On Friday 10 October, the European Commission published two technical guidance documents designed to help Member States improve their systems for controlling and monitoring the engine power of fishing vessels. This measure is designed to strengthen the sustainable management of marine resources, according to the institution.
The engine power of vessels is a key indicator for controlling fishing effort and determining the size of European fishing fleets. Accurate data is crucial to ensure balanced stock management.
These new guidelines respond to shortcomings identified in a 2019 Commission study on engine power verification, as well as responding to requests for technical support that were made by several EU countries.
They accompany the upcoming implementation, scheduled for January 2028, of continuous engine power monitoring systems, which will be made mandatory by the revision of the Fisheries Control Regulations. The documents were drawn up with the participation of national experts, external specialists and stakeholders in the sector.
One provides harmonised recommendations for the certification, monitoring and verification of motor power (https://aeur.eu/f/ivv ).
The other sets out the technical specifications and guidance for the implementation of devices for the continuous monitoring of catching vessels’ engine power (https://aeur.eu/f/ivw ).
The European Commission is inviting Member States to use these guidelines to prepare for the implementation of the Regulation and to inform it of any difficulties they encounter. This feedback will be used to inform future actions and to improve knowledge sharing within the European technical working group. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)