Brussels, 22/02/2016 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 19 February, the European Commission announced that three new Advisory Councils on the Black Sea, aquaculture and the markets would be starting work.
Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy included the setting up of four new advisory committees (the three quoted, in addition to another on outermost regions), in addition to the existing seven (Baltic Sea, Long Distance, Mediterranean Sea, North Sea, North-western waters, Pelagic stocks and the South-western waters).
Advisory Councils are composed of representatives from the industry and from other interest groups. They receive EU financial assistance as bodies pursuing an aim of general European interest. The Advisory Councils are stakeholder-led organisations that provide the Commission and EU countries with recommendations on fisheries management matters. This may include advice on conservation and socio-economic aspects of management, and on simplification of rules. Advisory Councils are consulted in the context of regionalisation. Advisory Councils should also contribute to data for fisheries management and conservation measures. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)