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Oceans and fisheries

Seabass

European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is a high value species for commercial and recreational fisheries. 

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In the south-western waters of the Atlantic Ocean, mainly the Bay of Biscay, southern seabass is in better shape, but EU countries should continue their sustainable management efforts of the commercial fisheries of seabass. Recreational fisheries of southern seabass are managed by the EU. 

The EU adjusts management measures for northern and southern seabass every year, in the context of  the annual fishing quotas regulations, following the independent scientific advice issued by ICES. 

A high value species for commercial and recreational fisheries

Seabass is, on average, the second most expensive North-East Atlantic commercial catch, fished by fleets from France, the United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands and Belgium. Find out more in the report about the seabass market and catch trends on the EUMOFA website

Publications

  • 10 FEBRUARY 2021
Seabass - Market trends of one of Europe’s top fish (2020)
  • 10 FEBRUARY 2021
Protecting sea bass (2015)