Brussels, 29/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - European fisheries ministers, on Monday 29 September, adopted conclusions on the role of the common fisheries policy (CFP) in implementing an ecosystem approach to marine management. They welcomed the communication on this issue submitted by the European Commission on 14 April 2008. The Council noted that the ecosystem approach to management of the marine environment was already being phased in under the CFP, as witnessed by: - the implementation of measures designed to bring fishing pressure into line with maximum sustainable yield; - setting up recovery plans and multi-annual guidance plans for certain fish stocks; - the adoption of measures to protect vulnerable habitats and avoid accidental catches of cetaceans; - support from the European Fisheries Fund for the development of fishing methods and technologies with a low impact on ecosystems.
While considering it crucial to improve scientific knowledge of the marine environment, the Council wanted to go further in the progressive implementation of the ecosystem approach. Member states want this approach to “continue” to serve as a guide for the preparation of new initiatives under the CFP, amongst other things, in “reducing discards and protecting vulnerable species and habitats, especially via action plans for the protection of sharks and seabirds and for specific fishery management measures under the Natura 2000 network”. (L.C./transl.rt)