The European Commission has launched a public consultation (https://bit.ly/2Wt5QhU ) on the evaluation of the Deep-sea Access Regulation, to run from 13 May to 5 August.
The Commission is interested in hearing the views of the general public, fishermen and fishermen’s organisations and representatives, and interest groups, on the effectiveness of the Regulations.
The Commission wishes to assess "if the measures established for the reduction of environmental impacts of deep-sea fisheries, the prevention of adverse impacts on Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) and the improvement of scientific knowledge have led to making deep-sea fisheries more sustainable".
The regulation on access to deep waters dates from 2016.
"The result of this evaluation will also be used to inform the wider public about the actions undertaken by the EU to protect deep-sea habitats and ensure sustainable deep-sea fisheries". This assessment and public consultation will be used to "inform decisions" on the need to review the Deep-Sea Access Regulations. Link to the text of the regulation in question: https://bit.ly/2AqxzqR (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)