Brussels, 15/11/2013 (Agence Europe) - Spain and Ireland have enjoyed a successful outcome despite the reticence expressed by several countries, especially France and the United Kingdom. On Friday 15 November, the EU countries backed a proposal within Coreper (Committee of Permanent Representatives of the EU member states) to increase the total allowable catch (TAC) of northern hake for 2013 by 26%, from 55,105 to 69,440 tonnes.
This rise allows Spanish fishermen to have a quota extension for the end of the year. In return, the member states concerned have pledged to carry out rigorous control of fishing activity and to ensure that the fishing effort and mortality rates due to fishing remain constant. In June 2013, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) published its advice for northern hake in 2014. It advised that, in 2014, the TAC may be raised by 49% to 81,846 tonnes. This was reflected in the Commission's proposals on fishing possibilities for 2014. In the light of this opinion, Spain called for an increase of 2013 TAC during the year. (LC/transl.jl)