Update on EU fisheries control requirements for UK vessels operating in EU waters
UK vessels operating in EU waters should be aware of phased changes under the EU Fisheries Control Regulation, including new requirements for gear marking, electronic reporting, vessel monitoring, and fish landing and weighing processes from 2027.
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The EU Fisheries Control Regulation changes are being introduced in phases and will affect UK vessels operating in EU waters. Changes that took effect from 10 January 2026 include new requirements for gear marking, electronic logbook reporting and catch recording.
Further changes will be introduced from 11 January 2027, including fish landing and weighing requirements in EU ports, and from 10 July 2027 vessel monitoring system (VMS) reporting frequencies will increase across all EU waters.
Additional electronic reporting requirements for vessels under 12 metres are due to come into force from 10 January 2028. Vessel owners and masters should review the accompanying advisory note to understand the requirements and implementation dates relevant to their operations.