Brussels, 23/06/2015 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission adopted a proposal on 18 June simplifying and improving the rules on data gathering in fisheries.
The proposal for a regulation (recast) concerns the establishment of an EU framework for the collection, management and use of data in the fisheries sector.
Adapting to new demands. The proposal brings data collection into line with the requirements resulting from the revised common fisheries policy (CFP). Changes will be necessary in certain areas: gradual move to MSY (maximum sustainable yield), the effect of fishing on ecosystems (protected species and sea-floor habitats, for example), the environmental impact of aquaculture (information on mortality/losses and on the use of medicines) and the effect of the landing obligation (end of discards).
Some information collected is not used. The current framework covers 400 stocks. The Commission admits that not all of these stocks are assessed in detail.
The proposal seeks first and foremost to harmonise the framework with the other EU legislation on the collection of information in fisheries in order to remove overlaps and, thus, reduce the costs of the whole marine data collection system.
The proposal seeks, too, to maximise synergies with environmental legislation. The current framework does not furnish sufficient information on some of the effects of fishing on ecosystems. These data, however, are necessary if the marine strategy framework directive is to be properly implemented. This is the case for information on accidental catches of protected species (sea birds, marine mammals, turtles, etc.), the impact on the predator-prey food chain and the impact on habitats. (Lionel Changeur)