About the NEAFC Scheme

Within the NEAFC regulatory area fishing vessels must abide by both the current management measures and the NEAFC Scheme of Control and Enforcement. Vessels which fail to do so may be considered to be participating in illegal, unregulated or unreported (IUU) fishing.

NEAFC normally makes changes to these rule annually but they can happen throughout the year if there is consensus between the Contracting Parties.

Changes to the "New" and "Transitional" versions of the NEAFC Scheme were made at the 2023 Annual Meeting. The objection period for changes will end on 31 January 2024, at which time the decisions become binding on Contracting Parties, and subsequently entering into force between Feb 09 and March 01 (depending on the recommendation). During 2024 these changes are listed with all other measures currently in force on this page Current Measures.