The EU's 2026 Indian Ocean skipjack tuna quota has been announced, drawing strong opposition from French fisheries.

Published 2025년 12월 18일

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Core tip: The EU Council of Fisheries Ministers recently reached an agreement on the allocation plan for Indian Ocean tuna quotas by 2026, a decision that has sparked significant controversy within the EU, particularly among the French fishing community. This quota division not only concerns the distribution of fishing benefits among member states but also directly aligns with the long-term policy direction of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) in promoting resource conservation.

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According to information disclosed by the EU side, the total tuna quota for the Indian Ocean in 2026 has been set directly at 125,000 tons by the EU. This level corresponds to the management decision passed by the IOTC in April 2025, which requires a gradual reduction in the total allowable catch (TAC) of tuna by 2028 to alleviate resource pressure and support population sustainability. The EU did not adopt a transitional adjustment but chose to take a step ahead by reducing the quota to the target level in one go. In terms of member state distribution, the tuna quota is divided among Spain, France, and Italy. Specifically, Spain received 84,616 tons, France 36,845 tons, and Italy 3,538 tons. The EU side did not disclose the specific calculation formula used for this distribution, only stating that the plan was based on a proposal by the European Commission and approved through consultation with member states. From the results, the impact of this distribution plan on different ...

Source: Foodmate