Brussels, 04/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 6 October, the European Commission is expected to adopt its proposal setting fishing possibilities for 2011 and 2012 for EU vessels fishing for deep sea species. In 2003, the EU brought in total allowable catches (TACs) for certain deep water species, and since then, quotas have dropped sharply, because of the fragility of these stocks (their slow growth, late maturity and low reproduction rate make them particularly vulnerable), and uncertainty over the state of the resource. This kind of fishing has also been closely regulated (fishing permits, restriction of fishing effort, etc).
The Commission is expected initially to extend the ban, in force since 2010, on fishing for orange roughy and deep sea shark. It is likely to recommend a 15% reduction in the TAC for the northern stock of black scabbardfish (Aphanopus carbo) in 2011 (compared with 2010, down to 2,165 tonnes (with 1,732 tonnes for France), followed by a further 7.6% reduction in 2012 (a fall of over 20% between 2010 and 2012). In the waters further to the south (Bay of Biscay and Portuguese waters), the Commission will propose that the 2010 TAC for black scabbardfish be maintained in 2011 and 2012. A 6% reduction will be proposed for alfonsinos. The Commission will probably recommend a TAC reduction for roundnose grenadier of up to 20%. It is likely that current catch levels for blue ling will be maintained. For red seabream and forkbeards, the Commission is expected to propose to continue with the current 2010 TAC in 2011 and 2012. (L.C./transl.rt)