The European Commission has presented its views on how to set fishing possibilities in EU waters for 2010.
A consultation document sets out the approach the Commission intends to take when setting the Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and the fishing effort limitations for the coming year.
The Commission points out that slow progress has been made in stock recovery since the 2002 reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. One of the reasons for this is that fishing opportunities consistently have been set at levels which were too high for the fish stocks to sustain. As a result, more than 80% of EU stocks are now overfished, compared with a global average of 28%. On the other hand, several long-term plans have been implemented successfully, generating signs of stock recovery. The Commission is therefore proposing greater flexibility in changing TACs from year to year, to enable more effective recovery measures for overexploited stocks. Member States and stakeholders are invited to present their views on the Commission's approach by 31 July. The Commission will then make formal proposals in the autumn to be adopted by Council before the end of the year.
Commissioner Joe Borg said: "The situation created by overfishing is serious, but multi-annual management plans are working, and some stocks are already showing signs of recovery. This means that the long-term approach is the way to go and that good management always works. I am committed to a sound approach to fisheries, based on long-term planning, scientific advice and dialogue with the sector - and capable of restoring the productivity of our oceans and seas."
