FISHREG is doing research and policy support for the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), the EU's instrument for the management of fisheries and aquaculture. The CFP aims at protecting fish stocks and ensuring the future of the fishing sector. Work in the action includes scientific advice and scientific data collection,  bio-economic modeling, socio-economic data analysis, as well as new technologies for the fight against illegal fishing (IUU) and fish product traceability. Action FISHREG is addressing several of these challenges in its research and policy support work. Its customers include EU policy makers, national authorities and international organizations.

Work done for FISHREG is part of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) for research and technological development of the EU (2007-2013).  More specifically, it contributes to the Policy Theme "Solidarity and the responsible management of resources", Agenda "Agriculture, rural development and fisheries", and Sub-agenda "Fisheries, maritime policy and marine environment".

FISHREG's key customers are Directorate General Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MARE) and EU fisheries authorities. For scientific advice FISHREG is partner with the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and the General Fisheries Commission of the Mediterranean (FAO/GFCM).