EU Challenges UK's Ban on Sandeel Fishing over Ecosystem Concerns

The European Union (EU) has initiated legal action against the United Kingdom (UK) in response to its decision to prohibit sandeel fishing in British waters. This dispute, which centers on post-Brexit fishing rights, highlights the challenges of balancing environmental conservation with international trade agreements.

Sandeels, small silver fish vital to the North Sea’s ecosystem, have become a focal point in this arbitration case. These fish are a crucial food source for species such as Atlantic puffins, seals, cod, haddock, and porpoises. Concerns about their declining population, attributed to climate change and overfishing, led the UK to impose a ban on all commercial sandeel fishing in March 2023. British authorities cited the need to protect these fish and the species that depend on them.

However, the EU argues that the UK has breached commitments under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), a post-Brexit deal that allowed EU fishing fleets access to British waters during a transition period lasting until mid-2026. Brussels contends that the UK’s ban is not based on sufficient evidence and discriminates against EU vessels, particularly those from Denmark, which accounts for 96% of the EU’s sandeel catch. The EU claims that the restrictions could result in significant economic losses, including job cuts and reduced business revenue.

The case is being heard over three days at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague. This is the first courtroom trade dispute between the EU and the UK since Brexit, marking a significant moment in their evolving relationship. Legal experts view this case as a potential indicator of future tensions in the fishing industry, especially as the renegotiation of fishing rights looms ahead of the 2026 expiration of the TCA’s fisheries chapter.

The PCA, established in 1899 and housed in the Peace Palace, is tasked with resolving disputes under international agreements, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. A ruling on this case is expected by the end of March, with significant implications for the EU-UK partnership and the fishing industry’s future.