Brussels, 03/09/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 2 September, the European Commission adopted guidelines designed to define a common methodology for striking a balance between fishing capacity and fishing opportunities in fleet segments. Overfishing is often the result of too many vessels targeting too few fish.
The new common fisheries policy (CFP) confirms the need for fishing capacity management measures: member states are responsible for putting in place measures that allow the fishing capacity of their fleet to be balanced, over time, with their fishing opportunities. Each member state will have to assess the balance between fleet and the resources targeted, in line with these common guidelines. The guidelines will also be used to facilitate drafting of the annual Commission report on the balance between the fishing capacity of the member states' fleets and their fishing opportunities.
For any segment of the fleet demonstrating a clear imbalance, the member state concerned will have to prepare an action plan setting out adjustment targets and how it is proposed to achieve balance, along with a clear timetable for achieving this balance.
The guidelines establish a link between each member state's fleet report and the measures on the fleet provided for under the European maritime and fisheries fund (EMFF). The EMFF authorises public aid for definitive cessation of fishing activities during the 2014-2020 period. In line with EMFF rules, aid for definitive cessation relate only to cases where a fleet segment is too large for the fishing opportunities it holds. (LC)