Brussels, 20/02/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 20 February, Coreper (Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Member States to the EU) gave its approval to the compromise text on the implementation of the landing obligation during fishing activities ('omnibus' regulation).
The Council and the Parliament reached an agreement on this dossier on 29 January of this year (see EUROPE 11242). The regulation has still to be formally approved by the EP and the Council.
One of the main objectives of the reform of the common fisheries policy (CFP) is to phase out discards in all fisheries, by bringing in a landing obligation for all catches of fish (starting with pelagic species in 2015).
Amongst other things, the agreement provides for: - an annual report, published by the Commission, on the implementation of the landing obligation (this report will be based on the available information submitted by the member states, the regional advisory councils and other sources); - confirmation of the principle that the development of parallel markets for undersized fish must be avoided; - a practical solution for fish to be stored on board fishing vessels. (Lionel Changeur)