According to a European Commission report published on Thursday, 23 September, the Fisheries Technical Measures Regulation is making an effective contribution to the European Union’s environmental legislation, but there are “shortcomings” in its implementation with respect to “its contribution to the protection of sensitive species and sensitive habitats, with some species close to extinction”.
The authors believe, “efforts to monitor effects of fishing on ecosystems need substantial improvements”.
In order to support Member States in implementing the regulation, the European Commission—in its forthcoming ‘Action Plan to conserve fisheries resources and protect marine ecosystems’, expected at the end of 2021—“will identify actions to increase selectivity and reduce by-catch of sensitive species, focusing on those threatened with extinction and in unfavourable conservation status”, according to the report.
This text bans activities that have harmful effects on the environment, including, as of 1 July 2021, fishing with electric pulse gear. According to the report, “The Netherlands brought an action before the European Court of Justice for the annulment of the provisions of the Regulation prohibiting electric pulse fishing. This request was dismissed by the Court on 15 April 2021”. To read the report: https://bit.ly/3kGqCa5 (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)