The European Union and the United Kingdom launched, on Monday 7 November, negotiations on setting total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas for 2023 for shared fish stocks.
The EU has finalised its position on these negotiations, which are due to end on 5 December (see EUROPE 13042/15).
“In view of the poor state of our seas, continued overfishing and the accelerating climate and biodiversity crises, environmental NGOs urge both parties to adhere to the science and end overfishing now”, say the NGOs Oceana, Client Earth, Blue Marine Foundation and Marine Conservation Society.
A report by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture (CEFAS) has revealed that almost two thirds (65%) of the UK’s catch limits for 2021 (all of them for stocks shared with the EU) were set above scientifically advised levels.
Other reports by NGOs highlight “poor progress” in following up scientific advice (Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and South West Irish herring, North East Atlantic horse mackerel and Irish Sea whiting).
The cod stock is in a “disastrous” state and the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) recommends a significant reduction in catches or even a total ban, the organisations say. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)