Several EU fisheries ministers called in Brussels on Monday 17 July for a phased approach to the introduction of the management of stocks based on the principle of maximum sustainable yield (MSY)
The European Commission presented its communication to ministers on fishing opportunities for 2018 (see EUROPE 11823). Most ministers supported the broad thrust of the approach adopted by Commissioner Karmenu Vella. The commissioner called on the member states to continue to implement the common fisheries policy (CFP).
For the Commission, the goal is to achieve MSY by 2018 where possible. Several ministers, including those of Spain, Portugal, France and Ireland, argued for a phased approach in order to avoid any negative impact on the social and economic situation of certain fishing fleets. These countries made the point that MSY was to be achieved by 2020 at the latest.
40% of Atlantic stocks overfished. At present. Close to two fish in three – 59% of the stocks evaluated – in the Atlantic, the North Sea and the Baltic Sea are fished sustainably. In the North-East Atlantic, however, 40% of stocks are being overfished.
A number of delegations (Ireland, Portugal and United Kingdom) highlighted the problem of choke species. The Commission pointed out that tools were available (quota swaps, inter-species flexibility, year-to-year flexibility and also exemptions supported by scientific advice) but, unfortunately, were often not used. The Commission is working on a proposal seeking to update discard plans which expire at the end of this year. This is to assist countries in implementing the landing requirement (ending of discards at sea).
The situation of stocks is particularly alarming in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, where the average biomass has declined by 20% in the last few years. Italy drew attention to measures on swordfish that it finds problematic (see EUROPE 11735). Lastly, Germany is concerned at the state of herring stocks in the Western Baltic Sea. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)