After the decisions next year to drastically reduce certain total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas in the Baltic Sea, European Commissioner Karmenu Vella said on Tuesday 15 October that financial support will be given to fisheries fleets in these difficult times (see EUROPE 12349/12).
“Without appropriate financial support, this year's decisions may have serious, short-term, socio-economic consequences for some fishermen, even if the majority of the fleets will remain profitable”, said the European Commissioner for Fisheries.
The Commission will urgently examine “all possible initiatives” to achieve the economic, social and sustainability objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy, the Baltic Management Plan and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), “in particular to achieve and maintain a balance between the fleet and fishing opportunities”, Karmenu Vella said. The restructuring of these fisheries fleets will be an immediate priority, including financial support, he stressed. In particular, the EMFF authorises support in the event of a temporary cessation of activities.
Member States bordering the Baltic Sea have committed to address other causes of fish stock degradation (pollution, eutrophication, habitat degradation resulting from industrial and agricultural activities) in an “effective and urgent” manner “through the implementation of EU rules and, where appropriate, through additional measures”, added Mr Vella.
The EU Council has set a minimum reduced quota for 2020 of 2,000 tonnes (compared to 24,112 tonnes in 2019) for by-catches of eastern cod. The quota for western cod is reduced by 60% compared to 2019. The EU Council has provided for additional measures: strict restrictions on recreational fishing (five fish per fisherman per day) and closure periods. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)