The European Commission proposed on Tuesday 9 October to reduce the total allowable catches (TACs) of several deep-sea fish species for 2019 and 2020. The objective is to gradually bring stocks to sustainable levels.
It is proposed to reduce the 2019 black scabbardfish quotas by 6% to 2,832 tonnes (TAC to be maintained in 2020). For roundnose grenadier, the reduction reached 21% in 2019 to 2,462 tonnes in the northern area.
The proposal takes into account the obligation for fishermen to land all catches starting 1 January 2019. It provides for a reduction in catch limits in seven areas.
Fishing for orange roughy will remain prohibited.
Favourable scientific opinions concerning the stock of red seabream around the Azores and the stock of roundnose grenadier in the southern western waters allow the Commission to propose an increase in quotas for these species.
The Commission proposes to cancel the TAC system for three species (greater forkbeard in the North-East Atlantic, round nose grenadier in the North Sea and black scabbardfish in the North Sea and Skagerrak), as they are fished in small quantities. Scientific advice on deep-sea sharks was presented on 5 October and is currently being analysed. The Commission will complete its proposal, which will be negotiated by the Council on 19 and 20 November. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)