Progress towards ending overfishing in the Northeast Atlantic

The reformed Common Fisheries Policy of the EU, in force since 2014, stipulates that overfishing by fleets its member states has to end latest year 2020. This study examines exploitation and status 119 stocks fished 20 countries Northeast Atlantic. In 2018, about 40% were still subject (F > Fmsy), 34% outside safe biological limits (B < Bpa) 68% too small produce maximum sustainable yields Bmsy). Reduction number overfished stalled, possible because an agreement between European Commission (EC) International Council for Exploration Seas (ICES), advisory body total allowed catches (TACs), wherein EC requests ICES give TAC advice leading many stocks. Scientific is often overruled or ignored politicians/fisheries ministers, whose main objective get us much quota as their country. As a result, TACs set 2020, 46% exceeded scientific advice, suggesting goal ending 2020 will not be met.