Brussels, 01/09/2005 (Agence Europe) - On 26 July, the European Commission adopted a decision to establish a Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF). The decision was published in Official Journal L225 of 31 August, and was taken under Regulation 2371/2002 (EC) on the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). At regular intervals, or whenever it is deemed necessary, the Commission will request advice in the form of opinions from the STECF on matters pertaining to the conservation and management of living aquatic resources, including biological, economic, environmental, social and technical considerations. The Commission should take account of the STECF's advice when presenting proposals on fisheries management. Every year, the STECF will draw up an annual report on the fisheries resources situation; the economic implications of the fisheries resources situation; developments in fishing activities, including biological, ecological, technical and economic factors; and other economic factors affecting fisheries.
The STECF shall consist of between 30 and 35 members, scientific experts in marine biology, marine ecology, fisheries science, nature conservation, population dynamics, statistics, fishing gear technology, aquaculture, and the economics of fisheries and fish farming. The STECF will elect a chairperson and two vice-chairpersons among its members for a period of three years. The chairperson and vice-chairpersons may not be elected for the same position for more than two consecutive periods.