Brussels, 08/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - In a discussion paper on fishing opportunities for 2013 adopted on Friday 8 June, the European Commission says it is worrying that, in European waters, 65% of the stocks have not been not fully assessed and only 22% of stocks for which total allowable catches (TACs) have been set are known not to be overfished. However, where the state of stocks has been assessed, they seem to be improving, albeit slowly, the Commission document states. The proportion of overfished stocks in the Atlantic and nearby seas fell from 32 out of 34 stocks in 2004 to 18 out of 38 stocks in 2011 that is, from 94% to 47%.
The Commission says that among the new stocks that are no longer assessed as overfished are Iberian-Atlantic anglerfish, blue whiting, Celtic Sea sole, west of Scotland haddock, North Sea herring, North Sea plaice and herring in the Gulf of Bothnia. For 2012 several TAC increases were possible, which will provide over €135 million in additional income for fishermen. The Commission's view is that, for next year, for stocks covered by the long-term management plans, TACs and effort levels should be fixed according to the plans in force. For other fish stocks, not covered by the plans, the TACs should be based on scientific advice, with a goal to phase out overfishing by 2015 - or earlier, wherever possible. Where no advice exists, the precautionary principle should be applied. (LC/transl.rt)