North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC)

NEAFC is the Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (RFMO) for the North East Atlantic, mainly managing stocks of pelagic species (mackerel, blue whiting and herring) and a small number of deep sea fisheries.

The RFMO is mainly for fisheries management measures in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, although some measures can be reflected in countries’ national waters.

Shark Trust has been an observer to NEAFC since 2025.

WHY ARE SHARKS RELEVANT?

Although not the main focus of the RFMO, NEAFC has the power to put management measures in place for sharks, skates and rays.

WHAT'S OUR INVOLVEMENT?

We are observers to NEAFC, which means we are present in the annual meeting and committee meetings, where we can make interventions. Through our advocacy, we urge NEAFC Contracting Parties to:

●      Retain fishing prohibitions for Porbeagle and Basking Shark.

●      Continue to prohibit directed fishing for Deep Sea Sharks, Skates, and Chimaera.

●      Continue to encourage Parties to take a precautionary approach regarding Spurdog.

WHAT HAVE WE ACHIEVED?

Since 2025, we have:

●      Increased observer access to the Committee on Management and Science

●      Advocated for continued protections for Porbeagle and management for Spurdog