On 13 April, the European Commission adopted a decision “revoking” the approval of the Irish control plan submitted for the weighing of fishery products.
In 2012, the Commission approved Ireland’s control plan for the weighing of fishery products landed in the country after transport. Under this plan, Ireland may allow fishery products to be weighed, instead of being carried out directly on landing, after transport, subject to conditions.
In 2018, the Commission carried out an audit in Ireland to monitor the implementation of the control plan. They identified irregularities because the operators did not have a weighing system suitable for the intended use and they uncovered that the weighing systems were being manipulated. In addition, Ireland is criticised for not withdrawing permission to carry out the weighing.
Therefore, “the control plan does not minimise the risk of systematic manipulation of weighing pelagic catches in Ireland or the under-declaration of catches by operators. Failure to ensure appropriate weighing also undermines the accuracy of the data reported, which is essential for control purposes and monitoring the use of fishing quotas”. The Commission therefore withdraws the derogation granted and revokes the approval of the Irish control plan (https://bit.ly/3sCsf9l ). (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)