Brussels, 06/01/2015 (Agence Europe) - Negotiations on management plans for fish stocks, a key part of the reformed common fisheries policy (CFP) and technical measures are the fisheries priorities for the Latvian Presidency which will hold office from 1 January to 31 June 2015.
The new Presidency says that progress must be made on the multi-annual management plans, “in order to ensure the sustainable management of fisheries and the goal to achieve Maximum Sustainable Yield for all stocks”. In addition, a new framework of technical measures will be regarded as an “essential element of this effort”, Latvia adds.
At the Council meeting on 26 January, ministers will discuss the proposal for the establishment of a management plan for a number of species (cod, herring and sprat) in the Baltic Sea, with the aim of agreeing a general approach on the matter at the Council meeting in Luxembourg on 20 April. The Commission could present two further proposals in April: on fishing authorisations and on a framework for the collection, management and use of data in the fisheries sector and support for scientific advice. On 16 June, fisheries ministers are due to debate the European Commission communication on fishing opportunities for 2016.
The Latvian Presidency is also looking to contribute to preparation of the EU positions in negotiations on fisheries agreements with third countries and on fisheries-related matters in meetings of multilateral organisations and with coastal countries (Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Isles). (LC)