In early 2026, three very different policy moves came into force across the UK and Europe. On the surface, they look technical. Administrative, even.
But together, they tell a much bigger story about where ocean governance is heading and where it still risks falling short.
From digital traceability rules to offshore fishing restrictions and the return of Atlantic bluefin tuna, these measures reveal a system in transition: moving from intention to implementation, from access to accountability.
The question is whether we use this moment to change outcomes for the ocean or simply change the paperwork.
New IUU Fishing Regulations (January 8, 2026)
Key Findings:
As of January 2026, the EU completed a major shift in how it polices illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Read more here.
What changed
The EU launched a fully digital catch certification system (“CATCH”), replacing paper-based documentation for all fishery products entering its market.
Catch certificates must now include enhanced, transparent data, such as:
- Fishing trip start date
- Gear type
- Area of catch (EEZ or high seas)
- Transport and landing information
Only seafood accompanied by valid digital catch certificates is eligible for import into the EU and UK.
These changes sit within the EU’s wider IUU regime, which already includes:
- Vessel blacklists
- Market access controls (“yellow and red cards”)
- Import bans for non-compliant fleets or countries
Limitations and weaknesses
The new rules strengthen paperwork, not on-water enforcement.
Without parallel investment in monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) — patrols, electronic monitoring, vessel tracking — IUU fishing can simply shift routes or markets.
More complex data requirements risk excluding small-scale fishers and developing states without digital infrastructure.
Transshipment at sea and illegal landings outside regulated ports can still evade controls.
IUU operators are highly adaptive, using false documentation, flags of convenience or alternative export routes.
Potential Challenges
Fishing operators, processors and exporters face increased compliance overheads, IT integration and supply-chain coordination to satisfy new documentation and digital submission standards.
Smaller fishers and processors — especially in developing regions or informal markets — risk exclusion and reduced access to regulated markets.
Traceability improvements help detect IUU products, but detecting and disrupting illegal fishing behavior at sea remains uneven globally due to gaps in vessel tracking, port inspections and cooperation across maritime jurisdictions.
IUU operators may adapt by using false documentation, flags of convenience, or exporting through countries without stringent IUU checks, complicating enforcement.
Why this matters
This is a significant step forward. Illegal fish are far harder to sell when markets demand proof of legality and traceability.
What needs to happen next
At SaveOCEAN, we see this moment as a turning point:
- To invest in electronic monitoring, vessel tracking and enforcement capacity
- Close loopholes around transshipment, flags of convenience and beneficial ownership
- Support small-scale and developing fisheries so IUU rules don’t create new blind spots
Traceability is essential — but it is only one piece of the puzzle.
If digital systems are not matched by enforcement, cooperation and capacity-building, illegal fishing will continue to undermine ocean health, climate resilience and honest fishers.
Offshore MPA Protections: Scotland takes action
In parallel, Scotland introduced SSI 2025/240, restricting damaging fishing methods in offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), between 12 and 200 nautical miles.
What it is:
Prohibits specific fishing gears in designated offshore MPAs and SACs.
Targets bottom-towed gear (including bottom trawls and beam trawls), bottom-set nets, lines and traps — methods known to damage seabed habitats and sensitive species.
Applies site-specific measures:
- Some areas are fully closed to these gears.
- Others apply restrictions only in designated zones.
Suspected breaches can be investigated and enforced by Marine Directorate authorities.
Why this matter:
- These measures extend protection beyond coastal waters, into deeper offshore ecosystems critical for biodiversity, carbon storage and climate resilience.
- The focus on destructive gear directly addresses one of the most damaging pressures on seabed habitats.
- Spatially differentiated management recognises that not all ecosystems face the same risks.
Limitations and Gaps
Gear bans alone do not address bycatch, seasonal pressures or overall fishing effort.
Effective protection depends on monitoring and enforcement capacity, which is costly and difficult offshore.
Fishing effort may be displaced to unprotected areas, increasing pressure elsewhere.
Fishers need clear guidance to avoid unintentional non-compliance, and some economic pushback is likely.
Potential challenges
Compliance and awareness: Fishers need clear guidance to understand where gear restrictions apply and how to comply — any confusion could unintentionally lead to breaches.
Enforcement limitations: Offshore areas are harder and more expensive to monitor; proper implementation may require additional investment in patrols, electronic monitoring, and AIS/VMS systems.
Economic pushback: Some industry actors may see gear restrictions as limiting livelihood or access, creating potential political pressure or calls for exemptions.
What needs to happen next
To make this count, we need:
- Strong monitoring, control and surveillance offshore
- Transparent reporting on ecological outcomes
- Complementary measures that protect whole ecosystems — not just zones
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (BFT)
After decades of absence, Atlantic bluefin tuna have returned to UK waters — a powerful symbol of what recovery can look like.
In 2026, the UK is expanding its Catch-and-Release Recreational Fishery (CRRF) and is now seeking accredited trainers to deliver mandatory best-practice training..
What’s happening
- Mandatory training is under consideration for all 2026 CRRF permit holders.
- Training will include online modules and on-the-water sessions between March and July 2026.
- Trainers must be experienced charter skippers with documented catch-and-release success.
- The programme is delivered with Angling Trust, Cefas and Natural England.
Why this matters:
Training and standards are essential for fish welfare, especially for a large, powerful species still under recovery.
But catch-and-release is not impact-free.
The caveats:
- Climate pressures
- Poor handling can cause stress, injury or delayed mortality.
- Without strong monitoring and reporting, impacts are hard to quantify.
- Recreational fisheries must not be managed in isolation from:
- Stock health
- Habitat condition
- Climate pressures
SaveOCEAN’s position
We welcome higher standards — but they must be grounded in science, monitoring and transparency, not just participation.
This is a chance to show that coexistence with recovering species is possible — if responsibility comes first.
Our call: Let’s use this opportunity to elevate standards not just for anglers — but for the ocean itself.
SaveOCEAN 