The European Union’s request to accede to the North Pacific Fisheries Commission (NPFC) was accepted at the sixth annual session of this regional fisheries organisation, which closed on Thursday 25 February.
Joining the NPFC will enable EU vessels to fish in the North Pacific Ocean, the European Commission said in a statement.
In particular, EU operators that already fish further south within the area of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) will be able to extend their operations to the NPFC Convention area.
Important species in the NPFC Convention area include small pelagics such as the Pacific Saury (Cololabis saira), chub mackerel and Japanese sardine, as well as neon flying squid and Japanese flying squid.
The EU joins the existing members of the NPFC: Canada, China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Russia, Taiwan, United States and Vanuatu.
As a member, the EU will strive to support work to ensure the long-term sustainability of fisheries resources in the North Pacific Ocean. The EU will contribute its expertise in fisheries science and fisheries management, says the commission. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)