Fisheries mismanagement

► We analyse TAC setting decisions by EU ministers from 1987 to 2011 for 11 species. ► In 68% of decisions TACs were set higher than scientific advice, on average by 33%. ► We find no evidence that the 2002 reform of the CFP improved decision-making. ► We model the TAC system. Political adjustment acutely raises stock collapse risk. ► We argue, to sustain natural resources politics and management must be divorced.