On 10 March 2026, the European Parliament adopted a report on fisheries management approaches to safeguard sensitive species, tackle invasive species and benefit local economies. During the vote, MEPs rejected an amendment seeking to maintain the EU’s current seal trade ban.

Across parts of northern Europe, seal populations have recovered following decades of successful conservation efforts. While this represents an important conservation achievement, it has also led to increasing conflicts with small-scale coastal fisheries, where seals are responsible for significant economic losses.

Although seal management continues in several Member States, current EU rules prevent harvested animals from being placed on the market. This means that seals can be hunted for marine management purposes, yet their products cannot be sold, creating a policy paradox that undermines sustainable resource use and limits potential benefits for coastal communities.

The Fitness Check on the EU’s seal trade regime, therefore, provides a timely opportunity to reconsider whether this policy framework remains “fit for purpose”. It should ensure that the EU’s approach to wildlife management reflects its global commitments to the sustainable use of natural resources, as set out under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.