2007 fishing possibilities

Today, the European Commission tabled its annual proposal on fishing possibilities and attendant measures for 2007. According to the Commission, this proposal takes account of the latest independent scientific advice on the state of fish stocks from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), received last October, the Commission’s own Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee on Fisheries (STECF), and input from stakeholders.

To extend consultation prior to tabling this proposal, on 15 September, the Commission already outlined the approach it intended to take in a Policy Statement. Today’s proposal applies this approach to the scientific advice received since then.

While some cuts in fishing possibilities are still required for a number of stocks such as cod, plaice, sole, southern hake and Nephrops, there is better news for others, particularly for some of those subject to long-term plans such as northern hake and Bay of Biscay sole. The decisions on Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for the Baltic Sea and deep-sea species were already taken at the October and November Councils respectively, thus reducing the load for the December Council to be held on 19-21.

Joe Borg, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs said: “While the scientific advice is mixed, we must take heart from the positive signs observed in some of the stocks subject to long-term plans. This means that we must consolidate our gradual approach to regaining sustainability in all our fisheries by basing it securely on science and combining it with stakeholders’ expertise to deliver sound fisheries management.”

Stocks which are covered by a recovery plan

For cod stocks, the Commission makes the following proposals:

In the absence of any significant improvement in cod stocks and of clear quantitative scientific advice, the Commission proposes a cut of 25% on cod fishing possibilities. For the cod stock shared with Norway, however, a reduction of 14% was agreed in bilateral negotiations last week. These limitations will be backed up by a reduction in fishing effort in all fisheries which have a significant impact on cod mortality. While the recovery plan will be reviewed next year, it is clear that more effective conservation measures will be required in future.

For northern hake:

Northern hake shows how a recovery plan can produce positive results not only in the longer term, but even after a few years. The stock is now close to the targets laid down in the plan. The Commission proposes an increase of 15% in the TAC for 2007.

For sole in the Bay of Biscay:

Bay of Biscay sole also illustrates how long-term planning and Maximum Sustainable Yield-type targets do not necessarily result in reductions in TACs. The state of the stock continues to improve so that a 10% reduction in fishing mortality will still lead to a 12% increase in the TAC for 2007.

For southern hake and Nephrops off the Iberian Peninsula:

STECF and ICES estimates that real catches for 2006 are up to 40% above the level of TACs authorised. This indicates that fishing mortality is running at an unsustainable level. In the absence of clear advice, the Commission proposes a cut of 10% in both TACs and days-at-sea for 2007.

The Commission’s aim is to extend long-term planning to all the main commercial stocks. In the case of those stocks for which long-term plans have been proposed but have not yet been adopted by Council (western Channel sole and North Sea plaice and sole), the proposal is in line with the harvest rule in those plans.

Pelagic fisheries

A small increase in fishing possibilities on mackerel has been agreed with Norway and the Faroe Islands. However, TACs for herring will be reduced after several years of poor recruitment – by 25% in the North Sea, and by 15% in the Skagerrak and Kattegat. A substantial reduction has also been agreed with Norway and the Faroe Islands for blue whiting, in order to achieve the long-term management objectives for this.

Short-lived species

The condition of Norway pout, anchovy in the Bay of Biscay, sprat and sandeel in the North Sea continues to give cause for concern. The Commission proposes that there should be no fishing on anchovy during the first half of 2007, and only a low fishing effort on sandeel to gather data in the spring. The Commission will review this in-season scientific advice as soon as it is available and, where warranted, will propose TACs for commercial fisheries

Technical measures

Following a request from the Dutch Administration and industry, the Commission proposes an exemption from the ban on electrical fishing methods, under certain conditions, limited to a maximum of 5% of the beam trawlers of a Member State to use 'pulse' trawling. This technique is intended to reduce effort, by-catch and environmental impacts when trawling for flatfish. It should also lead to a significant reduction in fuel consumption.

The table showing current TACs and Commission proposals for 2007 can be seen by following this link:

http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/press_corner/press_releases/com06_93_en.htm