The European Commission proposed extending the annual winter closure in the Bay of Biscay until winter 2027 for fishing vessels over eight meters. This measure aims to prevent the capture of common dolphins and other small cetaceans, which are species strictly protected by the EU Habitats Directive. For the fourth consecutive time, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain requested this closure, using the regionalized approach of the common fisheries policy. The Delegated Act will be sent to the European Parliament and the EU Council for review before entering into force.
The closure shall cover a period of 30 consecutive days, to be chosen between January 15 and February 27, 2027, with fishermen able to inform their preferences to the national government. In the absence of notification, the fixed closure period will be from January 22 to February 20, 2027. This new approach responds to a direct request from the fisheries sector to better align the timing of the closure with fishing activities, seeking to reduce economic impacts. Since the implementation of closures in 2024, there has been a significant reduction in dolphin bycatches, according to the report by the French observatory PELAGIS.
Approximately 300 EU vessels will be impacted by the proposed closure. During the selected period, vessels, including pelagic and demersal trawlers, purse seiners and gillnets, must remain in port to avoid bycatches. Scientists have identified this period as high-risk for bycatches. Financial support is available through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) or through state aid from Member States.
Strandings of dolphins and small cetaceans on the coasts of the Bay of Biscay represent a recurring challenge, with Member States required to establish monitoring systems for bycatches and deaths. The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 aims to eliminate or minimize bycatches, aligning with the European Ocean Pact. The fisheries sector and Member States are also investing in research and testing of technical devices to mitigate interactions between small cetaceans and fishing vessels.
