A report on the implementation of technical measures introduced in 2019 to protect fisheries resources and marine ecosystems has been published by the European Commission.
According to the Commission, technical measures ensure the sustainable management of fisheries through various provisions to minimise the negative impact of fishing activities on marine biodiversity and ecosystems, including:
- The use of innovative fishing gears and practices
- Setting minimum conservation sizes for fish species to protect juveniles and allow stocks to recover
- The limitation or prohibition of fishing activities in certain areas or periods
Since 2021, the Commission has approved 14 delegated acts based on joint recommendations received at regional level by EU member states and endorsed by scientific advice, such as the protection of harbour porpoise in the Baltic Sea, and the seasonal closure to protect Atlantic halibut’s spawning areas in the Skagerrak and Kattegat.
The report also includes advice from the International Council of the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) on innovative gears, sharing the latest developments in this field, with the Commission stressing that innovation is key for a resilient and competitive EU fisheries sector to provide European consumers with high-quality seafood products, while minimising the impact on the marine environment.
It also identifies areas for improvement, such as the need to accelerate the adoption of measures to mitigate the impact on sensitive species.
The involvement and contributions received from all interested actors, particularly the Advisory Councils, remain essential to implement technical measures, the Commission said.
With the Commission required to report on the implementation of the regulation every three years, this is the second report since the regulation entered into force.
