#TECM2607371ADecree of 23 March 2026 approving Deliberation B14/2026 on the fishing regime for sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) in ICES divisions VIII a, b and d (Bay of Biscay) for the 2026 fishing season
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This French regulation establishes the licensing and quota system for commercial sea bass fishing in the Bay of Biscay (ICES divisions VIIIa, b, d) for the period 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. It creates two categories of non-transferable licences: "targeted" (181 total: 57 hook, 63 gillnet, 61 towed gear) and "bycatch" (343 total). Vessels using towed gears, gillnets or hooks require a licence if their annual sea bass catch exceeds the threshold set for non-licence holders. Bolinche (purse seine) and other gears are exempt. New minimum landing thresholds apply for licence renewals (2 tonnes for targeted, 1 tonne for bycatch over the last three years), with exemptions for long-term holders and new entrants. Strict caps limit new Category F licences to 22 targeted and 50 bycatch in 2026. The measure aims to ensure sustainable management of the sea bass stock under EU multi-annual plans.
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Key Changes
- Introduces minimum production thresholds for licence renewal: 2 tonnes of sea bass for targeted licences and 1 tonne for bycatch licences over any of the last three calendar years before 2026
- Sets total targeted licences at 181 (57 hook-and-line, 63 gillnet, 61 towed gear) and bycatch licences at 343 for 2026 season (1 April 2026–31 March 2027)
- Limits new Category F targeted licences to maximum 22 and bycatch licences to maximum 50 in 2026
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Obligations
What this law requires
Obtain a non-transferable sea bass fishing licence before conducting commercial sea bass fishing in ICES divisions VIIIa, b, d using towed gears, gillnets, or hooks if annual sea bass catch exceeds the threshold for non-licence holders
Choose and maintain licence category as either 'targeted' (pêche ciblée) or 'bycatch' (pêche accessoire) for sea bass fishing; targeted licences must specify permitted fishing gear type (hook, gillnet, or towed gear)
Demonstrate minimum landing thresholds for licence renewal: 2 tonnes of sea bass for targeted category and 1 tonne for bycatch category over the preceding three years, unless exempted as long-term holder or new entrant
Limit new Category F licence applications to maximum 22 targeted and 50 bycatch licences in 2026 fishing season
Renew or modify sea bass licences for the same zone and licence category (targeted or bycatch) as the previous season; for targeted licences, use the same gear type as previous season unless requesting a change