Brussels, 09/07/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 9 July, the European Commission adopted a proposal for an 18% increase, to 20,100 tonnes, in the total allowable catch (TAC) for anchovy in the waters of the Bay of Biscay. This TAC will cover the fishing season to run from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015. Spain holds 90% of the total, and France 10%.
This TAC is based on recent scientific opinion confirming that the stocks are in good shape and above the safe biological limits, the European Commission says. Fishing for this species was closed between 2005 and 2009 to prevent stock collapse. “Anchovy is a good example that it pays off to manage fisheries with a long-term approach and to involve the fishermen to achieve this. It is a relief that the stock has recovered over the last four years and that French and Spanish fishermen can go back to fishing more of it after a very tough period”, commented European Commissioner for Fisheries Maria Damanaki. The proposed TAC is in line with the principles of the multi-annual management plan for anchovy (a plan which was proposed in 2009 and has been applied provisionally since 2010, pending the approval of the text). The Commission puts the level of anchovy biomass at 66,158 tonnes, and it was on the basis of this figure that the TAC level was set. The Council still has to formally approve this TAC. (LC)