Overview

• The report, released on April 9, 2025, outlines 15 recommendations to transition from seasonal bans to sustainable year-round fishing in the Gulf of Gascogne starting in 2027.
• Key measures include expanding the use of cameras on fishing vessels and optimizing pingers to minimize dolphin captures while maintaining practical usability for fishermen.
• A mediator is proposed to ease tensions between fishermen, scientists, and environmental organizations, ensuring collaborative policy implementation.
• The senators advocate negotiating with the European Commission to maintain an 80% compensation rate for fishermen's revenue during seasonal closures and ensuring timely financial support.
• Additional recommendations include a European regional approach to cetacean protection, increased funding for scientific monitoring, and a 'mirror law' regulating imports to align with conservation efforts.