EU Proposes Extending Bay of Biscay Fishing Closure to Protect Dolphins through Winter 2027
The European Commission has proposed extending the Bay of Biscay fishing closure into winter 2027 as part of broader EU fishing regulations and marine conservation measures aimed at protecting common dolphins and other small cetaceans. The proposed closure would apply to fishing vessels longer than eight metres and is designed to prevent incidental catches of species that are strictly protected under the EU Habitats Directive.
For the fourth consecutive year, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain have requested the seasonal closure through the regionalised approach under the Common Fisheries Policy. The proposal highlights the growing focus on sustainable fishing, environmental regulations and marine ecosystem protection while also seeking to provide greater flexibility for the fishing industry.
The Commission’s proposed Delegated Act will now be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union for scrutiny before it can enter into force.
Flexible 30-Day Fishing Closure Proposed for Winter 2027
Under the proposal put forward by the group of EU Member States, the fishing closure would last for 30 consecutive days between 15 January and 27 February 2027.
Fishing operators would be able to notify their preferred closure dates to their national authorities. The flexible system is intended to give the fishing sector greater operational flexibility while maintaining protection for dolphins during the period when the risk of incidental catches is higher.
The approach responds directly to a request from the fishing sector to better align the closure period with normal fishing activities and reduce the potential economic impact of the measure.
If fishing vessels do not notify their preferred dates to their national authorities, they would automatically be subject to a fixed closure period from 22 January to 20 February 2027.
EU Continues Efforts to Reduce Dolphin Bycatch
The European Commission said efforts to reduce common dolphin bycatch must continue in accordance with scientific advice and obligations under the EU Habitats Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
The measures are also aligned with the objectives of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the European Ocean Pact, both of which support stronger protection and restoration of marine ecosystems.
Fishing Closures Have Reduced Dolphin Mortality
Seasonal fishing closures in the Bay of Biscay have been used since 2024 and have helped reduce incidental dolphin catches.
According to a report from the French observatory PELAGIS, dolphin mortality linked to incidental catches in 2025 appeared significantly lower than mortality estimates recorded before the closures, covering the 2017–2023 period.
The results provide evidence supporting continued seasonal measures during periods when the risk of dolphin bycatch is considered particularly high.
Around 300 EU Fishing Vessels Expected to be Affected
The proposed closure is expected to affect around 300 EU fishing vessels. Financial compensation is available to eligible fishing operators through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) or through State aid provided by Member States.
The European Union says financial support is intended to recognise the efforts made by fishers toward marine conservation while helping protect the livelihoods of fishing communities.
The combination of conservation measures and financial assistance is intended to support a more sustainable fishing industry while reducing pressure on protected marine species.
Which Fishing Vessels Will Have to Remain in Port?
During the selected 30-day closure period, several types of fishing vessels will be required to remain in port to reduce the risk of incidental catches of common dolphins and other small cetaceans.
The vessels covered by the measure include pelagic trawlers, demersal trawlers, seiners and netters.
Scientists have identified the winter period covered by the proposed measure as a time when the risk of bycatch is particularly high. Keeping the relevant vessels in port during this period is therefore intended to reduce interactions between fishing operations and small cetaceans.
Why Are Common Dolphins Protected Under EU Law?
Common dolphins and all other cetaceans are strictly protected under the EU Habitats Directive. EU Member States are required to establish systems for monitoring the incidental capture and killing of these animals.
Where monitoring identifies a significant conservation risk, Member States are required to undertake further research or introduce conservation measures to ensure that incidental capture and killing does not have a significant negative impact on the species concerned.
The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 also aims to eliminate or minimise bycatch where it could threaten the conservation status of protected species.
Meanwhile, the European Ocean Pact sets out the European Commission’s commitment to supporting Member States in protecting and restoring marine ecosystems.
Bay of Biscay Dolphin Strandings Remain a Recurring Challenge
Winter strandings of dolphins and other small cetaceans along the Bay of Biscay coastline have remained a recurring challenge for both the fishing sector and marine ecosystems.
Incidental capture in fishing nets is among the contributing factors, alongside natural mortality, diseases and disorientation.
The issue has increased attention on the relationship between fishing operations, marine biodiversity and the need for effective fisheries management and marine conservation policies.
Fishing Industry Invests in New Bycatch Solutions
Alongside seasonal closures, the fishing sector and EU Member States are investing in research and technical trials designed to reduce interactions between fishing vessels and small cetaceans.
Researchers and industry stakeholders are developing and testing new devices intended to reduce the likelihood of dolphins becoming caught during fishing operations.
The Commission’s latest proposal therefore combines temporary fishing restrictions, financial support, scientific monitoring and technological research as part of a broader effort to protect marine wildlife while maintaining a viable fishing industry.
