Brussels, 29/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - Several EU fisheries ministers have criticised the method proposed by the European Commission for setting total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas for 2012. They have been particularly critical of the 25% reduction in fishing opportunities for those fish where no scientific advice exists on the state of the stock.
European fisheries ministers, meeting in Luxembourg on Tuesday 28 June, discussed the communication of 25 May on 2012 fishing opportunities in which the Commission indicates the state of fish stocks and sets out its methodology for setting catch limits.
Virtually all member states (including France, Spain, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Romania, Bulgaria and Poland) opposed the 25% linear reduction where no scientific advice exists. There is no reason to reduce catch levels when there is no advice, they state, arguing rather that, in general terms, TAC levels should be maintained in such cases. The Baltic states are on the same wavelength and oppose any “systematic” reduction. Only Italy and Slovakia were a little less negative, suggesting that the Commission's approach merited further investigation.
The Commission proposes separating decisions on TACs and quotas, with decisions on exclusive EU stocks being taken in November and on all the remainder in December. Several countries expressed their disagreement with this arrangement, preferring end of year negotiations on a package of TAC and quota proposals. These countries point out that such a move could make negotiations with third countries, including Norway, more difficult as internal EU decisions would already be known.
The Commission proposes that scientific advice be followed allowing maximum sustainable yield (MSY) to be achieved by 2015. Several countries had reservations over achieving MSY for all stocks by 2015, and flagged up concerns over too severe pressure being exerted on the sector.
Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki recalled the commitment made by the EU in Johannesburg in 2002 that MSY would be achieved by 2015. Time is short, she said: 2015 is only four years away. International deadlines have to be met, she said. Member states do not see things in exactly the same way, however: while they signed up to this pledge, they now baulk at taking action and are calling for adjustments. (L.C./transl.rt)