline For Seafood Producers Exporting To Taiwan

Norway has established a June 15, 2026, registration deadline for all seafood producers seeking to maintain or initiate exports to Taiwan. Compliance is critical for uninterrupted market access, as missing this window will block exports until the next registration cycle in September 2026.

27 Mar 2026, 18:38mattilsynet.noNorwayTaiwan

Schleswig-Holstein: Three New Baltic Sea Marine Protected Areas Enter Into Force

Schleswig-Holstein has designated three new Baltic Sea marine protected areas (MPAs) effective March 2026, significantly expanding strict conservation zones. Immediate prohibitions on commercial fishing, raw material extraction, and marine construction in these areas signal increasing regulatory pressure on maritime industrial activities to meet 2030 biodiversity targets.

27 Mar 2026, 11:53schleswig-holstein.deGermany

Minnesota SF 4332 – Committee Hears Changes to Aquaculture Fish Egg Importing, Stocking, and Transfer Rules

Minnesota is advancing legislation to ease restrictions on the transfer and stocking of aquaculture fish eggs from facilities testing positive for specific pathogens. The proposed shift toward treatment-based and regional-presence standards will provide hatcheries with greater operational flexibility in managing stock and supply chains.

27 Mar 2026, 07:55revisor.mn.govUnited States

Minnesota Department of Health Updates Fish Consumption Guidelines for Mercury and PFAS

The Minnesota Department of Health has updated fish consumption guidelines to include more stringent, region-specific advice for mercury and new PFAS-based restrictions for the Vermillion River. These updates signal increasing regulatory scrutiny of bioaccumulative substances in local food chains and highlight the state's expanded analytical capacity to monitor emerging contaminants.

27 Mar 2026, 07:47health.state.mn.usUnited States

Czech Food Inspectorate Orders Withdrawal Of Adulterated Pangasius Fish Fillets

The Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (SZPI) has ordered the withdrawal of frozen pangasius fillets following the discovery of significant water adulteration and misleading labeling. This enforcement action highlights an active crackdown on food fraud in the seafood sector, signaling a need for enhanced supply chain transparency and rigorous verification of technical specifications.

26 Mar 2026, 19:26szpi.gov.czCzechia

South Korea MFDS Updates Inspection Orders for Certain Imported Foods From China, Vietnam, Japan and Pakistan

South Korea's MFDS has updated its list of imported foods subject to mandatory inspection orders, re-designating specific products from China, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Japan while lifting requirements for certain Chinese processed fruit and vegetable products. Importers must maintain rigorous testing protocols for re-designated items to ensure market access, while the lifting of orders for specific Chinese establishments signals a reduction in compliance burden for those supply chains.

26 Mar 2026, 11:29mfds.go.krSouth Korea

Belgium: Marine Spatial Plan 2026–2034 Enters Into Force

Belgium’s Marine Spatial Plan for 2026–2034 is now in effect, setting legally binding zoning and operational conditions for the Belgian North Sea. The framework prioritizes offshore energy and nature restoration, introducing stricter seabed protections and coastal construction bans that impact long-term infrastructure and maritime planning.

26 Mar 2026, 11:20ejustice.just.fgov.beBelgium

Washington State DOH Orders Emergency Commercial Shellfish Closure in Samish Bay

Washington State has issued an emergency closure of commercial shellfish harvesting in Samish Bay due to flooding-related contamination risks. Operators must suspend harvesting immediately and prepare for supply chain disruptions until water quality safety standards are met and the closure is lifted.

25 Mar 2026, 21:36fortress.wa.govUnited States

Netherlands Adopts Partial Revision of North Sea Programme 2022–2027

The Netherlands has adopted a partial revision of the North Sea Programme 2022–2027, updating spatial priorities for offshore wind energy, sand extraction, and marine conservation. This strategic framework provides the roadmap for future offshore infrastructure and environmental restoration, signaling tighter project-level permitting conditions and long-term spatial constraints for maritime operations.

25 Mar 2026, 21:32rijksoverheid.nlNetherlands