Brussels, 17/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 17 July, the European Commission proposed that total allowable catches (TACs) for anchovy in the Bay of Biscay be reduced by 30%, to 20,700 tonnes. This total, for the period from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013 is shared between France (10%, 2,070 tonnes) and Spain (90%, 16,630 tonnes). After exchanges, France will obtain 20% of the TAC, 4,140 tonnes. The Commission has the power to alter the TAC in the course of the year in the light of new scientific information. According to the latest scientific advice on which the proposal is based, the stock remains well above safe biological limits, but its size - 68,180 tonnes - has decreased compared to last year's record-high levels. The anchovy fishery was closed between 2005 and 2009, and then re-opened in 2010 with a very low TAC of 7,000 tonnes. In 2011-2012, the anchovy TAC was 29, 700 tonnes. (LC/transl.rt)