EU Fisheries Ministers will try to finalise a political agreement on the 2022 total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas in the Baltic Sea at their meeting in Luxembourg on 11-12 October. They will also discuss the ongoing EU/UK consultations to determine the 2022 TAC volumes for stocks shared by both parties.
France should, in the context of the debate on the 2022 TAC consultations with the UK, raise the sensitive issue of the number of licences granted by the UK to French vessels in UK waters.
Baltic Sea. “This year, we expect quite difficult discussions in order to reach an agreement on next year’s TACs in the Baltic”, a senior EU diplomat said on Thursday 7 October.
For herring in the central Baltic Sea, the European Commission proposes a reduction in the TAC (-54%) compared to 2021, as the biomass remains below healthy limits. “Almost all the delegations affected are opposed to this and are calling for a less drastic reduction in catches, in line with scientific advice”, according to a note seen by EUROPE.
For Eastern Baltic cod, it is proposed that the TAC for 2021 (595 tonnes) be extended only for by-catches. For Western Baltic cod, the Commission proposes a sharp reduction in the TAC (-92%, 324 tonnes) and a closed period (15 January-31 March). The delegations affected are concerned about the TAC and the additional measures.
For sprat, it is suggested that the TAC for 2021 (222 958 tonnes) be renewed. Several delegations argued for a higher TAC, in line with scientific advice.
For salmon in the main basin, several delegations called for a higher TAC and expressed concern about the rules for controlling recreational fishing.
United Kingdom. Ministers will exchange views on the 2022 fishing opportunities for stocks shared with the UK. An agreement is expected in December on this issue.
Following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, consultations on shared fish stocks will take place annually, in accordance with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
In addition, the Ministers will discuss consultations with Norway and the coastal States on fishing opportunities in 2022. Negotiations with Norway are expected to take place between mid-October and the end of November, while consultations with the coastal States will start at the end of October.
Ministers will have the opportunity to provide guidance on the EU’s position at the annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), 15-22 November.
Finally, the Greek delegation will refer to cases of illegal fishing by Turkish vessels in Greek territorial waters. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)