Luxembourg, 16/06/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 16 June in Luxembourg, the Council debated the European Commission communication on fishing opportunities for 2016.
Ireland, Spain, France and Poland advocated the phasing in of the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) principle.
Seabass. Ireland and the United Kingdom, welcomed the measures taken regarding seabass fishing (see EUROPE 11335). France called for seabass to be included in the future stock management plan for western waters.
The Netherlands highlighted the need to improve certain fish stocks and, similarly to the United Kingdom, advocated the introduction of a multi annual management plan and multiple species in the North Sea as soon as possible. Spain highlighted the efforts made by bluefin tuna fishermen and said that these efforts should be translated into a rise in the levels of quotas.
The communication illustrates the general approach the Commission will adopt during the formulation of its proposals on fishing opportunities for 2016. This is the year in which the landing obligation for demersal North Sea fisheries and fisheries in the European Union's Atlantic waters enters into force. Overfishing is endemic in the Mediterranean and Black seas. (Lionel Changeur)