Bay of Biscay fishing closure to protect dolphins extended to winter 2026

The Commission extended the winter fishing closure in the Bay of Biscay to help prevent catches of common dolphins and other small cetaceans, which are strictly protected species under the EU Habitats Directive. This measure will apply to fishing vessels over eight metres from 22 January until 20 February 2026.

This is the third consecutive year that the Commission implements this closure at the request of Belgium, France, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

Efforts to reduce common dolphin bycatch must continue, as advised by science and required under the Habitats Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy and the Marine Action Plan.

Success in reducing dolphin mortality

The fishing closures in the Bay of Biscay have been effective in reducing incidental catches of dolphins. According to a recent report from the French observatory PELAGIS, dolphin mortality due to incidental catches in 2025 appears significantly lower than those estimated prior to the closure (2017-2023).

Financial support for fishing vessels

Around 300 EU vessels are expected to be impacted by the closure. Financial compensation is available through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) or through State aid by Member States. The EU offers this financial support to fishers to acknowledge their efforts towards marine conservation and to protect their livelihoods, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for both ecosystems and fishing communities.

Measures to reduce incidental catches

During the closure period, the concerned vessels (pelagic and demersal trawls, seiners and netters) will be required to remain in port to avoid incidental catches of common dolphins and other small cetaceans. Scientists have identified this period as a high-risk for bycatches (unintentional capture of dolphins during fishing operations).

Additionally, mid-water pelagic trawls and demersal twin trawls will need to use acoustic deterrent devices throughout the year. These devices emit specific sounds to keep cetaceans, including dolphins, away from fishing nets, reducing the likelihood of accidental capture.

A monitoring programme for small cetaceans will also be implemented year-round, using on-board observers and cameras, with enhanced monitoring during the high-risk period being encouraged voluntarily.

Background

All cetaceans, including common dolphins, are strictly protected under the Habitats Directive. Member states must establish a system to monitor their incidental capture and killing. In light of the information gathered, they must take further research or 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 aims to eliminate or minimise by-catch so as not to threaten the conservation status of protected species. The EU Action Plan: Protecting and restoring marine ecosystems for sustainable and resilient fisheries called on Member States to adopt national measures or submit joint recommendations to the Commission to minimise by-catch of the common dolphins in the Bay of Biscay by fully implementing the measures advised by science.

Winter strandings of dolphins and small cetaceans on the coasts of the Bay of Biscay have been a recurring challenge for the fishing sector and marine ecosystems. Contributing factors to these strandings include incidental catches in fishing nets, natural mortality, diseases, and disorientation.

As part of efforts to reduce interactions between small cetaceans and fishing vessels, the fishing sector and Member States are investing in research and technical trials to develop and test new devices. Ongoing research projects on new devices and interaction with cetaceans include PIFIL, DolphinFree, Licado, Delmoges, and VaradaC.